As always, Leave Only Paw Prints

By: Roger Coryell

A vibrant dog park bathed in sunlight features abundant greenery with mature trees, offering ample shade for leisurely outdoor activities. In the distance is a well-equipped playground that presents an additional activity area. An inviting picnic table spreads out nearby, ideal for enjoying meals al fresco or taking relaxing breaks from play. A neatly-placed trash bin aids in maintaining the park's cleanliness for everyone's enjoyment. Dominating the scene is a generously wide dirt path gracefully curving through the expanse of grass, promising exploratory walks and lively fetch games.

Wherever your adventures take you this fall, please travel responsibly and remember to Leave Only Paw Prints®. Many California destinations, open space districts, and park associations proudly support this DogTrekker initiative, encouraging pet parents to tread lightly and preserve access to nature for future generations of two- and four-legged explorers.

The values are simple yet powerful: prepare wisely, keep you and your dog safe and follow posted rules. Keep your dog leashed unless they are reliable on voice commands, respect wildlife and fellow visitors and pack out everything you pack in. These small steps help protect California’s landscapes, from snowy mountain trails to coastal bluffs, and makes sure that dogs remain welcome.

By embracing Leave Only Paw Prints®, you not only improve your own journey but also help preserve the joy of outdoor adventures for every pet family yet to come. Together, we can keep California’s trails, beaches and parks safe, clean and beautifully dog-friendly.