There's no place so isolated that you can be sure dog poop would not put some animal at risk of catching something from your dog, or some person or animal at risk of stepping in the mess. Picking up is just part of having a dog. If everyone would do it, there would be far fewer objections to dogs living and traveling in human communities.
Be proud to be seen picking up dog poop. It may seem silly at first, but people who see you do this will know any mess left behind is NOT from your dog. Picking up shows pride in your community, in yourself, and in your dog. You set a great example for others, and you help create a brighter future for dogs and their people.
Scoop It, Please!
Picking up after your dog helps protect
our region’s health and water quality.
Dog waste gets in the water….so what?
The top pollutant in SC waterways is fecal coliform bacteria.
These contaminants cause roundworm or hookworm infections, Giardia, and Salmonella.
Dog waste is a primary source (nearly 30%) for coliform bacteria, viruses, and internal parasites.
While much water pollution comes from specific outlets like industry, development, and landfills, dog waste is a source YOU can help control.
The bacteria in one day’s waste from one large dog could possibly close 15 acres of shellfish beds depending on proximity.
Doggie DO’s:
Pick up after your dog every time.
Carry bags with you and tie them shut when used and throw them into a trash receptacle.
IF you use flushable or no bags, dog waste can go in the toilet.
Doggie DON’Ts:
Use dog waste as fertilizer or in compost. It can burn or discolor the grass, and compost does not heat up enough to kill any pathogens.
For more information on healthy waters, visit ... http://coastalconservationleague.org/nonpoint-source-pollution/
When left behind, dog waste does not just disintegrate. It runs into our waterways during rainstorms and erosion - the equivalent to dumping raw sewage into our water system.
Have you seen this girl in your garden? She's a banana spider, aka nephila clavipes. This is a photo I took last fall of "Goldie". She lived in our yard all summer and fall of 2008 and she died on Dec. 22nd. When her food supply started diminishing we fed her crickets from Petsmart. She was great fun to watch. She laid a huge egg sac and I believe we have her offsprings this summer of 2009.
They're completely harmless and are beneficial to our gardens. Click here to learn more about these beautiful creatures.
