There are a number of problems with the pet waste we call dog poop.
The first and most obvious is that it stinks. It also gets stuck to your shoes and is hard to clean. If it goes unnoticed, it can get in your carpet or on your clothes. It is messy and no fun to be around.
Worst, it contaminates Chesapeake Bay.
Many kids go swimming in the Chesapeake Bay, and most of us don’t want pet waste in the water we’re swimming in.
If you haven’t been swimming in the Bay, why should you care? Because fish, crabs and oysters that come from the Bay thrive off of the cleanliness of the water system. What’s more, you eat them.
Tons of kids use Chesapeake Bay every day for more than swimming. How about walks on the beach or boat rides?
When it rains, pet droppings can wash down the road into drainage pipes or storm drains. These pipes lead directly to the Bay where, scientists tell us, “non-human waste represents a
significant source of bacterial contamination.”
Hands-On and -Off Solutions
So what can you do to keep the Bay clean from dog waste? When you go for a walk with your dog, take a plastic bag along. When your dog goes, you put your hand inside the bag, using it as a glove to pick up poop. (Yes, it’s gross, but you love your dog and your Bay.)
Turn the bag inside out when you’re through. Then you can deposit it in the first trash can you see or flush the contents down the toilet when you get home.
A plastic device called a pooper-scooper works for hands-off poop pick-up.
Nowadays, many public parks provide baggies or disposal units for cleaning up after your dog.
Or you could take a lesson from cats. The Center for Watershed Protection suggests
digging a small trench for the waste. Cover with leaves, grass and dirt.
Charles Lynch took his dog Gunther, a collie mix, to dog-friendly Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis because, he says, “My neighborhood is not dog friendly. I carry a plastic bag but it doesn’t matter. They don’t like my dog walking in my neighborhood.”
Kiran Pederson with Buffy and Chewy with other dogs in the background at South River Lookout, Quiet Waters Park.
Kids’ Stuff
Thursday, August 1
Get Railroaded
Enjoy poems, songs, stories and games celebrating the early railroads of Chesapeake Beach. Ages 6-9. 10-11:15am @ Chesapeake Beach Railway Museum, Free; 410/257-3892.
Thursday, August 1-3
Crazy for Carnivals
Don’t miss the last days of this year’s Glen Burnie carnival, full of rides, games and fun for the whole family. Thursday is the last day to ride all night for only $12. 7pm @ GBIA Carnival Grounds, Glen Burnie; 410/766-6760.
Friday, August 2
He’s a Dummy
It’s ventriloquism at its best. Ty-Rone has everyone laughing at his creative cast of characters. 11am @ Stanton Center Summer Camp, 2pm @ Robinwood Community Center, Annapolis; 410/268-8553 x2.
Saturday, August 3
It’s Speedy the Turtle
Think you have the fastest turtle? Enter it in the 4th annual Turtle Derby. Win triumph and trophies for your speedy box and water turtles. $2. 10am @ Kinder Farm Park, Millersville: Rsvp; 410/222-6115.
Wednesday, August 7
Model a Boat
Today is the deadline to register for the Naval Academy’s Model Sailboat Regatta, where you can build a sailboat from a kit then watch it take sail in a tank. Ages 8-12. $20 @ the Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis; 410/293-3363.
A Yucky Problem