by Traci McCaiughey

Created on: July 02, 2007   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

The issue of cleaning up dog poop is one that has been a topic of conversation many times over. It would seem simple. You have a dog. The dog does its business. You clean it up. But this is not always the case.

For those that ask why this happens, there are multiple possibilities all with the owners to blamenot the pups.

There is the incident where the rascally canine "sneaks" into the neighbors yard and leaves its mark. The owner apologizes, blames the canine, and swears that it will never happen again. One problem. The owner does not scoop the poop.

There is the avid walker who continues to fake walk while the dog sniffs and circles and finally relieves itself. Once finished, dog and owner continue on their way leaving behind a mound of manure. Why? It's all natural and will fertilize the grass. There is no time to stop. Forgot to bring a bag to pick it up in. Oh well, this one time won't hurt anything.

Then there are the treasured little "Poopsies" and "Muffies" whose owners believe that anyone is graced by the presence of these majestic little beings. Their fecal remains are so small that it is not even worth bending over to pick up. And no one will notice anyway.

There are many more excuses upon excuses. Here is something to think about.

Most dog owners think of their pets as part of the family..one of the children. When parents take their children someplace, aren't they usually prepared for things? Things such as diaper changes and messes? Would it be acceptable for a parent with a young child in diapers not to bring extra diapers in the event the non-potty-trained child made a mess? Would it be acceptable to just let the child sit in its mess? Or would it be acceptable to leave the diaper on the sidewalk or in the yard of someone? Of course not. The same holds true for dog messes.

Learn more about this author, Traci McCaiughey.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.