Comments on: Dog Poop

By: Sonoma County DUI Lawyer

Sonoma County DUI Lawyer — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:41:31 +0000

I was in Target one time and saw something similar. I couldn’t believe it! The dog was tiny little thing, but what astonished me more was that the owner just look, shrugged her shoulders and said “I’ll let someone know”…unbelievable.

By: Scoopguy

Scoopguy — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 18:38:57 +0000

That is funny. I get random calls all the time to scoop poop. If I got this one…It would be a first. Hilarious.

By: WCMom's Mom

WCMom's Mom — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 20:07:03 +0000

I remember reading a story long ago about a photographer traveling around the country looking for photo-ops. He saw a man sitting in a chair on his front porch and reaching down the steps to his garden with a long hoe. “Ah,” he thought, “the perfect opportunity to show one man’s incredible laziness. He can’t even be bothered to get up to work in the garden.” The photographer took a few steps to the side to better angle the photo, and as he looked into the lens, saw a completely different perspective. The man on the porch was sitting in a wheelchair, striving to keep his garden weed-free in spite of his disability. Instead of laziness, the photographer saw courage and determination.

We all need to step back, take a second look and realize that jumping to conclusions before we know the whole story isn’t fair. Instead of getting angry at a crying kid, realize the mom is probably at her wits’ end and embarassed to boot. She needs our sympathy, not a lecture on how to discipline her kid (or someone who would dare to admimister discipline in her stead.) A dog (or a toddler) pooping in the aisles? Offer to get some cleanup supplies so the owner/parent can stay to comfort the accident maker and warn others to avoid the mess.

I know I’ve been in situations that were horribly embarrassing, and where harsh words made it that much worse. But an offer of help, even if it was only in the form of a kind word, was all I needed to realize that I wasn’t alone.

By: Str4y

Str4y — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:46:18 +0000

Massively harsh on the puppy fau paux. Mouths are not intended to hold feet and so they fit rather uncomfortably.

Regarding the rest…just wanted to contribute my $.02…

What even the most well-meaning busybody seems not to realize or to forget (along with ‘butt out’) is that everybody is different — different ideals, different personalities. This is true for parents and children alike. What works for one family doesn’t necessarily work for another…I, for example, always folded under a ‘mom stare’ and a good dose of guilt. I was helpless before it. But a friend of mine in high school had a SERIOUS temper problem (something she still struggles with to this day) and as a teen she got into some VERY serious arguments with her family and with a few friends of the family. The tactics that worked on me wouldn’t have worked on her. Some kids are serious and need to be taken seriously. Some are drama queens that need to be given the time to swoon and cry and rail against the cruelty of the world and get over it. Some parents spank, some don’t believe in it — and they will probably each swear up and down that the other is disciplining their children incorrectly–but they are each doing what works for them…and sometimes they will choose wrong or get upset or not know how to deal with a situation, because, like everything in life, being a parent is a learning process…and you can look on and think ‘well, I would have handled that much better’ all you want…and if that parent sees the wisdom in your eyes and prostrates him or herself on the floor in front of you and asks what to do, feel free to share that wisdom. But if they don’t, SHUT THE HECK UP and let them figure it out themselves.

By: cissy

cissy — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 15:14:18 +0000

I use a service dog and had a similar incident happen in a WalMart. My dog started taking medication and I didn’t know it would make her sick. I was mortified.My husband got some paper towels and disinfectant. We cleaned it up.No one yelled at us. The employees basically ignored us. When I got home I called the manager to thank her for handling the situation so graciously. She said, “Don’t worry. I’ve had people throw up, kids lose poop from their diapers, and yesterday while I was walking my own dog, he lifted his leg and peed on a complete stranger’s leg.
You have no idea how grateful service dog users are for this kind of understanding. I have no kids but assume parents feel the same way when their kids do something that embarrasses them. So thanks again for your understanding and ability to be compassionate.

By: shawn

shawn — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 04:36:16 +0000

I love how you can draw insight from what was an awkward and uncomfortable situation and turn it into a humorous story then somehow segue into parenting and scrutiny…. Nice to see so many comments on one entry! Opinions are funny we all have them – we all pass judgment too – without even thinking about it. I am as guilty as the rest of “jumping to conclusions” or voicing my opinion… almost to a fault. Too many times have I spouted off before getting all the facts straight or looking at a situation from a different angle only to be left in that awkward uncomfortable place wiping egg off my face…. Unfortunately parenting doesn’t come with a user’s manual. Sure there are many resources available but, in the day to day grind we often find ourselves acting on instinct just like the dog — business had to be done…LOL!
Your blog reminded me of something I used to do virtually every day that made me feel good. I would try and do at least one good deed for someone without seeking recognition – opening a door for someone, letting someone merge without cussing at them…. The dog story reminds me of how easy it is to remain an observer of a situation rather than see what we may be able to do to help. Kudos for coming out from the candy aisle and avoiding a slip…. that would have been disastrous!
I enjoy how you can take a moment to reflect on an event and see how it could be used as a learning experience or, better yet, a blog about parenting….. Fricken genius I’d say. Much of parenting is about consistency. This includes reward and discipline. Each parent has their own right to discipline in their own way, and yes, unfortunately there are far too many kids out there whose parents aren’t responsible and let there kids do whatever. I shudder to think where the world will be with so many spoiled brats running rampant. I have to watch myself too and tow the line when I evoke punishment… Oh the joys of parenting…. NO MORE VIDEO GAMES! What a better world we would have without them!

By: unnamed

unnamed — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 03:06:14 +0000

That poor dog !!!

By: WineCountry.Mom

WineCountry.Mom — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:37:22 +0000

Matt, I heard about that one! Seriously shocking. I know of several mothers who would have unleashed some serious fury on him if he touched their child like that, this one included.

By: Matt the Bat

Matt the Bat — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:58:03 +0000

Hey, poop happens Kudos to you for the strength of your self-reflection. What this situation reminded me of is the dude out in (Georgia?) who felt it was his bystander’s civic duty to “shut up” a woman’s crying toddler by slapping her silly. Still no word on his fate. Bottom line; people always think they know. But they. Just. Don’t. Know.

By: WineCountry.Mom

WineCountry.Mom — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 23:34:25 +0000

Dan, I want to comment on your insight, but all I will say is that you are very lucky to have a marriage where there seems to be utter harmony 100% of the time, along with perfectly behaved children who cause you no stress. I’m happy for you.

Gr8nsmall, you make a good point. The noble thing would have been to help the poor guy out. Unfortunately I had stuck my foot so far into my mouth that all I could do was run away like a coward. I am pleased to report, however, that the Target staff was on it, and were more than willing to help a guy out with his mess. Kudos to the Santa Rosa Target team for going above what their training manuals told them they’d have to deal with. You guys rock!

Now, back to the actual point of this entry……