Tips for Your Dogs in Hot Weather

After our two week spring, it seems as if we’re into the summer heat. Because it is our belief that North Texas is closer to the sun than any other place in the United States, we need to be mindful of the stress and strain warm weather can put on our furry friends who love and use the Katy Trail as much as we do. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind:

• The right time for a walk, run or playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.


• When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog stand on the running trail, which is probably hotter than the concrete trail. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.


• Heat exhaustion is often caused by over-exercising or running with a dog during hot weather. Both heatstroke and heat exhaustion can result in brain damage, heart failure or even death in a short period of time. Short muzzed and thick-coated breeds and mixes are particularly vulnerable, although any breed may be at risk. Always bring cool water along when walking, running or hiking with your dog during hot weather. To cool off an overheated dog, offer him or her plenty of water, then wet the dog's body and paws with cool water, then fan.

Early Returns from the Katy 5K

Lots of good comments at last Thursday’s 5K, including one woman who loved the email earlier that morning regarding Friday’s Bike-to-Work Day.

It looks like there were more than 4,500 in attendance at the event, all of whom seemed to enjoy the food from 50 restaurants, not to mention the free Michelob Ultra courtesy of Ben E. Keith.

Click here to check your Michelob Ultra No. 10 Katy 5K time.

Mow Down Air Pollution

Check this out – the City of Dallas is giving you a chance to trade in your old gas-guzzling lawn mower for a more environmentally friendly electric mower at 50 percent off the normal price. So you can get a new, cordless, electric motor for less than $200 (plus tax).

No joke. Just call Nicole Cooper at the City and tell her you want to participate. Her number is 214-670-6646 or email her at nicole.cooper@dallascityhall.com to make a reservation and trade in your old mower for a new one.

According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, engines from gas-powered lawn equipment pollutes more than car engines. One hour of lawn mowing produces as much pollution as driving a car for four hours. Click here to read a flyer from the City to learn details about the program. And trade in your lawn mower today.

Got a Question? Ask KT

In case you haven't ventured over to the Friends of the Katy Trail website lately (shame on you), we're proud to announce a new feature - Ask KT.

It's the opportunity to ask KT, the official expert on all things Katy Trail, any questions you may have about the Katy Trail. You can submit your question for KT to answer in a future newsletter or on our webpage. Go ahead, click below and ask KT your questions.

Katy 5K Online Registration Open Until Friday at Midnight

In case you haven't registered yet for the Michelob Ultra No. 10 Katy 5K, you can register at www.KatyTrailDallas.org until Friday at midnight. If you can't make that deadline, you can still register at Luke's Locker (3607 Oak Lawn Ave.) through May 14.

And if you need another reason to want to participate, we'll have 50+ restaurants at the official post-race party, Katy's Picnic, so register now at www.KatyTrailDallas.org

If you want to enjoy Katy's Picnic for free and get a free T-shirt, email Betsy@KatyTrailDallas.org to sign up to volunteer.

Event Alert - Lighting Ceremony Postponed

The Trail lighting ceremony that was originally scheduled for Thursday, May 8 has been postponed until Monday, June 2. It will still be at 8 p.m. at the Victory Overlook and we hope you''ll join us.

Stay tuned for more information.

Trees to be Trimmed Around Lights

Starting Friday, you will see crews from the Park & Rec Department trimming some trees around where future light poles will be installed. In some cases, it may require a mid-sized limb to be removed. Don’t worry, the superintendent for the crew is the top tree man in the district and knows exactly what he’s doing. So if you see Freddie on the Trail in the next few days, please thank him for helping make the Katy Trail even safer by creating space for the light poles to be installed.