One last comment and I will lay this discussion to rest. I wrote the email when I first discovered the dog poop and I was very upset. Now I think it probably was a stray dog. I have to say the majority of dog walkers do pick up after their dogs but there are a few who don't - shortly after the first email one of my family members stepped in some poop getting out of his car. I'm sorry if I sounded like an ogre but step in some dog poop and see how you feel. As to Mr Rogers, we have lived in our house for almost 30 years and the reason we've stayed here is because of the great neighborhood and especially our wonderful neighbors. Please don't assume that we need to get out and get to know our neighbors or suggest that one of our neighbors did this when you don't know us. As to yelling at people the only yelling we do is to yell hi to people as they walk by- with their dogs. On Jun 30, 2013, at 2:01 PM, kelly flanagan dee <k.flanagan.dee@gmail.com> wrote:

Dear Neighbors -

I hate to jump in on these listserv waves of dog poop rants. I've lived in the neighborhood for 8 years and it seems like it's clockwork that every year or so we go through people complaining about dogs, dog poop, and dog owners. I feel that I have to chime in and agree with Wade though.

One thing I have always loved about Highland Park is how community centered it is, how neighbors look out for each other, and how dog friendly it is compared to other Pittsburgh neighborhoods. I understand and share frustration with those who are not responsible with their dogs, but I think it's a shame that it should take away from how safe and friendly our community is here. There are far more people who are responsible for their dogs than those who aren't and they shouldn't need to fear their neighbors screaming at them because someone else was not respectful. I have had people come out of their house yelling furiously at me while I pick up after my dog and one man several years ago who even threatened to go back in his house, get his gun and shoot both me and my dog!!

May I suggest that instead of getting on the listserv and complaining to the masses, which probably does not accomplish much for the common good, get out of your houses and chat with your neighbors. If your neighbors know you, they are more likely to look out for you, do the right thing and respect you and your property when it comes to walking their dog and the like. So many times I see people get on here and complain publicly about something their neighbor is doing instead of just walking next door and talking to them and having a relationship with them.

Seriously, take a cue from Mister Rogers folks. We'll all be better off.

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Wade Burtch <burtch@gmail.com> To: Karen Cadoff <kcadoff@yahoo.com> Cc: HighlandPark <neighborhood@highlandparkpa.com> Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 10:49:06 -0400 Subject: Re: [Highland Park] Courtesy when walking your dog I wonder if that could have been a stray dog? If not, how rude (on the part of the owner)!

I would like to make a point regarding dog walking courtesy.

1. It goes without saying that when your dog poops, clean it up. 2. If a stray dog poops in your yard, or if an inconsiderate owner fails to clean up after their dog, please do not take that out on the vast majority of owners who keep their dog within leash length from the sidewalk, and who always clean up after their dogs.

I lived on the Southside for years, and many neighbors were quite venomous toward dog owners. When I moved to HP, I found it to be much more neighborly. Neighbors and dog-walkers alike, let's make sure to keep HP neighborly by cleaning up after our dogs, AND by being tolerant toward considerate dog owners as they pass by our properties.

Wade -- REDISTRIBUTE ONLY WITH PERMISSION OF AUTHOR Delivered to: kcadoff@yahoo.com <https://mail.highlandparkpa.com/mailman/listinfo/neighborhood>