On this Earth Day, Angel Chuck Billy would want me to remind you that one gram of dog waste contains more than 23 million units of fecal bacteria that are harmful to humans and other animals. This issue goes beyond causing gastrointestinal problems. In fact the EPA has found that just two to three days of waste from 100 dogs can contribute enough bacteria, nitrogen and phosphorous to close 20 miles of a bay-watershed to swimming and shellfishing. But this can be avoided if you pick up the poop and dispose of it properly.
Chuck Billy would also want me to tell you that without realizing it you may be introducing a disease that the wildlife isn’t immune to and could make them sick. Also some animals are highly sensitive to dog waste, and if they smell it will leave the area and not return. Humans are also very sensitive to it, and will want all dogs to leave the area if they find it along a trail or beach. In fact, not cleaning up after pets is the top reason why dogs are banned from enjoying trails and beaches. Therefore it is nonnegotiable. Always Pick Up The Poop!
However, I am NOT Chuck Billy. So instead, I present to you my easy to remember song, set to the tune of Kiss’ 1983 classic, “Lick It Up.” Because we all know it is far easier to remember important things when set to a tune.
Don’t wanna wait ’til this hike is over
Let’s just be glad that they welcomed Rover
Hiking’s a treat, please don’t go and waste it
There ain’t a reason on Earth to leave it
It is a crime to leave poop on the trail!
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Just do it right now)
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Bark yeah)
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Come on, Rover)
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Ruh Roh)
Don’t need to wait for an invitation
You gotta do it even on vacation
It keeps the trails open and dog friendly
Pick it up, Pick it up
It helps to be environmentally friendly
It is a crime to leave poop on the trail!
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Just do it right now)
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Bark yeah)
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Come on, Rover)
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Ruh Roh)
Just do it right now (Just do it right now)
Woof yeah (woof yeah) woof yeah (woof yeah), Bark! Bark!
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Just do it right now)
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Bark yeah)
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Come on, Rover)
Pick it up, Pick it up, woof, woof, woof (Arrrooooo!)
