Yes, I know it's a pain but dogs do have the unfortunate habit of depositing their nasties when we least expect them to. Wouldn't it be nice if we were able to go on walks with our beloved hounds and not come back smeared by other people's ghastly canine exhibits. Since I moved to the country it's amazed me how many owners living in a beautiful and tranquil area, yet think it's acceptable to leave disgusting piles wherever they wander. Let me introduce you to some little known facts about Dog Poo and right now I hope you're not eating your tea!!!
Dog poo takes aeons to degrade, if your dog poops 2 to 3 times a day when you are out and you live in a popular dog walking area, just think how many poops that adds up to in a week!!
Toxocariasis is a disease contracted from roundworm, a parasite commonly carried by dogs and cats. It can be ingested through soil, unwashed vegetables and not washing hands before eating. Children and young adults are particularly susceptible and it can cause blindness, yes blindness (see Toxcariasis at patient.co.uk)
Carrying dog bags is a no brainer and part of good reponsible dog ownership it may not be pleasant but it's the only thing to do if we want to keep our environments safe and our children secure from the dangers of some nasty disease.
In the world of dog ownership there are 3 types of people. Scooters, these people are the ones talking on their phone, wandering miles from their dog and generally doing their best to ignore the fact that the dog has just produced a large steaming pile on a nearby path or grassy verge. This owner seems to subscribe to the philosophy that 'if I didn't see it, it didn't happen and it's nothing to do with me!' They scoot away without a care in the world.
Then we have Scoopers these are the responsible ones who are doing their best to keep the planet tidy and safe, you will never see them with less than 5 poo bags because they know their pooch is unpredictable and on a good day can surprise even them!! Citizens it is you we applaud...Hooraaah!!!
Lastly and my personal 'favourite' we have the Slingers, this peculiar breed have acquired the view that they SHOULD pick up the poop but then think it acceptable to sling it into the nearest tree or hedge where it remains rotting for months or, years to come, a hideous and unpleasant sight for all who are unfortunately enough to encounter it. Since the average plastic bag takes about 100 years to biodegrade these unsightly ornaments could be gracing the branches of a very large oak tree at some future time. Personally, I would rather leave society with something other than dog poop to remember me by.
Then we have Scoopers these are the responsible ones who are doing their best to keep the planet tidy and safe, you will never see them with less than 5 poo bags because they know their pooch is unpredictable and on a good day can surprise even them!! Citizens it is you we applaud...Hooraaah!!!
Lastly and my personal 'favourite' we have the Slingers, this peculiar breed have acquired the view that they SHOULD pick up the poop but then think it acceptable to sling it into the nearest tree or hedge where it remains rotting for months or, years to come, a hideous and unpleasant sight for all who are unfortunately enough to encounter it. Since the average plastic bag takes about 100 years to biodegrade these unsightly ornaments could be gracing the branches of a very large oak tree at some future time. Personally, I would rather leave society with something other than dog poop to remember me by.
So join me in responsible dog ownership and clean up your act, bag it and bin it, use biodegradable poo bags if you can (check out www.dickybag.com). No dog bin? Buy your dog a back pack and get him to carry them home, then dispose of them safely. Alternatively put it down the toilet, in a wormery, in the compost bin or one of the specialised dog bins for the garden. Mobility problems? Check out www.petplace.com/article.aspx?id=5954 you can get pooper scoopers with telescopic handles which involve no bending over. Still can't face it, can I introduce you to the joys of owning a goldfish!!
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| Goldfish, no poop bags required!! |
