A sign taped to a tree trunk (Photo – Sarina Beck)
Pasadena is full of walking neighborhoods, and right now bougainvillea, oleander and roses are in bloom.
By Sarina Beck
But there’s a problem: Pedestrians see left-behind dog poop almost every time they take a walk, and people write about this issue on social media every week.
What do you think?
- Is there more left-behind poop now than before?
- Or is there about the same amount?
- How many times have you witnessed dog owners ignoring their dogs’ poop and moving on?
- What might be some reasons for their neglect?
Although almost all dog walkers are conscientious, homeowners display a variety of signs aimed at the inept minority:
Signs found all over the neighborhood (Photo – Sarina Beck)
And kudos to businesses that also provide a trash bin and bags!
(L-R) Old Pasadena “Business is Picking Up sign, Apartment building (Photo – Sarina Beck)
If they run out of bags, many dog owners give bags to each other. Some members of NextDoor write that they pick up left-behind poop whenever they have enough bags – whether purchased, or recycled.
(L-R) Recycled newspaper bags: NY Times (blue), L.A. Times (clear), Wall St. Journal (red), Pasadena Star-News (yellow), and Produce bags (Photo – Sarina Beck)
Recycled newspaper bags: NY Times (blue), LA Times (clear), Wall St. Journal (red), Pasadena Star-News (yellow)
What are your answers to the questions listed earlier? My take is that since 1989 there has always been about the same amount of left-behind poop. I have never witnessed a dog owner leaving poop behind. Dog owners may leave poop if they are distracted, if the dog is ill or if they take the dog out at night and (intentionally?) omit to pick up.
In several ways, we can reduce the amount of left-behind poop on our sidewalks, parkways and lawns.
- Everyone can recycle their newspaper bags and grocery produce bags to dog owners.
- Dog owners so inclined can pick up after the neglectful owners using all sorts of bags.
- The few owners who (apparently?) take dogs out at night and knowingly leave the poop behind must realize that they are making the neighborhood ugly and uninviting.
- We can all thank businesses for providing bags and bins.
Let’s make our neighborhoods more attractive by reducing left-behind dog poop. If you see it, think about picking it up!
Andy Rooney: “The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.” (Photo – Sarina Beck)
Sarina Beck moved to Pasadena in 1986 and since 1989 has walked successive dogs: Rosie, Eliza, Bruno, Kellie and Oliver.
Great idea for my news paper and vegie bags. I put fresh water out for dogs being walked. I gather up the news papers. I’ll leave the plastic bags near it with a little reminder.
It astounds me that this needs to be said.
Of course! Folks and poop go together. Take yours with you:)