Tools
Let's talk about dog shit, not as metaphor, but as the waste that actually comes out of dogs.
South Lake Union is home to many dogs. I adore dogs. But they shit. And the dog owners of South Lake Union are not conscientious disposers of dog shit.
Stranger Personals
O, I see owners take care of their dog's shit. But I also see them ignore the dog shit left behind by irresponsible owners.
When a local greenbelt was closed to canines, the local dog owners loudly complained. They held community meetings. But that greenbelt, also a playground for local students, had become a miasma of dog shit.
To paraphrase Marx, if you South Lake Union dog owners want to be great, and have great dog parks, then you must work for the common collection of orphaned dog shit.
In practical terms, carry two plastic bags when you walk your dogs: one for your dog's shit and one for some other asshole. 
15
The abandoned little baggies are also annoying. I have seen them left on the side of trails or in the grass at parks. If you are going to embarrass your dog enough by carrying its poop bags on its leash, at least dispose of said poop once you've bagged that crap up.
14
@ Madge: what difference does it make whose garbage can said dogshit goes into? The dogshit can't smell much worse than the garbage already does, right? I'd rather have some stranger's dogshit mingling with my garbage than have it mingling with my shoes.
13
It's hard to imagine that in 2012 there are still people (outside of Paris) who don't pick up after their animals. How humiliating for the poor doggies to have such thoughtless owners.
Hey, people! Thanks for taking care of one of the universe's great gifts, but part of that responsibility - along with vaccinations, occasional check-ups and exercise - is to pick up after your animal. Mmm-kay?
Hey, people! Thanks for taking care of one of the universe's great gifts, but part of that responsibility - along with vaccinations, occasional check-ups and exercise - is to pick up after your animal. Mmm-kay?
12
I am not a dog owner and my feelings about dogs are somewhat ambivalent. I don't believe big dogs belong in the city and I despise owners who don't use a leash - "Don't worry, he won't bite." My personal favorite are the owners with the leash hanging from their necks like an accessory. Dogs are a fact of life in the city and I wouldn't have it any other way. People need dogs for companionship and a host of other reasons but I beg of you, please do not dispose of your dog's waste in my garbage can! I do not own a dog and should expect to feel free from their intrusion in my personal space and property.
11
In a way I agree with you but the lack of garbage cans in the streets, esp the neighborhoods makes it kind of hard to be picking up everyone dog crap left behind, I always pick up my dogs and if I forget a bag or run out I go to the closest garbage bin or recycle bin and find a bag or old cup to use. I usually dont pick up other shit left behind by other owners, but I do however do so when I am in the designated "dog park", but on the street not so much.
10
Sherman, why don't you move to Cle Elum? There's probably a lot less dog shit out there. Or better yet, maybe move to Long Island, NY, where your grand ideas can be appreciated and adored by hordes of old Jewish ladies.
9
neattle and Matthew001 (#2 and #3), you will be forgiven for not reading between the lines: Sherman doesn't mean YOU pick up someone else's [dog's] shit.
The other bag is to out loud OFFER to someone who's publicly shat their dog and started to walk away. You shame them. How?
Watch: "Here, I have a bag you can use for that!" Smile. Be diplomatic, even as you strangle them in your <3, for what they ALMOST did.
The other bag is to out loud OFFER to someone who's publicly shat their dog and started to walk away. You shame them. How?
Watch: "Here, I have a bag you can use for that!" Smile. Be diplomatic, even as you strangle them in your <3, for what they ALMOST did.
7
Go Sherman! Way to dare to dream of the possibility that we could all enjoy public spaces without having to step in somebody else's shit.
6
If I hadn't cleaned up the shit that came from my Malamutt over his 13 years we would all be up to our necks in it. I have 4 dogs, picking up shit is just part of the responsibility of having the wonderful little beggars in your life.
4
I wish Seattle would ticket more dog owners for off leash violations. Every dog owner claims to have the perfect dog, but as a group you are a very irresponsible group. I have owned several dogs, so don't label me as a hater.
3
By the same reasoning, Sherman, you should pick up some shit too. Just carry one bag though, since you don't have a dog.
2
@1-YES.
Why is it other dog owners' responsibility? If it bothers you so much take your own plastic bags. I clean up after my own dog, but I'm not going to pick up some other dog's crap.
It's for the same reason I don't let my dog near other dog's crap if I can avoid it: nasty things can be in it that my dog can catch, and the further away I can keep "Fido" away, the better.
Pet owners irresponsible with poop are likely irresponsible with their dog's health too.
Why is it other dog owners' responsibility? If it bothers you so much take your own plastic bags. I clean up after my own dog, but I'm not going to pick up some other dog's crap.
It's for the same reason I don't let my dog near other dog's crap if I can avoid it: nasty things can be in it that my dog can catch, and the further away I can keep "Fido" away, the better.
Pet owners irresponsible with poop are likely irresponsible with their dog's health too.
1
If you Google "Sherman Alexie", you'll find that Sherman Alexie is an accomplished and acclaimed writer. If you read this stupid series, you'd never guess.
RSS
Twitter
Comments (15) RSS