[CFrance]

If you happen to notice some animal droppings on a sidewalk somewhere, before you post accusations, I wish you would consider a couple of questions...

1. Did you see the animal? How do you know it was a dog?

We have an outdoor cat running around our backyard who frequently defecates between our and the neighbor's house. It's big enough to be from somebody's small dog, but I have seen the cat. There are foxes and other wild animals around here who are not housebroken.

2. Did you see the owner?

Do you know for sure the leavings were accompanied by a human? Do you know for sure that this wasn't a pet who escaped the house and is out on a lark? Or an abandoned stray, which happens frequently in the area around Pinellas Plaza?

Furthermore, if you did see the animal and a person, do you know for sure that this person was from TV? And could be chastised on the forum?

Unless this alleged "dog" is from an apartment building in a big city, it probably wouldn't be pooping on a sidewalk. That's the excuse most around here use for allowing their pets to go on the grass and then picking it up. If you actually didn't see the dog or the human accompanying it, posting an accusation on the forum may draw the ire of us responsible dog owners.

3. If you are fairly new to the forum, you may find that if you do a search for the subject of dogs, this subject has been discussed ad nauseum, and it is mostly just people new to the forum or the area who bring it up. Not that you aren't welcome to... but please consider 1 and 2 first.

Just having my say. There are some suppositions and accusations made that aren't backed up by facts. Assuming facts not in evidence is my grounds for objection.

Thanks.