Just be Courteous

     This morning I set out for my run, the conditions were perfect, both kids are in school and the weather is beautiful today!  The sun is shining, it's going to be a warm day and I was able to wear shorts and a tank and got a good dose of Vitamin D.  Yay!  Where I go running there are lots of other people there too, other runners, walkers and strollers and some faces I see regularly.  There are also lots of people that walk their dogs there, I don't blame them it's a great place but it's not a dog park.   Deer Lake Park is a small lake in the middle of an urban setting but it's not safe for swimming.  It attracts a lot of wildlife observers and bird watchers and you can rent canoes or bring your own and enjoy a paddle on the lake.  Anyway back to my run, I enjoy running the trails in and around Deer Lake and love running up the 300 stairs that begin just south of the lookout tower and go all the way up to Oakland & Royal Oak but what really pisses me off is how many dog owners don't clean up after their dog!  It's diffucilt to enjoy my run because I have to keep my eyes on the ground for fear of stepping in dog shit.  Can't you just be courteous and do the right thing?  I realize that there are wild animals that live there too that probably drop a load or 2 on the trails but you can tell the wild animal poo from dog shit.  I mean you are there to walk your dog, it's not like you're caught off guard, you should come prepared and have bags with you and it's not like your dog can shit without you noticing, you have to stop and wait for them -or you're supposed to (btw dogs are supposed to be on a leash at all times but if we can make a deal on the shit I'll let the leash thing slide)!  At the very least get a stick and move it off the trail!  As I stated earlier it's not a dog park and I don't want to run through your dog's litter box, please and thank you, if you could just be courteous and pick up after your dog.  I'm not a dog owner so I'm not going to pretend to be understanding, it's your responsibility and the parks are for EVERYONE, not just you and your dog shit disposal!

Tomorrow my son's school (about 1200 elementary school students) will be heading down to Deer Lake for their annual Terry Fox Run I bet most of them will trample in dog shit.  What would Terry Fox say?

Disclaimer: I have nothing against dogs and no dogs were hurt in the process of this post.  I understand that not all dog owners are irresponsible and you know who you are because you always choose to do the right thing for the greater good of parks and humanity.  Peace Out.