We're all familiar with the sign along Interstate 82, which,  as motorists pass by it, it is welcoming them to Yakima and identifying it as 'The Palm Springs of Washington'. Well, did you know, that Palm Springs is the Yakima of California?

Many may disagree with that impromptu designation, but in a side-by-side comparison, Yakima and Palm Springs look almost identical when it comes to the weather forecast for the next 10 days or so. In fact, the current forecast high temperature for us 'Yakimaniacs' is 115 degrees on Tuesday, and Palm Springs will only be a mere 109 degrees.

Three Ways to Keep Dogs Cool Durning a Heatwave

Yes, we're in for an unseasonable heatwave for the next week to ten days at least. While we're wondering how we'll survive the heat, either at home, in our cars, at work, or anytime we're outside, we also need to be thinking about our furry friends. Dogs are amazingly strong animals, but heat is a real challenge, and keeping our canine family members safe and cool is a major priority.

During my 10 year tenure on the Yakima Humane Society Board of Directors, one of the annual messages we endeavored to get out to everyone, was the importance of having a plan for how dog-owners cared for their dogs during warm weather. Everyone has a different situation and various challenges to face, but there are some universal truths that apply to every dog owner.

IMAGINE WEARING A FUR COAT IN SUMMER WITHOUT THE ABILITY TO SWEAT

Dogs need to have a cool place to exist. My dog will occasionally layout in the sun for a bit, if he feels like it, but he knows his own body and he knows when it's time to go inside and get into the air conditioning. He also knows when he's thirsty and he always has plenty of fresh water to drink. Many dogs, however, are relegated to staying outside during these hot days, and there is often very little shade and in some horrible cases, not enough water. This leads to unimaginable consequences.

GET YOUR POOCH A WADING POOL

Tater, our 105 pound Golden Retriever loves his wading pool. He's outgrown a few but now has one large enough for both himself and me. I claim it's to keep him company, but truthfully, on a 115-degree day, ice-cold pool water, dog or no dog, is going to feel great.

SKIP THE WALKS AND CAR RIDES

Yes, it's fun for you and for your dog to go on a car ride. No, it's not necessary and in severe heat, it can be dangerous. With walks, unless you're going at 6 or 7 am, the roads will likely be too hot for your dogs' paws. Again, this heatwave will be temporary, but these precautions could save you and them a lot of heartaches