Pink Fluorescent Dog on the Loose - Lacamas Creek Warning
One of my favorite running trails is Heritage Trail in Camas which leads to Lacamas Lake where we let Mac, our white Golden Retriever, swim. He's fun to run with because the trail is bordered in large part, by Lacamas Creek. He plunges in, swims against the current, hops back out, then runs to the next spot where he can jump back in again. He does this all the way to the lake.
Imagine our surprise if we had not read the paper this morning – today, the stream will change color – as in fluorescent 
red! I’m trying to imagine what Mac would look like emerging from the creek a whole new color – like wow, psychedelic pink! And imagine the surprise for other runners and hikers to see a pink fluorescent dog on the loose.
The red color will come from a dye that water quality researchers are releasing into the watershed. According to the Department of Ecology, the dye is environmentally harmless, but allows researchers to measure water speed and flow in different parts of the creek. The study will help them learn more about the factors that contribute to water quality issues along the creek.
Watersheds – which eventually flow into our water supply - are subjected to all kinds of pollution – not just the industrial pollution we read about. Many times it’s simply run off from suburban lawns and gardens that are over-fertilized. Something to consider when you’re trying to go green with your grass – a little goes a long way.
So unfortunately, we won’t be letting Mac swim in Lacamas Creek for a while – even if the red dye is for a green cause. It’s enough work trying to hose him off when he’s muddy, so I’m not sure what it would take to get him back to his normal color. The paper says we can expect the red dye to last for the next three days. How do you clean a pink fluorescent dog?
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Debb you would probably have the only pink Golden Retriever in town. He would be quite the conversation starter while you were out on your run.
I agree with Jim, you'd have quite a spectacle running with you.
Interesting! I have never seen this done. Pup is adorable. You have some breathtakingly beautiful places around you Girl!
Debb. I got a feeling Mac would absolutely hate being pink! That is my nick name and I know I would. It looks like you live in paradise..
Jim- I know, there is no hitting the trail quietly with a loudly pink dog at your side. We're running on alternate trails until the weekend. :) Thanks so very much for stopping by. I appreciate your time and comment.
Anita - we're so glad we noticed the article in the paper this morning. Not sure Mr. Mac would like being trapped in a colored coat for a week or more. :)
Cal - pretty interesting. We're actually going to go on a hike and see if we can discern the red dye. If so, I''ll get photos or video. Thanks for stopping by - I always appreciate your visits and comments.
I'm not following how releasing red dye into a river will do anything other than possibly dyeing everything red along the shores. I'll have to do some reading up on that. We certainly did that kind of research differently thirty years ago when I was in college.
Hey Deb-I think Mac might probably enjoy all the attention he would get if he suddenly turned pink:)
Hi there Russell, The dye will show flow patterns in the creek and determine where run-off is most likely coming from...Lacamas Lake needs more oxygen, so it's all part of a water-shed study. (Too much information?) Hahaha. The dye dissipates rather quickly, I understand...at least on the water - perhaps not on a white dog. Thank you for stopping by, and the camel too.
Marco - Yes, you've discovered that Mac loves being the center of attention. :) And I'm sure you're right, he would turn the situation in to "pink lemonade." Nice to see you and thanks for leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
Debb, It's likely, not everyone who runs with their dog read the article. You may see a Pink Golden retriever running with someone else.
You're so right Donna. Especially, because they're doing the testing for three days. Just glad we saw the article before Mac turned pink on us.
Debb, very good you had read the news, and did not let Mac run and play in the PINK water! That would have made a great post!
Hahaha - Joan, isn't it the truth? I thought about it and wondered if we should have let Mac go for it...as you're right, it would have been a fun post with great photos.