Okay people. So, I just have to vent about an obscene issue here Belgium, and come to think of it in Switzerland too. I am a dog lover. I have had a dog most of my life, and I think owning a dog is one of the best things in the world…they are a constant companion and confidant, someone who loves you more than you’ll ever know. One of my most enjoyed times of the day is when I get to walk Wyatt. I take him everyday…rain, snow, wind or sun…I’m like the mailman. If he doesn’t get walked in the morning, he will follow me around like a shadow. I feel horrible when I can’t walk him (like when one of us is sick).
I don’t think this is an isolated issue for Belgium, since I’ve experienced this problem in Switzerland as well. Now, from what I hear, the Belgian’s and the Swiss love their dogs. And, if you love your dog, you should be responsible for them and their actions. Right? So, why can’t they pick up their dogs poop? I pick up Wyatt’s waste consistently. I have a little bone shaped baggie holder that clips on to his leash. It’s not hard to bend over, and pick it up. Seriously. When we lived in Geneva, there were little dog bag depots with garbage containers dotted around the commune. It was nice and convenient…but still people refused to pick it up.
While I was out running the other day, I must have dodged about 20 piles of excrement on my 5 km run. I’m not sure what is being walked down some of the streets, but from the looks of it, it’s a bear or a tiger. And, who lets their dog poop on sidewalks? I am so annoyed. It’s disgusting. My friend, Shannon, has a major poop issue residing outside of her home. Walking into her house from the street is like walking through a field of land mines. There’s an old lady that lives in a complex next to her that walks her little pooch out to the sidewalk, lets it do it’s business, and then goes back inside. For Christmas, I purchased her a large “no pooping” sign. It’s pretty obnoxious, and hasn’t made it’s way to the street yet (which I am totally okay with because I really bought it as a joke)…but I think if it did, the lady might get the picture…but lets get real, she won’t, and instead she’ll probably teach the dog to poop on my friends walkway.
Today I was walking Wyatt, and I realized that I had run out of baggies midway through our walk. So, I was hoping that he wouldn’t “go” on someone’s lawn. But, he did. I was mortified. I looked around checking to see if someone saw him go. I had no choice but to leave it there. I felt like a total terd. I mean, it’s rude to let your dog go on someone’s lawn! I just don’t know how people do it. I had to go back later in the day to pick it up. I’m a dork, I know.
So, I am sorry to rant about such a fowl matter, but it had to be said. Next time it will be a better topic, I promise.
Smiles, Claire