There was a comment to my last Playground post “Hold it or run,” sent in by a Wallingford Mom that made me laugh and cringe at the same time:
Today at the Wallingford park, a little girl stepped in dog doo, then went down the slide making a dog poo streak all the way down. Before I noticed, my daughter was on the slide and had it all on her hands and clothes! There is nothing more gross…
Generally, I find that Seattle-ites are pretty good about picking up after their dogs. When we’re out on walks in the neighborhood, I almost always see dog owners carrying those ubiquitous plastic bags tied up in knots. It’s unfortunate that the occasional violator can soil the reputation of an entire community, especially one as fun and loving as dog owners.
The thing I don’t get is why some folks don’t scoop the poop. Perhaps they ran out of the house too quickly and forgot to bring a baggy along – it’s not like I would expect them to pick it up with their hands. Or maybe they usually keep a stash attached to the leash, and just forgot to re-fill it? Those seem like logical reasons. It seems harder to believe that anyone would knowingly and regularly let their dog go in the park or on a parking strip or in someone’s yard without feeling any responsibility or guilt. If it were me, I think it would gnaw at me until I found myself sneaking back out in the middle of the night to catch the errant poo.
Perhaps having a plastic bag dispenser at the park would be helpful in a pinch. I thought I once remembered there being one at the top of the ramp on the Wallingford Avenue side entrance but I haven’t looked for it recently. Or maybe a courteous sign or two near the playground and playfields would work as a gentle reminder.
Sometimes, I find big piles of poo in my parking strip which drives me bonkers since we don’t have a driveway and our family uses that area to get in and out the car. On several occasions, I’ve found myself outside in the cold (and rain), rinsing poo off of my four year old’s shoes. Then there’s the occasional “drop-by” where someone uses our trash bin as their personal poo disposal. It’s taught me to be as quick as possible about getting the bin back off the street on garbage days.
It stinks that a few can ruin the fun of many. I love having dogs in the hood and my daughter goes nuts everytime she spies one – her little legs run air-sprints in the bjorn and she squeals with glee. And when I get the time to take a quick run around the park in the evenings, I enjoy having the company of dogs and their owners. Being there together makes me feel good, like I’m part of a broader family, community. It’s part of what makes Wallingford such a great place to live.
So if anyone out there has ideas on how to keep our park a bit cleaner, by all means, please share your thoughts!
Easy, ban dogs from parks. Dogs should go to dog parks. There’s nothing I hate more then:
1. A dog charging me or my children at the park
2. Dog poop left unattended at the park
3. Dogs off leash at the park (which is illegal)
4. Dogs in play areas of the park (also illegal)
The only time I ever fail to scoop is after forgetting a bag; yes I feel horrible about it afterward, but no one’s perfect! My solution: I keep rolls of bags in just about every jacket and purse I own 🙂
A couple of things – bags in the park plus a couple of signs would be a great idea – if you’re reminded to scoop and then there are some bags right there…it’s a slam dunk!
This wouldn’t relate to the park as much, but another problem facing dog owners is a lack of trash cans – who wants to finish the last three miles of a five mile run with a bag of dog doo in their hand? I’ve never given in to the temptation not to scoop, but it can be a real drag (I mostly use residential garbage bins in a pinch).
We don’t own a dog, yet for some reason we find dog poop in our front yard all the time. I noticed a nice freshie this morning on my walk to the car, and I picked up probably five piles over the weekend…
In the past month, I have stepped in some, and both of my kids have stepped in some. It is too bad that I have to patrol the yard for doggie poop before letting my kids play in the yard.
Sharon, I think you’re being generous in thinking that some owners would feel guilt at leaving poop in a park or yard. In my experience, it’s been the owners who let their dogs wander off leash who tend to be the ones who don’t clean up after their dogs. It’s as if they think if they didn’t witness it, they don’t have to do anything about it, or the dog is out of sight and they really didn’t witness it—I don’t know which is worse.
At Marymoor, which has a huge off-leash area, dog owners leave (or used to provide–haven’t been there in a while) extra bags around the park in case someone hasn’t picked one up. In addition, there were always people who picked up more than “their share” of the poo. I always pick it up at the park if I see it, even if it’s not my doggie’s. I don’t want my kids stepping in either. Maybe if the city can’t provide, we can all pitch in and add extra QFC bags to an area, and pick up when we can (ie not when we’re holding a little child’s hands)?
As for banning dogs: that would make a lot of responsible dog owners and dogs sad; I don’t keep my dog off-leash, pick up after him, and he doesn’t ever charge after or bite little kids, and I make sure he is never on the playground. Most people are respectful and do this too. Dog owners are parents too, and we want to enjoy the city parks with both species of kids! (and every time I’ve taken my elderly dog to a dog park, he’s gotten sick from the dirty pooey water there–no thank you!).
As a non-dog owner but one who has done much dog-sitting, it’s easy to forget the baggies. I have found the free bags, usually near off-leash parks, very convenient!
Dog owners love their pets as children and to say that they should be banned from parks is downright ridiculous and insensitive! I have toddlers who I want to protect but also expose to the joy of animals (sans poop). It’s unfortunate that a few dog owners’ irresponsible behavior soils the reputation of all.
I read this article earlier this evening and had to giggle tonight on a walk home from a friends house. I was behind a man walking a dog carrying a poo bag. When he got to the next driveway he walked up to the garbage deposited the bag and continued on his walk.
Thank you so much Sharon for your article about dog poop! I am so glad I’m not the only one bugged about dog poop. I think Wallingford Park is the WORST of all parks we’ve been to regarding piles of dog poop. There’s been more than one occasion where my 1.5 year old son comes home w/poop on his shoes. Luckily we have Tsukihoshi’s which are machine washable. Despite being really careful where I walk, I’ve run over huge piles of poop w/my Chariot stroller.
I’ve been a volunteer dog walker (and Petfinder photographer and profile writer) for two years. I always picked up the dogs poop. Is there any way we can have nice bag dispensers like Crossroads park in Bellevue and Medina Park? I don’t know how Seattle officials think they could enforce a ‘no spitting’ or ‘no smoking’ policy in Seattle parks when we can’t even enforce picking up after your dog or keeping dogs on leash in parks.
I love dogs and cats and all of my friends are very responsible pet owners. It’s a real shame people don’t pick up after their dogs!
Should have guessed that this would be a huge Wallyhood issue! Sadly, I think many dog owners (and other sorts, I guess) are really irresponsible. On the rare occasion when I forget a bag when I walk my dog, I’ve been known to walk a block or so, scrounge in the garbage until I find one, then walk back. Or use a paper bag or some such — ick! But it beats the alternative of leaving it. To make sure my dog-poop karma stays good, I sometimes pick up other dog’s stuff on my block, just to reduce any thoughts that it might be from MY dog.
The idea of bag dispensers is great, but there’s been one at Good Shepherd Center for years, and it’s empty about 98% of the time. The city can’t afford to keep it stocked. (And frankly, if it’s a choice between poop bags and libraries, I’m going for the latter!)
So how about this view from the other side: a couple months ago, I came home to find a plastic bag of dog poop on my front steps with a note nicely clipped to it that said, “Please don’t put your dog poop in our yard waste. Thank you for understanding!” And then for the next couple weeks, I found note-less bags of dog poop on my steps. Needless to say, I was horrified! Not only am I a relentless poop-scooper, but I’m also a fanatical (some might say freakish) recycler. I would never put poop bags in a yard waste container (although I quite frequently find them in my own). I don’t even use other people’s garbage containers, even on pick-up day when they’re already out on the street. And of course, the neighbor didn’t leave a name, so I couldn’t even proclaim my innocence!
The whole dog population increase is getting crazy. Wallingford and Greenlake should not be the DOG capital of Washington state. I am thinking if you want a dog move to North Bend, buy lots of land and have fun.
I bought my Grandmothers old house here and she recently came to visit and commented on the insane number of dogs now. “This neighborhood was never really like that or designed for that- most people had the good sense 25 years ago to know this was not really a dog area”.
Costs and culture have somehow made it acceptable to have a dog at home alone all day and then walk around with poop bags, dump them in other Garbage, the list goes on. Most dog owners say it is not them (but it is). The city or state needs to triple the tax and something because of all the costs with this.
Well, I’m going to go ahead and say that given the density of Wallingford and the large number of dogs, the poop problem is much better than it could be!
City dogs have great lives with conscientious owners – good food, lots of exercise, and lots of love. Dogs do just fine occupying themselves during the day, so long as they get enough exercise and attention when you’re around. Judging by the overall high quality dog behavior I see around Wallingford, I’m guessing that Wallingford dog owners get it mostly right!
It’s really unfortunate that people have had negative experiences with dogs and dog poop; but blanket condemnations of dog and dog owners is in and of itself, poopy. Being a good neighbor means cleaning up after your dog, your trash, and most of all, having a bit of understanding and good humor about the trials and tribulations of city life!
Trev, I have lived here for 40 years and my memory and your grandmother’s are different! There have been LOTS of dogs in Wallingford!!! Thankfully, now, there are also dog parks.
I have had dogs my whole life and I not only always pick up my own dog poop, but others too, and because my brown garbage can is at street level, I tell anyone I see walking a dog with a full poop bag, they can put it in my can, any time (please tie it and use the right can though) …
I DO NOT approve of loose dogs … what are their owners thinking? Dogs and cars do not mix. End of story.
Man, judging by the posts, comments and forum the Wallyhood community really hates dogs.
I happened to wonder into the forum section for the first time yesterday. When I read through the most commented on discussion thread I was surprised at how many anti-dog owner posts there were.
Then when check the blog today I get to read these lovely comments.
Way to make a guy feel welcome.
It could be my imagination, but it seems like there’s a lot more dog poop left unscooped lately. Especially on the Burke-Gilman Trail. Wonder what’s up with that?
hey to anonymous coward:
ban dogs from parks? how about dog-friendly park hours when children are not as present. dogs do need exercise and it’s not every dog that runs up to a child with the intention to bite.
need we get started on all the irresponsible kid owners out there? how many of us non-kid owners (the sometimes counterpart to you non-dog-owners), as well as kid owners, have to put up with your children yelling in restaurants, running amok in shops and disturbing our peace while you talk on your cell phone, shirk your responsibility to clean up after them, and/or ignore that they are causing a disturbance? and don’t get me started on the gigantic double strollers that take up entire sidewalks and doorways and aisles.
the majority of dog owners are responsible. typical seattle opinion: punish everyone for the indiscretions of the few. we’re such a liberal bunch…except when we’re not.
oi. glad to live far away now….
Although I know it won’t solve all the issues that have been brought up here, I will follow up with the Parks Dept to see if we can get a baggie dispenser installed at Wallingford Park. And perhaps as a community we could promote the concept of “take a bag and leave a bag (or two)” so it doesn’t just sit empty.
What makes you so sure it came from a dog?
The thing is “Can you raise a dog in Wallingford?”, the answer is “yes.” “Can, I run across the freeway and survive?”, Yes….is it good common sense, is it best for all the drivers on the freeway. Not really.
Kids and Dogs are not the same argument, one we need to survive take care of us in the nursing home the other is a mere luxury like hairspray.
A friend of mine wanted to move to Wallingford but he has 6 cars, I said this is really not that type of neighborhood, just common sense.
I’m incredibly disappointed in the hostility within the Wally community about this issue. If your biggest concern is an errant poo, then life is pretty good eh? I understand not wanting poop on your kid (or the slide! ah!), that really sucks and it should have been picked up.
But why does it matter if someone’s grandma says it was “not a dog area” 25 years ago? My dog is a very energetic border collie mix and he does very well here. I jog with him regularly, I stop and talk to other dog-walkers, and I know that the vast majority of Wallingford owners are very friendly, responsible citizens. I think living in a city means you learn to coexist with obnoxious children (and crappy parents!), dogs, unclaimed poos, cars, traffic, etc…
@Flash- I’ve definitely seen a grown man leave a dookie on the sidewalk in broad daylight in Seattle…ban men perhaps? 😉
Simply making an observation about common sense as it relates to dogs and neighborhoods is not really hostility. I like dogs, just don’t think owning one makes sense for this neighborhood, like owning 6 cars or owning an RV or some other aspects you may see in rural neighborhoods. The point my grandmother was making is nothing about the area changed to make it a dog area. It is not like all the yards have gotten bigger or the distance between houses is farther (something you would want if you have a dog) the design of the neighborhood is static and yet the dog population is rising. And remember as much as pet owners think otherwise Dogs are not children. We must put up with children for our future benefit and survival, dogs are a luxury.
So, saying that I don’t have common sense for owning a dog isn’t hostility? You may be phrasing it in a nicer way, but you are still calling me an idiot. I think if you look at your posts objectively you can see how condescending they come across.
I know Wallyhood has made it clear in several posts that he wants this forum to be welcoming and free from hostility. As a frequent lurker/ rare commentator I want that too. But then they write a blog post that so clearly invites generalizations about an entire group up people.
I think when you have a blog you have to be aware of what type of responses a blog post is going to elicit. And a “dog poop is everywhere” post is going to get these generalizing and condescending responses. Just as a “what do you think of the homeless” posts are going to bring out the same.
I would rather find a poop bag in my garbage bin than left (sans) bag in my front garden or sidewalk!
I got yelled at recently because I used a private garbage bin that is staying out in the street to deposit my well-secured and small poop bag. Oh, believe me, I don’t do it again! I will keep my precious bag until I find a “public utility” garbage bin. However, this is me, with good intentions, and caring about the neighborough. As someone mentioned ealier, there are various types of dog owners as there are various types of kids parents: many responsible, a few irresponsible. The lattest are generally the ones causing the pain. Dog owners should always pick up after their dogs, make sure that the dog is behaving with respect to others (dogs, kids, adults, plants, etc.), we have no way of enforcing this better than encouraging the good behavior and rewarding it. So, yes, I would rather not find someone else dog poop in my garbage bin. However to continue to enjoy my, and others, life in a nice and clean Wallingford, I would rather find the poop bag in my bin than abandonned in the street or my front garden. Flowers are nicer there.
Wow, so if you were me and see a problem related to dogs and the neighborhood and you wanted to comment on it, how would you go about, writing on the internet is off limits, would posting signs on the street be “perceived” less hostile how about just talking to each dog owner I see. Sheesh. I think this is very civil and non hostile. What I think is going on here is dog owners perceive the same equality as kids=dogs. Or some protected right. One is a right, one is luxury. The confusion on the part of dog owner makes what I am saying seem hostile. (As I agree saying something like no kids in neighborhood or no particular disable type no other minority group – that would be horribly hostile) Dogs, cats, horses, snakes, birds, ferrets, rabits, chickens (all are regulated) do not fall in that category. (Sorry)t
Sorry, but equating owning a dog in Wallingford to running across a busy highway is hostile. Suggesting we all move to North Bend or pay triple in taxes is hostile.
And I never said that posting these complaints on the Internet is off-limits. Go right ahead, it’s not my blog. I just think you come across as a condescending grump.
City of Seattle Legislative Information Service
Seattle Municipal Code
Information retrieved February 11, 2010 12:01 PM
Title 18 – PARKS AND RECREATION
Chapter 18.12 – Parks Code
Subchapter III Animals
SMC 18.12.080 Animals running at large
prohibited.1
A. Except as expressly allowed in subsection B hereof, it is unlawful for
any person to allow or permit any dog or other pet to run at large in any
park, or to permit any dog or other pet with or without a leash, except
Seeing Eye or Hearing Ear dogs or dogs used by public law enforcement
agencies and under control of a law enforcement officer, to enter any public
beach, swimming or wading area, pond, fountain, stream, organized athletics
area or designated children’s play area. The Superintendent may ban dogs and
other pets, or a specific dog or other pet, from areas of any park where he
or she determines the same may be a nuisance.
(there’s more, including where the sanctioned off-leash areas are located:
http://clerk.ci.seattle.wa.us/~scripts/nph-brs.exe?d=CODE&s1=18.12.080.snum.&Sect5=CODE1&Sect6=HITOFF&l=20&p=1&u=/~public/code1.htm&r=1&f=G
Hey folks, looks like tempers are running high. Let’s all take a moment and assume that whatever someone just said that we’re really mad at was MISPHRASED or perhaps presently too strongly to make a point, but that the speaker is an intelligent, respectful person.
Both sides are making valid points. The Internet is a tough place to have a conversation because you can’t see someone’s facial expressions or hear their tone of voice, meaning we sometimes misinterpret (which can spiral, when they misinterpret our response).
You know years ago when I worked with my neighbors to have a roundabout added to our street for safety many refereed to me as a “condescending grump”, (talk about hostile) but you know what we have had less fatalities and accidents since then. Change is hard. An awareness is growing about the societal effects of so many dogs.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/02/tech/main5495721.shtml
Wallingford is a progressive neighborhood ahead of the curve on these issues, I love that and why I love Wallingford. I think the whole topic is worthy of a good discussion here, and perhaps we can lead other areas in growing problematic dog issues – noise pollution, environrment, and quality of life (for both Dogs and Peoeple)
specialy
P.S. As a photographer my specialty is animals (I love them all). Just saying a dense neighborhood like such as ours may not be best suited for the growing volume.
@Anonymous
I would like to point out that while I am outside very frequently it is seldom in broad daylight. The rest of you have yet to provide alibis.
Change IS hard, Trev. But people aren’t going to get rid of their pets (these are family members to most owners), or move to Northbend because you don’t want them here. I guess I don’t see how discussing dog-induced noise pollution, environmental degradation, or QOL will help? Or perhaps I’ve just never noticed dog problems here other than the occasional missed poopy…
I have done volunteer work for pet organizations (charity calendar), years ago two of the dogs I photographed, shortly after had to be euthanized. It was horrible. To say their are no dog issues here is really an unawareness. Dog licenses in city are at an all time high, shelters are over run, noise and violation complaints are thru the roof and (These are facts – talk to any organization or city worker). Articles have been written.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2009882123_pugetsound17m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008630413_dogdroppings15m.html
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010768848_animalcontrol12m.html
Talk to anyone who works at Paws or Human Society, the least aware people who understand the issues of domesticated pet tend to be those with pets. The second thing they will remind you is not to think of pets as humans. (We don’t spayed or neuter humans, taxpayers do not pay to send dogs to public schools to better society). In fact it is those who think of pets as human (I don’t want neuter my dear Pet) who are actually the most cruel to pets. Secondly you have have think of pets in the whole, not just the concept your pet, but the effects and burden of your one pet on the society around you.
The moderator jumped in earlier with concern and I understand emotions run high when talking about this issue, but I strongly encourage Wallyhood to bring up more of these topics, it is really important and vastly under-discussed.
All that that stated I think this is discussion-al hierarchy , based on the premise that A)Petshuman and 2) their is a pet problem here- if you don’t accept those premises it is really hard to have discussion on how to fix (which was what the author of this post asked)
30 years ago this neighbor shifted from the dynamic of 1 car families to 2 car families, to deal with such challenges parking validation systems were developed.
Likewise if 30 years ago every 10th house had a dog and now ever 3rd house has a dog you it reaches a point where some sensible solutions need to be applied. Nobody is going to take someone pet away but the city can say – in such a sense neighborhood perhaps only so many pets per square mile, or something of the like. (Pets are regulated just like cars, which is a good thing for Pets and human)
Simply saying I wish you would not discuss this or their is really not a problem or just some “random loose poop” is akin to those who tell Al Gore that their is no Climate change while he is trying to elevate the discussion above that premise and discuss how to fix the problem.
I’m well aware of the pet overpopulation – which is why I adopted a stray, and promptly had him neutered, vaccinated, and licensed. I used to volunteer for the humane society of Pierce County, and as long time animal advocate and a vegan, of course it was sad to see animals put down. I still don’t think I should be made to feel bad for having a dog in Wallingford. I never said he was human, I said he was a family member. However, I think he is better for society than many humans out there…
…My pup doesn’t hurt society, sorry Trev. I think everyone here would agree that irresponsible breeding/puppy mills are a sad burden to society, but that is not what this discussion is really about is it?
What is it about?
Well, it WAS about poop until you started insulting all dog owners in wallingford…
If you you don’t see the connection between the increase in the dog population in a dense neighborhood never designed for this many dogs and the increase in the loose dog poop in said neighborhood, well we are having an unproductive conversation and should move on.
my bad- you distracted me with dog-induced noise, environmental degradation, and “Petshuman” complaints!
I pick up the poo, I reach down with a baggie and pick it up. EVERY TIME. A little gross, but everyone’s happy. Majority of W-ford dog owners do this. So when you try tell all dog owners that they are stupid and unwelcome IN OUR OWN community, it’s insulting.
Perhaps a friendlier approach would have been more successful for your discussion. Or maybe not… because I doubt those poop perps care enough to read this blog…
The hostility is oozing from my monitor in reading this thread. There’s passion about poo on both sides of the fence it seems. As a very proud pet owner of two little dogs who has lived in places as dense as New York City and as sprawling as North Dakota, I need to bring up a few points (not meant in a hostile way at all and typed with a smiling face).
1. The poo problem.
Bags and signs are a good start, but it’s not a solution. I live in an apartment complex that provides free bags to residents and there’s still a few pet owners who don’t scoop (whether it’s on lawns or the hallways of our building). I think the only way to really crack down on the poo problem is to start calling out owners to their face. Anytime you see them not cleaning up after their dogs, say something. Chances are all that poo you’re seeing is coming from only a few culprits. Our building has even instituted a three strikes and you’re out policy. If neighbors who live in the building or on our street complain about a resident’s lack of poo cleaning, they get three warnings and then evicted. Let’s just say the poo problem in our hallways is no more and it’s getting better on our street.
2. The density debate.
Having lived just one block west of Time’s Square for three years, I can safely say that Wallingford is like Disneyland for dogs. My little Shih Tzu hated walks when I lived in New York, and now she can’t wait to get outside (and I don’t even have a yard). Not all dogs need the sprawling countryside. Some dogs are made for city living, even big ones. It all depends on a breed’s temperament and need for exercise. It also comes down to being a responsible pet owner and making sure the dog you have matches the lifestyle you lead. Would I own a Bullmastiff and live in a studio apartment in the city? No. Would I own a Shih Tzu and a Pekingese who keep each other company while I’m at work? Yes. There’s more than enough space in this neighborhood for dogs, kids, parents, etc.
3. The family feud.
I think there’s a direct correlation between the increase in pet ownership to the fact that people stay single and childless longer nowadays. While some might view pets as a luxury, others see them as a basic human need – companionship. When you invite anything living into your home that interacts with you, a bond forms. For some people, such as myself, this is a family-like bond. I’m single, without children, and the closest relatives I have live a few thousand miles away. So, my dogs are my family.
Yikes! What happened to this thread?
A couple things. 1. This thread is great, a healthy discussion about this issue is the only way to bring more awareness. 2. I will concede perhaps I should have used some friendlier language. 3. New York city as a percent has nowhere near the number of Dogs per number of people. 4. Who speaks for dogs, is it the owners or the experts, either way I would think from the Dogs perpective NYC would not be great. 5. Yet another comparison to dogs being family or “Human like companionship”, that is not fair or healthy for yourself or the dog.
Basically like many societal problem it all is a number game, or as statisticians call the “Law of large Numbers” For example, by her own admission poster number 2 on this comment thread says she pick up poop, but occasionally forgets a bag and does not pick up poop. She seems nice civic (posting here) lets assume she represents the best of the best poop retrievers. (I know many you have stated you achieve 100%, for now we will consider you all outliers), then you have 10% of the general dog population to does not pick up ever or as Furburger called “Poop Perps”. So on any given day 19% percent of all dog trip will result in loose poop, If the population of dogs has grown 4 fold in 10 years what was a 19% poop problem is now a near 80%, all the while the neighborhood stays the same size. It all seems simple math concepts to me, and while some have said go after the “Poop perps”, you really have to tackle the whole egg and population problem. Only a fraction of people actually drive bad or dangerously over the speed limit, yet the law apples to everybody.
This same issue afflict society all the time, a problem that was manageable was not a problem until the numbers reach a certain point and then Regulations step in (now no texting on cell phone, yet I was able to text 10 years ago)
But if you are considering a pet “a basic human need,” That is so unhealthy for a good discussion think you should google and review the base level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs (It has things like food and water) Regulated things such as, Cars, Motorcycle and Domestic pets are all often cherished in possession and often joked about being more important then the people or community around them, but I tend to think people over materialism is the way to go.
ok, so you would like to regulate how many people can have dogs in wallingford. I’m curious about what sort of ideas you have.
I think something in area of so many dogs per square miles and then waiting lists or something (exceptions made for guide dogs and police dogs), I am not a policy expert in this area. I’m sure good minds can find a sensible solution. But as evident by the passion here you cannot really get to a good discussion without what I would deem misplaced emotion off-roading the solution. Dog bags available is good, but only a marginal solution, I would like to see others post more robust ideas to solve the problem.
The needs of that human girl on the slide to have a poop free slide for hygienic and physiological reasons, should vastly outweigh (1000% more) the needs for others to have “simulated” human companionship, that all come at that little girls expense.
All I can say @Trev is that clinical studies have shown contrary to your assumptions. Such as this one published in the Psychiatric Times.
Therapeutic Aspects of the Human-Companion Animal Interaction
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/display/article/10168/54671?verify=0
I’ll leave it at that.
Hm. I’m pretty sure limiting dogs per square mile would just cause less people to license their pets.
It’s not simulated human companionship, it’s just companionship. I’m sorry you can’t see or appreciate it. In our culture, people value dogs as companions. I know there are other cultures that don’t, and you could move there if it suites you better…
You want others to solve this problem with more “robust” ideas, but I don’t think anyone else cares about controling the right to have a dog as much as you do.
I’m more concerned about human overpopulation…
Of course Dogs can be theraputic, I don’t disagree, I would have one too, if I thought owning a dog was in this neighborhood was fair to the dog. Long car rides, deep breaths and poop free walks in the park are also therapeutic.
As for “Culture”, as a third gen wallingford resident, I thought the culture was about puting people first, about the needs of that girl on the slide and people here being the priority.
That girl will grow up to invent the cure for colds perhaps be President, thus we all pay for her education. Can your therapeutic dog do, how about your car?
So I guess when you moved here, I did not get the memo that NEW wallingford Culture now is all about your “Dog” and everyone elses, I guess I am a cultural minority – that is okay I have been there before.
Not sure what you’re getting at here… Did I at some point state that dogs or cars were more important than children? I like kids, and I never said culture was about my dog. Funny, I moved to Wallingford because it seemed dog-friendly. Trev, you should do a better job of spreading your anti-pet message to future possible residents.
Pardon my fearmongering, but I sometimes just can’t help myself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxoplasmosis
toxoplasmosis… that’s the one that causes otter miscarriages right? I hope they banned that flushable kitty litter… Poor otter moms and babies!
I think we should limit the number of dogs, cars, houses, Starbucks, Tullys, kids, and adults per square mile. And we may also limit the number of TV, computers, and cell phones. All of these are nuisances. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_nuisance
Whoa, more compassion having! Parks Dept used to supply bags. May still be place to keep them at park entrances if people want to contribute.
Most folks try, but some let their dogs run free. Try red pepper in areas dogs use on your lawn.
Let dogs be off leash in parks at times kids are not there–they can handle it in NYC why not here?
Many people live alone and need the companionship dogs provide.
OMG.. the gall of the dog mafia here. Companionship. Find romance, call your mother, get a roomy. Don’t buy a poop machine to solve the problem.
It is great to have dogs as companions, but there is responsibility associated with this choice (it is a choice, after all). Consider the quality of life for the animal during the day, the need to keep the dog on leash or the effort to travel to an off-leash park, scooping and disposal. Urban is not the perfect environment for a happy dog. Make an informed choice before committing to pet ownership.
A little park history – there used to be poop bag dispensers at two of the entrances to the park provided, I believe, by a dog advocacy group. The dispensers were removed by Parks when some dog owners used them as an endorsement for running their dogs off-leash at the park. Parks realized that they were presenting a mixed message with signs posted in the park stating it was against the law to have dogs in the park, but then had dispensers essentially stating “here are some bags for the dogs that are not supposed to be here”.
There was also a huge problem with the trash receptacles being 50% poop, which stunk to high heaven in the warmer weather and created a health issue for Parks employees collecting the trash. Poop in the trash from a single animal at home is a lot different than poop from several hundred dogs in the trash at the park. FoWP (Friends of Wallingford Playfield) ran several public service announcements trying to get dog owners to please “pack it in, pack it out” with mixed results. Most responsible dog owners understood and took the extra step. The number of scofflaws, however, does seem to have increased in the past couple years.
The “scoop law” requires that dog owners carry a poop bag with them when they walk their animal, subject to a $54 citation if they are caught without “equipment for removing feces”. They are also required to take the poop with them when they leave a public area. This seems common courtesy for anyone electing to own a pet in an urban environment. Similarly one should not be dumping dirty diapers in the trash at the park either.
Food for thought (sorry for any unpleasant imagery): An EPA study in 1993 found that two to three days of droppings from a population of 100 dogs generated enough bacteria and nutrients to temporarily close a bay to swimming and shellfishing. Another study in Seattle found that 20% of the bacteria found in our watershed originated specifically from dog feces.
Spread the poop around. Please take it home with you and dispose of it in your own trash. Keep our park safe for all to use. And please consider using a biodegradable baggie. It makes no sense to “Saran Wrap” your pets feces permanently for posterity.
Ah…so I wasn’t hallucinating those MuttMitt dispensers after all. Phew. Thanks for the history, Greg 🙂
p.p.s. I also love your comments Greg and Wallyhood editors. Thank you!