Dog owners need to clean up

By Letter to the Editor on November 24, 2021.

Editor:
I have to call out my fellow dog owners; let me rephrase that, some of my fellow dog owners, the ones who take no responsibility for their pet. Now I don’t really care what your backyard looks like. I am guessing it is a place neither you nor your dog wants to spend much time; looks like a poop bomb went off. So be it but when you take your dog out in public, they are your responsibility. You need to be aware of where your pooch is and what your pooch is up to at all times and from what I am experiencing that is not happening.
I have had a few dogs over the years. When my last two passed, it took me a while to feel ready to take on the hard work and responsibility but now that I have retired, I decided it was time to get a pup. I have the time to really spend with her and teach her how to be a great dog.
She is so young, but I have my eye on her at all times especially when we are out of the house. This is how I know where she is and what she is doing. So now to my point. I am going to the dog park at the river bottom every day and I am astounded by what I have found there.
People I have spoken with say the one on the southside is far worse. There is so much dog poop laying around it is disgusting. Today there was a pile right next to the post where the container of dog poop bags is. Right where you enter the park. Really people? So, I know that you were not paying attention to your dog or maybe you expected your mom or your butler to pick it up. Do you know how unhealthy that is for dogs and humans alike?
Do you know that domestic dog poop has remnants of product that is very enticing to coyotes? The use of our dog parks is a privilege and with that comes some responsibility like, leave it in great condition. If we do, it will be a terrific place for us to take our dogs for a very long time but if some people abuse these sites, it ruins it for everyone. The city may see better use for these plots of land: remember not all Lethbridge people get value from them. It is like we teach our kids – if you misuse a privilege, you may lose it.
When all is said and done, this situation speaks to what is happening in society today. Take, take, take and never give a thought to giving back. By cleaning up after your dog, you are respecting your fellow dog owner by giving back.
These parks are a gift to dog owners, earn the right to be a dog owner, do the right thing. Pick up after yourself and your dog.
Donna Linn
Lethbridge