I’m not really sure when it became a “hot topic,” only that the protocol of poop continues to plague dog owners.  When did this whole “scoop your poop” phenomenon begin?  Growing up in the 60s, my mother and father spent plenty of time nagging me about my obligation.  They didn’t care how I accomplished the task.  “It’s your dog. You begged us for her.  Now, get out there and walk the damn thing!”  I never carried a plastic bag and nobody ever scolded me, or my little Sheltie, for doing its “business” in the wrong place.  My parents concern was that this “business” wasn’t left inside our overly clean house, or tidy backyard. But even then, I knew enough to be sneaky about the whole operation.  Let’s just say I treated each excursion into the neighborhood like a Mission Impossible task. Cue the theme music.  I got to be pretty good at it, too.  My Sheltie didn’t always go along with the program, but, for the most part, we managed our clandestine affair by avoiding the nasty neighbors, and their evergreen lawns.  So, Rule Number 1 was:  Don’t Get Caught.  That rule seems, even to this day, the one most likely to be broken.  Just because no one sees the dirty deed, doesn’t mean it hasn’t happened. A good 50% of the time, the smell will give you away.  Rule Number 2 is:  Where it is, There Shall it Lay.  I’m not talking about golf balls, either.  Roughly translated, that means where the dog decides to poop has as much to do with your responsibility, as the fact that he pooped in the first place.  Therefore, a poop made in the middle of a sidewalk will get you a lot more dirty looks than a poop discreetly made in the woods.  This brings me to Rule Number 3:  The Royal Flush (no pun intended).  You’re holding all the cards, so to speak, when it comes to morality.  We care. The dog doesn’t.  You have to live with your own conscience.  Do you scoop 100% of the time, when it’s convenient; or, more than likely, when others are watching?  I’m willing to bet most of us, myself included, fall into the later category.  That’s just human nature.  Dogs have nothing to do with it.  I’ve added my own Rule Number 4:  Size Matters.  When a Pomeranian drops its little tootsie rolls, that’s cute.  Not so for a Great Dane. However, poop is poop. Dogs don’t discriminate.  Neither should we.   Ultimately, as a “responsible” dog owner, you have to live with your choices.  Here’s my personal set of rules, based on a common sense middle of the road morality.  One: pick up your dog’s poop in your neighborhood.  After all, I would care if someone else’s dog leaves its presents on my lawn.  Extend that courtesy to your neighbors. Two: try your best to pick up poop at your local dog park.  It’s tough enough getting the Parks Department to allow off-leash areas.  Don’t piss them off more.  Three: pay it forward.   When you come across someone else’s poop, and the offending culprit is not nearby, do us all a favor and scoop the poop.  Four:  carry extra bags!  I can’t emphasize this enough.  There’s nothing worse than trying to be a “goody goody” and not having the proper tools.  Lastly, consider it a small price to pay for the love and companionship of your four legged friend.  Enough said.

The park is now off leash all day. No reason to rush out of there at 10 am anymore. These hours will remain in place until April 15th.

Janie Bennett, author of "The Pale Surface of Things" (USA Booknews Best Book, Multicultural Fiction) is a finalist in the 2008 Nautilus Awards. Winners will be announce at the Book Expo America, June 2008. Let us know Janie how you do!  Janie's web link is listed below under Book List.

I recently used Lance Sorensen's Trail Dogs service with great results. He was very professional, reasonably priced and Nate and Holly came home TIRED! They even had a report card that told me how they did. Lance is licensed, bonded and insured and certified in Animal First Aid. See the information under helpful links on this website for contact information.