[nagdu] Pickup The Poop

[Debby Phillips]

You know, I totally agree that everybody should pick up after 
their dog, and I do, but I think that when there is a large 
gathering of guide dogs, there should be figured in to any budget 
some extra clean up costs.  Here's why.  First of all, 
unfortunately not everyone does clean up after their dog.  So 
then, I pick up after my dog, and in the process step in someone 
else's dog poop.  So I try the best I can to get it off my shoe, 
but there's always some residue, and that gets on the sidewalk, 
etc.  2.  I have had the unfortunate experience of my dog 
developing diarrhea while away from home.  Yes, it can be cleaned 
up, but again no matter what you do, there's some residue.  3.  
Dog relief areas begin to stink after awhile, even if people are 
picking up.  Ugh! 4.  Sometimes people just walking by with their 
dogs, (not guide dogs) see a temporary dog relief area and decide 
they'll just relieve Fluffy there.  And they don't always pick 
up.  (Yes, it happens, I have had sighted friends tell me they 
see someone doing it).  5.  Then, there is the possibility that 
even though we pick up, we miss.  Add that with other people who 
are trying to be responsible but miss a little too.

After having written all of that, I too am disgusted and ashamed 
when other people don't pick up, deliberately.  Whether owe like 
it or not, it's a reflection on all of us.    Peace,    Debby