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Cedwards38
02-21-2016, 10:18 AM
Maxwell's Column in today's (2/21/2016) Orlando Sentinel, which is on target for the oft discussed TOTV issue:

The dog-doo debate: Can you put it in someone else's trash?
Scott MaxwellScott MaxwellContact ReporterTaking Names
Maxwell: The hottest debate in America now isn't guns or abortion. It's dog poop.

One of the hottest debates raging in America has nothing to do with guns, abortion or Supreme Court vacancies.

It's about poop.

Specifically dog poop — and whether it's appropriate for dog-walkers to drop bags of scooped-up poop into other people's trash cans.

A reader told me a doggy-doo debate was smoldering in her neighborhood.

Then I spotted similar debates everywhere. In New York and Arizona. On Reddit and Nextdoor.com. I even found a story in the normally highbrow Washington Monthly, entitled "The ethics of poop disposal." (Except it didn't say "poop.")
POLL: When is it OK to leave your dog's poop in someone else's trash can?
POLL: When is it OK to leave your dog's poop in someone else's trash can?

As one without a dog, I never realized this was a debate. I figured we live in a world with very few universal truths. Yet one of them is that you don't leave bags of feces at someone else's house.

But it turns out, I may be in the malodorous minority.

A poll of more than 400 people conducted on Audubon Park's nextdoor.com hyperlocal page found that two-thirds of those thought it was OK to drop tied bags of canine caca in other people's trash cans.

Frankly, I was appalled. And I expressed my consternation to my wife, who responded: "I don't see what the big deal is. It's in a bag, right?"

That's when I realized: I was married to a poop person.

Nineteen years of marriage. Two children. Yet I hardly knew the woman.

I needed to understand the other side of the dog-doo dilemma. So I dove in. (To the dilemma.)

I learned that there were all sorts of variables at play — whether the trash has been picked up, the time of day, the heat and humidity, even the size of the dog.

I posed a question about it on my Facebook page and in no time had 100 responses. They came from doctors, lawyers, moms, dads, corporate execs, even an interior designer.

After the third judge weighed in, I realized we had the numbers to issue an appellate ruling on the matter.

I pen columns on literally life-or-death issues that don't generate nearly this much debate. Everyone, it seems, has strong opinions on dog doo.

Terri, for instance, was very clear cut: "If it's your dog, it's your poop. Take it home."

Wendy seemed more forgiving: "Better my trash can than my yard."

Mary went Ten Commandments on me: "Keep thy poop to thyself, or it will come back to haunt thee."

Andy psychoanalyzed his own poop actions: "I've done it, but immediately felt very guilty. That suggested I should not pooh-pooh my reservations against dumping."

Brian seemed irritated people were even voicing their objections: "There are plenty of things about which to feel proprietary, but garbage is garbage. Ease up, control freaks."

Over on the Audubon Park board, where they had posted the poll, admitted dog-doo-dropper Marc said he truly wanted to hear the objections: "What is the actual issue? If I'm given a good reason I have no problem saying I've been morally corrupt doing it all these years."

Rick gave him four reasons: "Rude. Disgusting. Lazy. Weird."

Toni gave him a sanitary one: "Our garbage can usually retains a little bit of water. And we clean it with soap every couple of weekends. I would be kind of annoyed if poop soup was brewing in it before we could clean it."

Heh heh. She said "poop soup."

Dan actually got aggressive — and somehow managed to invoke Michael Jordan: "The city owns the can. If I have a sealed up crap bag and the trash ain't been collected yet, I'm slam dunking that baggie like M.J. Don't like it? Come play defense. Haha."

JT asked: "If a person poops in the park is it okay to put it in a neighbor's garbage can?"

Good Lord, JT.

Robbie was generous: "If my can is out, you are welcome to put a tied poop bag in it empty or not. It's a trash can, and trash goes it in."

Kenda went eco-conscious: "If you add diatomaceous earth (food grade) to your dog's or cat's food daily, you can eliminate worms and other parasites. And it can also be used in the garden to keep bugs away."

Rosalind made a big mistake. She told people she didn't want poop in her trash cans … and then gave her address.

And Lisa probably summed up many people's thoughts: "What a prime example of a first world problem."

You're right, Lisa. But I'm a first-world columnist writing for first-world readers. And if dog poo is the issue of the day, then dog poo is the issue I shall address!

So, after thoughtful consideration, while I'm not a fan, I have concluded that you can drop your dog poo in another's trash can only on trash day when the can is at the end of the street and has not yet been picked up — and when said poo has been packed in something you're sure is leak-proof.

I've also decided that Jerry Seinfeld had it right when he stated that, if aliens ever come down to earth, they will conclude that dogs are the rulers.

Said Seinfeld: "If you see two life forms, one of them's making a poop, the other one's carrying it for him, who would you assume is in charge?"

smaxwell@tribpub.com

Jima64
02-21-2016, 11:09 AM
If the trash can is out for collection and the poop is in a tied bag I see no harm in it. To me it is the same as someone putting a soda can in my trash. As long as the dog poop is in a tied bag.:blahblahblah:

Chi-Town
02-21-2016, 12:03 PM
I say take it to the postal station can and let it cook with the rest. [emoji6]

Taltarzac725
02-21-2016, 12:58 PM
If the trash can is out for collection and the poop is in a tied bag I see no harm in it. To me it is the same as someone putting a soda can in my trash. As long as the dog poop is in a tied bag.:blahblahblah:

As long as it is outside here in the Villages. Villas might be another matter though if the front yard is quite close to an open window. Then there is the question of Great Danes and some of the other large breeds.

CFrance
02-21-2016, 10:17 PM
Well, we don't have that problem because we don't have trash cans. I can't imagine someone untying my knotted trash bag to drop in some poop.

But very amusing article. Thanks for sharing it, Cedwards. It reminded me of threads on this forum--many different opinions, plus a poster totally not addressing the topic!

goodtimesintv
02-21-2016, 11:16 PM
I agree with the person who said "If it's your dog, it's your poop, so take it home with you".

If for some reason the garbage doesn't get picked up as expected, the stench in the heat here could be unbearable if it has to be taken back into the garage for another night.

People should have to live with their own stink. To me this is like cleaning rotting food that stinks out of the refrigerator, and taking it to the neighbor's garbage bin/bags/boxes because I don't want the stink at my own place. It's disrespectful.

Alaskarose
02-21-2016, 11:48 PM
I have a dog. I pick up all her droppings and take them home. I put the plastic bag with the poo in a clay flower pot and put a clay flower pot plate on top. Twice a week I throw it out with my curb side garbage bad. It does not have a stench when I throw it out because it is bagged and covered. I also store it in the shade. It is easy and it is what i planned to do when I decided to get a dog. By the way, this little dog is my closest friend and she loves me unconditionally. I pray she out lives me.

Diver
02-22-2016, 12:49 AM
I am one who has to deal with your dog poop than is left in the trash cans at a rec center. It stinks even if it is in a plastic bag, even worse is the perfumed bags. Some just use paper towels, some use grocery store bags. It is disgusting on all days, sunny, cloudy, or rainy. Take it home, it's your dogs poop, if you can't handle it appropriately you should not have a dog. And I am a dog owner also.

Cedwards38
02-22-2016, 09:29 AM
:-)

Jima64
02-22-2016, 09:36 AM
:-)

So darn funny.

flyerguy
02-22-2016, 09:55 AM
Personally, I would feel very awkward putting my dog's poop into someone's garbage can. Most times when a dog is taken out to do his 'business' they usually aren't far from their home when the 'go' It's not like the owner has to walk a mile back home to dump the poop, so they elect to give it to someone else instead of heading back home. Some people consider their garbage can private property.

Isn't it ironic no matter how bad a dog need to go, it's never in his own yard.

goodtimesintv
02-22-2016, 11:42 AM
I am one who has to deal with your dog poop than is left in the trash cans at a rec center. It stinks even if it is in a plastic bag, even worse is the perfumed bags. Some just use paper towels, some use grocery store bags. It is disgusting on all days, sunny, cloudy, or rainy. Take it home, it's your dogs poop, if you can't handle it appropriately you should not have a dog. And I am a dog owner also.

This is all that needs to be said!

Cedwards38
02-22-2016, 02:57 PM
I have to weigh in. I have two dogs, and the thought of disposing of their poop anywhere other than my own property is beyond rude. Take it back home.

Diver
02-22-2016, 05:03 PM
:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause:I have to weigh in. I have two dogs, and the thought of disposing of their poop anywhere other than my own property is beyond rude. Take it back home.
:BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplause::BigApplaus e::BigApplause:

kcrazorbackfan
02-22-2016, 05:34 PM
I have to weigh in. I have two dogs, and the thought of disposing of their poop anywhere other than my own property is beyond rude. Take it back home.

As the owner of 2 dogs also, I totally agree. It's always bagged and put in a covered 5 gallon bucket and thrown out with the trash. If you own a dog, be a responsible dog owner.

dewilson58
02-24-2016, 05:51 PM
:-))

CFrance
02-24-2016, 06:52 PM
:-))
Really solves a lot of problems!

wisbad1
02-24-2016, 09:44 PM
they've turned area behind Eisenhower pool into a dog park. Dogs running loose chasing balls,isn't there a leash law?

outlaw
02-25-2016, 09:35 AM
they've turned area behind Eisenhower pool into a dog park. Dogs running loose chasing balls,isn't there a leash law?

OMG! I always thought my dog was chasing his tail.

CFrance
02-25-2016, 09:47 AM
OMG! I always thought my dog was chasing his tail.
Maybe your dog is neutered.:shrug::evil6:

gator77
02-28-2016, 08:17 PM
This is our second year in The Villages ... we spend the fall and winter here and love it. We were warned before buying here that while most home owners are very dog friendly, some are not. I have tried very hard to please my neighbors and get to know what is acceptable to them for our 2 dogs.

As for your question at hand, I would only put my dogs' waste in someone else's trash in a dire emergency .... I have not had to do that yet here in The Villages.

I have no issue with dog owners walking their dogs past my house (I rather enjoy getting to know the dogs and the humans) and allowing them to relieve themselves on my lawn as long as they pick up the resultant poop. I do think that dogs should not be allowed to walk through shrubs and trees, but I certainly have no issue with the street side of the lawn, light poles and fire hydrants.

I have a neighbor who has posted a very unassuming, small sign that states "Kindly don't allow your pet on our lawn." I may disagree with his feelings, but I respect and honor his wishes. I wish that others who share those feelings would also post a pleasant sign so that we dog owners will know to steer clear. It may avoid a lot of unpleasant confrontations ... on both sides. After all, we are not mind readers and lots of houses here in The Villages look alike.