I was down at SS this afternoon and it was warm - very warm. There were two dogs on leashes being dragged around the square by their owners. In the owners defense, they did stop at the corner libation station and get a cup of water for their dogs.

But the look on the dogs faces were something like: "Why did you bring me down here when we have a nice air conditioned house to lie around in?" "Who are these strange people running their sweaty hands all over me?" "Can we please go home?"

Maybe the dog owners should consider the dogs feelings. They don't want to be around the pawing, cootsy-cuing, dog mauling hands. Why subject them to it - especially in this heat?

I definitely know Bart would not have liked it, That is why he stayed in his nice air-conditioned home waiting for his doggie box - his reward for protecting the house from the bad guys.

Z

Just spent 4 days in Paris and there was dog poop EVERYWHERE. Dogs and their owners everywhere and not a plastic baggie in sight. At least most dog owners in The Villages are considerate and pick up after their pets. We sold our home, retired and moved to The Villages when our dog Molly died. Good timing for us and what Molly deserved. But we will now remain dog free.

The only place that dogs frequent in TV...
 

...where you really have to watch out about stepping in dog poop is in and around the various dog parks around the Villages.

Pick up there poop??? You need to go look in the grassy area behind the mail area at Bonita pool. It is covered in unpicked up poop. One day I counted 22. And of course our villa is right behind the wall! But we did get new palms planted!
I used to think dogs at the squares where ok, but lately it seems the number is just getting out of hand and also the size they bring. Now don't get me wrong we are life long dog owners, but not in a place like the squares where dogs can do anything when confronted.

Army Guy

:agree: I would never take my dog to the square, in part because he wouldn't like it. He couldn't take the heat and is too small to safely walk amoung a crowd of people. I have seen dogs at the square who were miserable. Clearly, they don't belong there and their owners should be ashamed.

HOWEVER, I also have seen dogs at the square who seem to relish it. Responsible pet owners know the difference. Well behaved dogs who love the opportunity to be with their people on the square, and whose people pick up their doggy poop, are a pleasure. The pleasure is shared by the dog, dog owner and others who enjoy seeing them, inquiring about them and perhaps petting them. Smiles all around (unless Fumar and The Villages Grump are present.)

Responsible dog owners who might take their well-behaved dogs to the square in the cooler months or cooler parts of the day, would never take them when it's too hot for the dog to handle. I wish the few irresponsible dog owners could be banned, not just from the squares but from pet ownership at all!

Keep the dogs, ban irresponsible owners.

Pturner,
I second that motion .....and emotion!

Annabelle

I agree. :highfive: It's all about using common sense.

Party Poopers
 

I love all animals but people, please pick up the poop. One day my mail blew into the grass area of the mail station and I was shocked by the amount of dog poop left behind.
Now when I see people walking their dogs in that area I have to restrain myself from lecturing them on being a responsible dog owner. They give dog owners a bad name and rightly so since no one should have to endure the sight and smell of all that poop. I walk my dog on my property and pick up after him. It's not a big deal to bend over and scoop the poop. Just do it!!!!

It is truly disgusting to me that clean, otherwise rational people, would refuse to pick up after their dogs. I sure don't understand it; and I resent that behaviour. :cus: It gives all dog owners a bad name. On a more positive note, the majority of dog owners are rational, loving people and do pick up after their dogs. :thumbup:

Sorry, this is a hijack :police: .. back to dogs at the Town Square.

I don't take my dogs to the square but I applaud those who do. Provided, of course, that the dogs are well socialized. I think the dogs provide a lot of people with a positive experience.

CATS? Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee gads...keep em' home Gracie. Geeeeeeeez.

Just dinner for the dogs

Water for dogs in this heat
 

The only thing that upsets me about dogs on the squares is that it is so unbearably hot this time of year, so PLEASE bring water for your dog. Dogs can get dehydrated so very quickly. They need water in this hot weather no matter where you take them. I owned several dogs and ALWAYS carried a small plastic bowl with me to fill w/water.

After reading many posts here on TOTV I thought the dog parks would be the solution to all the problems. The solution must lie with some dog owners.

Good point Dancer. I have been the proud owner of 4 dogs over the past 25 years and hubby and I have never taken them (out of our home) anywhere.....anytime... any season.....without water and a snack in our car or in our little backpack. If fact, we always carry an extra container of water for any dog we may encounter that is thirsty and without water.

When we were down in May 09 we were walking around the squares one evening when we came upon a man walking his dog. The poor creature was panting and his tongue was almost dragging the concrete. We offered our spare to the dog and he drank almost every bit of it . According to this man he "forgot" to bring water for his dog, yet I noticed he was carrying a large bottle of water for himself. If you're too cheap to buy some water for your dog or too stupid to realize that dogs need water as much as humans, then you should not take on the responsibility of owning a dog.

We plan to visit TV this Fall and will take our "little girl" with us when we go to the Squares .....we'll be that couple with the "cutest," "most adorable" pooch in the world! I'll be carrying her while hubby walks beside us fanning the little princess!!!!!!! (lol)

Annabelle

That may be, but only until we get moved with Katie and Allie. Then THEY will be.