Why does'nt he just pick up?

[Aimee Santa Monica]

Our backyard has a big field that is used in warmer weather for playing volleyball, playing catch with my 3 children, and we have a swingset there too.  This would have been a wonderful place for my 2 pups to run and play in.

SInce we have 2 pups upstairs, i have been potty training them in our front yard, and been cleaning up after them. We have children & i make it a mission to get our lawn looking (smelling) clean! 

We now have a renter for our downstairs studio who moved in with his adult dog .  Since he has moved in, i have avoided taking my dogs to our back yard .   Week one: a pile of poop- not picked up.  Week 2:   more piles.   So me & my husband think, oh, he's gonna pick it up soon.  That does'nt happen. :(   A few weeks ago i watched my renter (through my kitchen window) as he let his dog off leash, run across the field, pass the nearby walking trail- poop.   He ran to get his dog, but did'nt pick up after it- or return to pick it up!  I watched mortified!     It all sank in.  He would never pick up after his dog, would he?   I am furious!      I have'nt confronted him about this, YET.   But a few days ago, i wrote a short note about how he should pick up ASAP because spring is here and i would like my kids to play in the backyard.   I can't believe how irresponsible this man is!  Does he think it's just going to dissappear in the soil?   I know he said he will be renting for 6 months- but i know i want him out if this continues!    I have not looked at the back yard yet since the note.   I will look tomorrow, and if it's not cleaned up, i will write another note.    I am thinking my husband may have taken the note away from where i taped it on his door.     Frustrated.   

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'll take one.  I use my hand and pick it up.  Well wrapped in bag, of course.  Poor Poopy Me!

That will be another discussion.  How do you clean up all your poop.  I'll work on the discussion with good pictures and post soon!  HA

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Oh geez first a coffee bug and now a poop scoop, you are so high maintenance!! LOL!!

[Adina P]

Yes do! Then I can post my video or Clark shoveling a dog turd again!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

UGH.

I just let the dogs out, Starlit pooped.   We had the pictures and me cleaning up and... I was set to go.  All so inspired to get this done because I could see a video of Clark!  How exciting is that??

Then......... I rush inside only to find out I had NO card in the camera.   Now I have to wait until another dog poops.  Geesh, I never thought I would be looking forward to this ( poop) today.

[Aimee Santa Monica]

Thanks for making my day brighter!  :)

I actually made my scooper with a handle (old broom) and plastic apple juice (gallon )cut to shape. Its still pretty sturdy, considering i did'nt use anything to attatch it, the wood just slid right in.  I will just give it to him to use.      I now actually PREFER picking it up with baggies- since i walk with dogs straight to the trail.  And so i'm reviving my front lawn.  :)

 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Hey, you could make cupcakes, decorate them with green coconut frosting and then put a squirt of chocolate frosting on top of that or maybe a mini tootsie roll...get it...grass and poop!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Call me crazy ( you won't be the first) but I think this is a really good idea!!   Use my first suggestions and then this one Nancie has added and it may just work.  It might also prevent a neighbor war ( one of the worst situations you can be in during you life--awful).     You may have meant it as a joke.   If this were done also, it might put some giggles into an uncomfortable situation.  He would get the idea and she would get her thoughts/wishes across to him!  Great problem solving  with good results. 

Some people just don't have culture.  Maybe it is one thing he has not learned--to be a responsible owner. Lessons learned do not always have to be harsh.   If he were to learn this lesson with humor odds are it would work better than ever!

Good luck

[Aimee Santa Monica]

Thanks for your advice!   Nancie advice cracked me up! :) 

My DH cleaned up the mess left behind yesterday thinking (in hopes) that the renter will see the cleaned area and take a hint to clean up.  Well, i just looked downstairs (from my balcony) and a new pile has arrived.   DH  pointed out that our renter is considerate to put his cigarette butts in a tin can outside. ??

Well, when i see him next (this afternoon) ill be nice & tell him to please clean up and hand him some baggies i had purchased for him.      

[Aimee Santa Monica]

Good one Nancie!  :)   You're awesome!  

[Aimee Santa Monica]

Oh,i love it!!!        :)    Thanks for making me feel better!     Yes, i want to make my point across, and we don't want any trouble- we want to keep our renter  ($) -  if he cleans up.   I will have to return the "revised"  lease agreement to him and make sure he is responsible.

[Aimee Santa Monica]

Against my DH's wishes, I finally had the talk with him today!

  I went downstairs, knocked on his door, and greeted him ( & ofcourse Lucky was all over me the whole time)  and i asked him if everything was ok for him here, if he needed anything to let me know, then i said  " ..you need to clean up after your dog. and  you're welcome to use my scooper anytime, or heres some baggies..."(as i hand him some baggies) he says, " sorry, sometimes i don't have the time to pick up .. " he starts to refuse the baggies i give him,saying he has some,  but i just set it down next to him, but before i leave i tell him nicely "if you need anything let me know".

I'm glad i did it.    

Later that afternoon, i walked  Storm toward the walking trail, and decided to pick up trash along the way by the side of the road  . (Hmmm, what inspired me?) I absolutely hate to see litter on my way to the walking trail every  morning in our neighborhood .  I think your first moments as you walk your dog outside sets the mood for the day.  

And right after doing that, my neighbor arrives home, (true story) waving to me, and shows me a huge decorated box, asking me, "would you like to donate to Japan?" -       I kindly oblige.

 

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

This is a wonderful Ending!   Great for all involved.

As for moods--you certainly set the mood for you, your family, the tenant, and dogs. A good mood and a clean yard.    I'm proud of you!  I truly am.