Pooper Scooper Week

by Saffron Caudle

Guess What? It’s International Pooper Scooper Week!

Okay, folks, As you can see from the title, I’ m going to talk about something gross. Pet poop! There I’ ve said it. Are you still reading? If so, did you know that April 1 -7 is International Pooper Scooper Week? An entire week dedicated to picking up your pets poop.

How it All Began

In 2002, the International Pooper Scooper Week was created by the Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists. Why? To educate pet owners about the importance of picking up their pet’ s poop. I believe the week was started because there is always evidence of pet parents who simply let their pets poop where ever they want and then they just walk away.

Why Don’t You Pick Up After Your Pet? Here are Some Reasons I’ve heard

"If my dog goes off trail and poops in the landscaping, who cares? No one will step in that." You don't know that everyone will stay on the path.

"It’s gross." No doubt everyone will stay on the about it. It’ s your dog, it’ s your responsibility.

"I don’t want to carry a bag of poop for my entire walk." Who does? Plan ahead, people! If your pet poops within the first few minutes of your walk, take a route that takes you past a pet waste station so you don ’t have to carry it for miles.

“No one else is picking up." This reminds me of what my mom used to say, “If everyone jumped off a bridge would you?” Just because others are lazy, doesn’t mean you need to leave your pet’ s poop lying around.

"I didn’t bring a bag/the doggy station is out of bags." Be prepared. You know you ’ re walking. You know your pet will poop. Therefore, you know you need to carry a bag. Simple as that. Leave bags with the leash and harness so you never leave home without them.

Reasons to Scoop Your Pet's Poop

It's gross and rude not to. Your pet is your responsibility.

You'll receive a $250 fine each time you are caught NOT picking up after your pet.

Animal waste adds nitrogen to the water. Excess nitrogen depletes the oxygen in water necessary for beneficial underwater grasses, wildlife and fish.

Animal waste may contain harmful organisms such as Giardia, Salmonella and E. coli that can be transmitted to humans and other animals by ingesting contaminated water.

Roundworms and hookworms deposited by infected animals long periods of time can live and be in the soil for transmitted to other animals and humans.

It’s easy to clean up by carrying plastic baggies and paper towels in your pocket. The baggies can be secured and thrown away in the garbage.

Your neighbors will appreciate your good manners.

Pet Waste Stations

Pet waste stations are undoubtedly the best way to go about collecting and containing dog waste. In fact, Toscana has pet strategically placed all waste stations over the property to help with clean up and disposal of your pet's waste! It couldn ’t get any easier, it’ s all there for you! Just look for the green, free standing units along your pet's favorite walking path.

Not Just For Dogs

As a reminder, any pet you own is your responsibility to care for and clean up afterward. So, whether or anything you've got a Rover, a Fluffy, a Franklin or anything in between, remember: your pet poops and YOU need to clean it.

For those of you that aren ’t able to pick up after your pet, please look into having a friend, family member, or a service to help out.