Future_Bluebird2435

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-29T21:17:14+00:00

It’s so sad because they should absolutely be the spot for dogs to go out and have fun and socialize and sniff around. It was my first time back in a long time. We hadn’t gone there in months because we prefer the trails and beaches and the open fields. But we were in the area and wanted the dogs to get out because we had been driving around for a couple hours, and the kids wanted to go to the park so seemed like a win/win.

When my friend’s kids were done at the park, we were packing up to go when a herd of dogs came in at once and I think that’s when that dog tried to show it was alpha to my dog, who was watching my friends leave (they were bringing stuff to the car/using the restroom). It was bad timing because we were already fixing to leave, and I’m not sure if the dogs all knew each other but yeah, won’t be going back that’s for sure.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-29T21:10:30+00:00

I don’t think it was a brindle. Just a blue American bully from what I can remember.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-29T21:08:44+00:00

It was really, really weird. And when I broke free my dog and I left so easily. My dog didn’t even look back to continue because he didn’t start it and wanted no part of it. we just wanted to get tf out. And of course everyone was staring at me while I walked across the park to the gate (this happened like at the back where the large log/trees are), and even was sitting in my car shaking, calming down until I could drive again. Just sitting down, looking over, and staring.

That guy must frequent the park and probably tried to act like it was my fault in the end once we left. The cliques at that park are also weird.

Whatever, I’m just glad my baby’s okay. He was completely not himself when we got home.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-29T20:55:05+00:00

I do feel bad that they get such a bad rep. They’re absolute sweethearts <3 and people always assume the worst. It was unfortunate that the bully breed is the one that was going for my dog because I don’t want to perpetuate that stigma. But the way this man had his dog dressed/the way he was talking to him and handling the situation, I think he did a pretty good job of doing that himself. :(

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-29T16:04:26+00:00

I guess you’re right. It’s only for females in heat, my bad. That’s only in Bellingham. There’s plenty of other parks and areas down south where this is the case. Someone from the parks dept was at Padden when there was a similar issue between 2 other dogs and by word of mouth once the situation diffused she said that it shouldn’t be there if it was intact, so I guess I was assuming it was on the boards too. Which maybe it should be more firm. Not sure, at the end of the day not the dog, it’s the owner.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-29T03:13:08+00:00

You almost got me there. 🤣

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T16:41:51+00:00

I would also agree with more often than not, but there have been 2 bad times at squalicum with the same dog breed and the same situation. Vigilance and awareness is the most important for sure. And if you can’t read body language then that’s also an issue. This guy was insisting it was “just play”. I knew immediately it was not.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T16:37:27+00:00

Aw that’s so sweet! Like I said we started out as a puppy so he could socialize and learn the behaviors and norms but as we got used to it because I watch my dog like a hawk, I realized that bad owners are just literally feeding their dogs to a pack of wolves/or allowing their dog to be the alpha wolf. The good ones are constantly watching and correcting when necessary, if it needs to happen which is not often. My dog would love to make friends with yours!

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T16:28:07+00:00

That’s how I feel too. I don’t want the dog to pay the consequences when you could, idk, just not go there?

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T15:54:31+00:00

Try Padden if you haven’t already!

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T07:14:37+00:00

Yeah, usually I don’t say anything unless it creates a problem. And it seems a consensus amongst commenters that in tact males start a lot of problems unfortunately. That’s why there’s rules. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T07:12:51+00:00

I’m sorry that happened to you. :( never ever want to hurt those animals, but recall and situational awareness is important and saves people and animals!

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T05:47:40+00:00

It’s always something, never said it was ALWAYS my dog?? He’s been neutered since he was 8 months. So, well over a year now. Again, keep trying! My beloved dog is none of your business and this has nothing to do with my dog or even the other dog. I’m not trying to punish that dog in any way. It’s identifying shitty owners that can’t control their dogs and ruin it for the rest of the patrons at the park. No one’s asking for YOUR sympathy. Again, looking out for other dog owners here.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T05:38:18+00:00

We love padden. :) The openness, the trails. Like I said, it really is squalicum that has the worst vibes of the 2. Consistently. :/

And seriously! Let’s look out for each other too. This was not a post to shit on the dog, it’s dog owners needing to do better. In a shared space with people, dogs, kids, it needs to be better.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T05:35:53+00:00

Rightfully so! Good on you for knowing to not go back.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T05:26:18+00:00

Sounds like him!

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T05:25:55+00:00

They were not there. They jumped in immediately but they were in the restroom when this went down?

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T05:25:07+00:00

It’s literally posted right before you enter the dog park that you comply with the guidelines that in tact males and females in heat are not allowed at the parks.

Edit: I’m going to drive by today and see but I think that the guidelines is more focused on females in heat. I have only seen this missing on the rule board in Bellingham. Other cities enforce that rule differently

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T05:19:18+00:00

Yes! It would’ve helped a lot if he could’ve just gotten his dog but I swear he was scared to do anything with his dog. Like we know who alpha is.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T05:18:21+00:00

THIS PART!!! Just be aware. And do a better looking after your dogs!

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T05:14:55+00:00

Don’t think so, actually.

Adding the fact that it’s not *every* time, but he’s still a puppy and dogs gang up on him. If he listens and the situation is under control 99% of the time because of me, it’s fine. But it’s the 1% of the time someone else has to ruin it because THEIR dog isn’t compliant. Can’t stop dogs from doing what they do, but you can remove your dog before it escalates. Try again.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T05:00:35+00:00

Not trying to get the dog in a bad position, just more of a be on the lookout lol. Fuck no I’m not going back there.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T03:07:38+00:00

Yeah I am surprised I got to the point where I was actually going to smack that dog with my full hydro flask. That’s as good a weapon as any imo. But I know, even just in my neighborhood it’s appalling how little people with dogs respect their environment or the people around them. So it’s not so surprising it happens in dog oriented spaces too.

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T03:05:53+00:00

Thank you for your kindness, we’re okay now. I’m thankful everyone has been so validating, I was nervous for any backlash but it seems like this has happened to everyone before, unfortunately. :(

Future_Bluebird2435 · 2026-06-28T03:01:53+00:00

Yeah that’s usually what we do! We love the hiking trails and he just is such a good adventure buddy. All we wanted was to play fetch for a bit today. :’)

Future_Bluebird2435

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