Snowing cats and dogs

You ever notice how fresh snow seems to alleviate the responsibility to pick up dog poop for some dog owners? What is that all about? It's like that Simpson's episode where Bart buries the molten Christmas tree in the front yard's snow. Do people think the poop will biodegrade before the next thaw? Or is it more of the "you can't see it, I didn't do it" mentality? Anyway, if you are going to commit to taking care of an animal for its life, be prepared to pick up poop. For 10-15 years. Every day. At least a couple of times. Dammit.

If picking up poop is a problem for the would be pet owner, might I suggest getting an animal that excretes less? How about a snake? Hey, you only have to feed a snake once a week, and they poop just about as frequently. Or maybe picking up poop isn't the problem, its having to get dressed, go outside, remember to bring a bag, tying it up and throwing it away that is a problem. Then why not get a cat? They go indoors in a box. Easy to train, too. Cats are neat animals. Or maybe one of those digital pets are your answer. Better yet, go visit friends with pets when you want to play with a dog. No one I know has ever begrudged you for wanting to spend time with their pets. Like a childless kid lover willing to babysit the twins, it is most often a welcome treat. Best part, the commitment lasts no more than a few hours.

I've never had a problem picking up after the dog. For me it has always been more of a hassle to be home every 8-10 hours to let the dog out. Nothing kills impromptu drinks after work more than dogs. Well, maybe kids. But in my experience once people start having kids they can't stop talking about them, even bringing their childspeak into their adult conversations. This usually turns off the childless among them enough to stop asking the new parent to join them for drinks after work in the first place. There is something about having a conversation about Wow Wow Wubbzy that makes happy hour less exciting. But this self-filtration out of the after-work bar scene doesn't happen to dog owners. Unlike having a child, humans don't have this genetic impulse to change their ways once they get a dog. They don't seem to have any change at all. Except maybe for a naturally higher tolerance for looking at poop. No wonder dog ownership makes such a great gateway into parenthood. Ah, but I digress...