We’ve recently moved
into a new apartment complex
that really is much like a
resort. We don’t have
to maintain the lawn, handle
any maintenance problems,
or deal with unruly neighbors.
We can use the pool without
having to clean and maintain
it, we can work out in a gym
without the added monthly
expense, we can play pool
without going
to a bar, and we can enjoy
many sports such as racquetball,
tennis, volleyball, and basketball.
So why with all this “luxury”
surrounding us would I already
be in a tiff? Dogs! That’s
why. Many of the renters own
dogs and instead of taking
them for a walk on the “pet
walks” which were meant
for their feces. These pet
owners think its okay to walk
their pets around the apartment
complex, let them do their
“business,” and
then walk away without cleaning
it up!
I’ve learned that not
cleaning up after their dogs
is a HUGE pet peeve of mine.
First, I consider it rude
to let your dog use the bathroom
on someone else’s property.
Okay, so we don’t own
the lawn in front of our apartment,
but we sure do pay a lease
for it as well as the public
areas! Second, I think it
is inconsiderate and shows
a lack of respect for others.
Third, I think it makes the
property look bad.
I can’t tell you how
many times I’ve wanted
to go up to a dog owner as
the dog is doing his/her business
and give the owner a piece
of my mind. But instead, I
bite my tongue and say to
myself, “As long as
they aren’t doing it
on my property I have no right
to say anything. I just hope
if they do it on my property
I find the right words to
say without letting all my
frustration out on one person.”
I’ve even considered
going up to management and
making a fuss, but what can
they do? They can’t
“police” every
pet owner as they leave the
house. There are signs posted
through out the complex, they’ve
mentioned this area of concern
in the monthly newsletter,
and it’s in the apartment
rental contract.
If you’re a pet owner
who lets your pet “do
business” on someone
else’s property, think
about this:
How would you feel if you
woke up one morning and stepped
on something squishy as you
walked to your car? Doesn’t
sound bad? What if you looked
down to find that squishy
mess was actually a pile of
dog poop? Would you be angry,
irritated, or disgusted? Or
would you think it was okay
and just walk back in the
hose to change your shoes?
Now take that stop a step
further, what if your little
one was playing outside on
his/her front lawn and thought
that pile of dog poop was
mud and put it in his/her
mouth? Would you still be
okay with someone else letting
their pet “do business”
on your property?
Final Thought
Take the time to respect your
neighbor today. You just never
know when that respect will
come back to you ten-fold.
About the Author
Alyice Edrich is the author
of several work from home
e-books, and the editor-in-chief
of a national publication
for BUSY parents. Subscribe
to her free e-newsletter at
http://thedabblingmum.com/joinezine.htm
to win a free book!
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