I live on a street where it must be mandatory to own a dog. I failed to read the decree and thus own no dog. One kind lady brings her giant horselike poodle to my frontyard to that little strip of land between the street and the sidewalk to allow the beast to pee. I am grateful that no larger loads are deposited, but still, I have been known to dart to my car barefoot so that means I'm wading through dog urine. Lovely.
I think of all the people in this neighborhood that routinely walk their dogs, dutifully carrying plastic bags to clean up any mess. Yesterday I drove past an apartment with a man sitting on the steps loosely holding the leash while the dog did his business. The look on the dog's face, yes there was in fact a look, was despair. Don't dogs want privacy? At least to be able to duck behind a tree away from the eyes of the world?
Having owned a dog, I understand the need for one to get outside. We had the good fortune of having a fenced yard so routine walks morning, noon and night weren't necessary. Just open the door and let him run. He chose a secluded spot behind the garage to attend to his needs and then came prancing back to the door to come in. If he had an extra burst of energy he would run around the yard, dig holes and flip the motorcycle-tire-chew-toy around a few times. On days like today with a gentle rain he would stand in the kitchen trying to will his bladder into submission, doing the pee pee dance, to avoid going in the rain. Yes an eighty pound pit bull was scared of getting wet.
So I wonder on today's walk, why can't dogs be box trained like cats? Has anyone tried it? With a huge dog like my pit bull that may not be all that savory of an idea, but what about those miniature teacup sized beasts? The ones smaller than a guinea pig? Surely they would revel in the idea of not having to wait for mom or dad to return home? They have a house large enough to expend their energy so the only reason to take one on a walk is something that could be resolved with a plastic tub and cat litter. Right?
Yes, I solve all of the world's problems on my walks. You can thank me now.
