BARK in the Park is Coming (Back!) to Mountainair! 🐾
Friends of Mountainair Animal Shelter is excited to continue partnership with Salinas Pueblo Missions for upcoming BARK in the Park events!
This collaboration brings together two things we love: supporting responsible dog ownership AND enjoying the incredible beauty and history right here in Mountainair!
Whether you're a long-time local or visiting one of our historic mission sites, we’re thrilled to create an event that celebrates dogs and the people who love them while keeping everyone safe and comfortable.
What is the B.A.R.K. Program?
The National Park Service created the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program to promote safe, respectful recreation with dogs in national parks and monuments.
B.A.R.K. stands for:
B – Bag your pet’s waste
A – Always leash your pet
R – Respect wildlife
K – Know where you can go
These simple principles help protect:
- Wildlife and fragile ecosystems
- Historic and cultural resources
- Other visitors (both human and canine!)
- Your own dog
At BARK in the Park, we’ll highlight how following these guidelines allows dogs to safely enjoy outdoor spaces without impacting the landscape or community.
Events Can Be Overwhelming for Dogs — Let’s Talk About It
While these events are fun and enriching, they can also be a lot for some dogs.
New environments, unfamiliar dogs, children running, food smells, noises — it’s exciting, but it can also be stressful. Even the friendliest dog can feel overwhelmed.
Here’s how we can all help make the experience safe and positive:
🐕 Give Dogs Space
- Not every dog wants to say hello.
- Always ask before approaching another dog.
- Respect a handler’s “no thank you.”
🦴 Watch Body Language
Signs your dog may be stressed:
- Lip licking
- Yawning
- Turning away
- Tucked tail
- Excessive panting
- Whale eye (showing whites of the eyes)
If you see these signs, it’s okay to take a break or head home early.
🧍 Keep Leashes Loose and Manageable
- Use a standard 4–6 ft leash (avoid retractable leashes at crowded events).
- Keep dogs close to you in higher-traffic areas.
- Maintain awareness of what’s around you.
💧 Provide Breaks
- Bring water.
- Step away from crowds when needed.
- Advocate for your dog — you know them best.
A successful outing doesn’t have to be long. Even 20 positive minutes is a win.
Join Us!
Bring your well-mannered, leashed pups.
Bring your curiosity about local history.
Bring your kindness and patience.
Let’s make BARK in the Park a safe, welcoming, and tail-wagging success for everyone — two-legged and four-legged alike. We can’t wait to see you there! 🐾