Dog Poo

We owned a dog for eight years. In that time, I picked up a lot of dog poo. Each time gave me an opportunity to reflect, and I've distilled that into some axioms for home-owners and dog-owners. With these in mind, we can all live more peaceful lives together.

• Everybody/thing poops: Animals are pooing in your yard right now. It's gross, but it's natural. Don't get worked up by something that every living organism does.
• You are not your yard: It's okay to take pride in your yard, especially if it's something you enjoy and work towards. But its imperfections do not change your self worth. Let them go; you're not in control.
• You (probably) don't own the edge of your yard: In many places, the area adjacent to the road is owned by the local government. Someone using the first few feet of "your" yard isn't on your property–they're on the government's.
• Dog walkers build community: They're out 1-2 times per day, rain or shine. They smile, they wave, they talk, they notice things. Dog owners make your community stronger. Embrace them; don't chase them away.

• Pick it up. Every time. No exceptions: Waste is natural, but it still stinks and carries diseases. If you run out of bags, leave your shoe next to the poo and come back.
• Buy the rolls of dog waste bags: They're cheap, appropriately sized, and won't surprise you with holes like shopping bags. Keep a roll with you wherever you go.
• Mix it up: Don't let your dog go in the same yard every day. Train your dog to have a few options on your route, and then use them all. Or vary the route.
• Avoid common areas: Don't let your dog go right by someone's front walk or the edge of the driveway. Pick inconspicuous spots.

Sean McPherson works as a software engineer at Khan Academy, and enjoys playing games and watching soccer. He lives with family in Pittsburgh, PA.