There are a couple of things I would like to say; they are somewhat related.   #1:  Please take care to dispose of/store your trash properly.  Don't put it out earlier than we're supposed to, rinse out recyclable containers, etc.   #2:  Please make sure your dog(s) are controlled, and not running around the neighborhood loose.   Loose dogs go into/onto other's property and do their business, (I've cleaned up their stuff from both my front and back yards quite a few times) get into garbage that is not properly stored, and are in danger of getting hit by cars and/or kidnapped, not to mention run-ins with children and other animals.   #3:  There ARE rats in the Highland Park area.  They not only get into garbage that is not properly stored, but pose a hazard to everyone, especially children and loose pets.   On Mellon alone, there are 3 families with dogs that run loose.  All of the dogs are sweet, and--having just lost my dog to liver cancer--it would really upset me to find one of them dead or injured from one of the many cars that speed up Mellon on the way to the bridge.   Thanks for hearing me out.   E. Barnhill