I took a walk with my dog on a street that will soon be the front entrance of a new neighborhood.
Beautiful weather and nice views.
But, along the way, I scooped up other people's dog's poop.
I couldn't walk more than 10 steps before arriving on the next pile.
I picked up 7 bags full, and weighed it all when I got home. It was 5 lbs of dog poop during one walk of less than .2 miles in length.
Why do I care - because leaving dog poop behind also leaves behind e-coli and other dangerous bacteria, which washes downstream and contaminates the ponds and streams in my neighborhood. This contamination accumulates, and makes our streams, ponds and rivers too polluted to safely wade in, or for this water to support wildlife, pets or people. To learn more visit : http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/agecon/WECO/blackcreek/
My daughter loves to walk down to the Black Creek under the bridge at North Cary Park and wade in the water. How can I let her knowing that .2 miles=5 lbs of poop multiplied by 100's of sidewalk miles in the watershed, all get washed down into that stream. Gross!
Not picking up your dog's poop also spreads disease to other dogs. This can result in lost work time and high vet bills. I had to take my dog to the vet last week for a bad case of diarrhea. It set me back $98 dollars. Cost breakdown: $15 for the anti-diarrhea medicine, $21 for the antibiotics, $18.40 for sub-cutaneous fluids, $18.60 for a fecal smear test, and $25.00 for the office visit.
My dog getting sick may not have been caused by another dog's poop, but who knows?
I know when summer comes, and kids step in the poop on the way to their neighborhood pool, it will end up getting tracked in to the pool.
We can do something about this!! Help out by taking the Poop Pledge! (Adopted from City of Lafayette)
Life presents challenges. I am man or woman enough to meet them head-on!
- I pledge to protect water quality and improve our shared environment.
- I will pick up my pet's poop no matter where it falls.
- I will keep my yard and neighborhood free of the poop scourge.
- I will respect the property and rights of others.
- I will keep my dog on leash and out of waterways.
- I will carry a bag.
- I will share this message with others.
If someone has to pick up my dog's poop, let it be me!
Sign and post this on your fridge, so your neighbors will know about your commitment to a healthy environment!