Hey, Pick Up Your Sh*t

I live in a high-traffic neighborhood; you're one block away from Adams Ave, an array of cafés, bars, restaurants, dry cleaning, dog groomers, laundromats, barbers, and sports bars; your simple errands are only a few blocks away. I love this neighborhood because everything is within walking distance away. I can walk to the Post Office and get a pedicure on the same street. It's paradise. Every year Adam's Ave has a street fair; unfortunately, the pandemic has it shut down temporarily. My neighborhood has a theme of naming streets after U.S presidents, so if you guessed that Adams Avenue was named after sixth president John Quincy Adams, then I would say that you're correct.

My neighborhood has a very urban and hip vibe that never seems to sleep unless it's Christmas Day. I can write about my love for Adams Ave, but this isn't what this issue is about with young, vibrant, and hip residents with dog lovers and dog lovers coming from a hot and stinky turd that exits little Suzi Q's behind. I have a bone to pick with residents of my community.

On the surface, it appears that you all can follow the rules. I can appreciate someone sharing a sidewalk, sometimes crossing the other side, having a leash on your dog, and carrying dog poop bags. Your intent with those bags is to not leave a parting gift for others living in the neighborhood. I'm getting frustrated walking outside of my apartment complex and seeing a massive turd in the walkway. You take trips to Pet Smart to purchase these overpriced cute poop bags but don't use them.

Your dogs don't have any home training. How do I know this? Well, dogs love to sniff around in the grass area, maybe circle that area for a while, squat, and give birth; your owner is also polite and turns their head to provide you with some privacy, once complete your again polite owner scoops up the poop and shimmy's it in the plastic bag. You ruthless, good for nothing, my dog is better than yours, entitled dogs and dog owners need to get fined. It's a shame that non-dog owners have to leave a friendly reminder on picking up after your dog. Why should non-dog owners leave subtle reminders or, better yet leaving dog poop bags on their yard to avoid a hot mess?

I enjoyed going on my walks and looking down at the sidewalk to find a penny, nickel, or dime. Now, the only reason I look on the ground is to look for turds. Going on walks with my four-year-old niece is anxiety-filled. She enjoys naming trees, picking flowers, and talking my ear off; the last thing she's worried about is stepping someone else's shit that's not hers. Now I have to be the eyes to make sure she avoids stepping in such foolery. When you pick up after your pet, you are showing respect and consideration for your fellow neighbor. The community as a whole shouldn't be the one responsible for cleaning up your mess.

The square feet of these apartments are tiny. I question how a German Shepard can live comfortably in the flats down the street? Someone's living conditions are none of my business which is fine because I enjoy minding my own. But as someone who doesn't own a dog, I know that the bigger the dog, the more giant the turd. It's commonsense, but commonsense isn't a comment, so I really shouldn't be surprised. It's embarrassing inviting people over and having to give a disclaimer to "watch for the poop constantly."

Owner's who can't have the decency to pick up after your pet doesn't deserve one, let alone one that should be in someone's police academy. You should be fined $300 and ordered to walk the neighborhood to pick up other's dog poop. Maybe it will teach you to respect your surroundings and take more pride in where you live.