Letter to the Editor: If your dog poops, you must scoop

Dear Editor: 

As I wander down Downey Avenue with my pup (and by pup I mean well-trained 9-year-old lab), I can’t help but notice the clumps and piles of dog poop scattered throughout the yards and sidewalks. 

It has become very clear that we live amongst the not-so-rare and sadly all too common non-scooper human. And, even more sad, it has become worse over the last few months, suggesting that a new non-scooper has moved into this neighborhood. Even worse, they are elusive. My husband and I walk our pup at least three times per day and we have yet to catch a peek of the phantom poop offender. 

So, it has come to me to write to our neighbors through the local paper in the hopes we can reach a friendly agreement, that being: if they poop, you must scoop. 

Your dog is your responsibility and your dog’s poop is part of that responsibility. Dog owners are required to clean up after their dogs when taking them out in public. Don’t forget the poop bags when you leave your house for a walk. 

If it is because you cannot afford the additional expense of doggy bags, the Dollar Tree sells multiple rolls for $1. We have also used diaper disposal bags, again, found at the Dollar Tree (70 for $1). Cheap sandwich bags, vegetable/fruit bags from the grocery store, newspaper (not this one, of course), seran wrap, tin foil, paper towels...something, anything, just pick it up. 

If it is because you just don’t care, please move to another city of find a new home for your pup. It is not ok, it is not sanitary, it is not respectful of your neighbors. Please don’t be that person, I beg of you to take a second and scoop the poop. 

Terrilynn Ortiz
Downey