It has become painfully obvious to me that some folks have little or no knowledge of the phrase “Responsible pet owner” or, perhaps, just plain don’t care.
If you would indulge me for a moment, I have taken the liberty of looking up the word “responsible” for you.
The definition of responsible for English language learners: having the job or duty of dealing with or taking care of something or someone; able to be trusted to do what is right or do things that are expected or required; involving important duties – able to be trusted to do what is right or to do the things that are expected or required duties, decisions, etc., that you are trusted to do.
The actions, or the inaction, of these people affects everyone that uses our parks and green spaces.
The point I’m attempting to drive home here is as follows: If your dog defecates on the road, sidewalk, pathway, or in the park, please, please, stop and remove it. The key word here is, remove.
All too often I see feeble attempts at the removal of feces, you’ve taken the time to bag it, but then toss it off into the bush where it often hangs in the trees like a gross ornament. If this is you, you’re disgusting.
Some of you toss these bags aside in plain sight of a garbage can. Come on folks, that’s also disgusting and just plain lazy.
Others can’t even be bothered, the feces remains where it was deposited by your dog, again, disgusting. Children play in many of these same areas and could step in it.
Something else I’d like to point out is the lack of respect for rules in parks that display signs stating “all dogs must be on a leash at all times.” I don’t want to have to deal with your dog coming up to me while I have to deal with my own dog. If you want to run your dog off leash, go to off leash parks.
All too often I hear from people “it’s okay, he/she is friendly.” What if my dog isn’t? Or what if I’m not into dogs and out for a walk and your dog is bothering me? It’s not my responsibility to avoid your dog, it’s your responsibility to keep your dog leashed no matter how friendly.
In closing I’d like to say, let’s have a little more respect for others that use the same parks, trails, and roadways. We’re all out there for the same reason, exercise, and fresh air.
Bernie Puetz
