FKF Scoops nearly 15 pounds of doggy doo

This morning, seven of Fur Kids Foundation volunteers took to Dalbey Memorial Park (fishing lake) in Gillette, Wyoming to Scoop the Poop. The determined group collected nearly 15 pounds of dog waste left behind, and received thanks from several community members enjoying the park with their dogs and families. This number is significantly lower than in 2015, when 85 pounds of dog droppings were collected from Dalbey and McManamen Parks - 60 pounds alone was collected from Dalbey that year. FKF hopes this decrease is from groups like us and Keep Gillette Beautiful getting the word out about the importance of scooping the poop!

Remember: Each park provides plastic bags to pick up your dog's waste, we ask that if you don't bring your own poo bags to please utilize those provided by the parks. If you walk your dog on public streets or let your dog roam your back yard, please remember to scoop the poop. You make the difference. 

Why is Fur Kids Foundation so down on dog poo left behind at parks? Not only is it the right thing to do—and there is no such thing as a poop fairy—dog waste left behind by dog owners on walks  poo-lutes! Here are three explanations:

1. Besides the unsightliness of dog waste on the ground, left behind dog poo poses a significant health hazard to people. The CDC confirms that pet waste can spread parasites including hookworms, ringworms, roundworms, tapeworms and Salmonella.
2. Left behind do poo also contributes to harmful bacteria to our lakes, streams and waterways. When it rains, dog waste left on the ground washes into storm drains, which then flows into nearby streams, lakes and waterways including Gillette’s favorite public fishing lake at Dalbey Memorial Park. Therefore, the runoff from neglected pet waste also creates health hazards for fish, ducks, etc.
3. Dog waste left behind on our trails can also spread parvovirus. Parvovirus, or parvo, is an extremely contagious viral disease that can be transmitted by any person, animal or object that comes in contact with an infected dog's FECES. That’s right, not picking up pet waste can also make Rover ill. Highly resistant, parvovirus can live in the environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors. It is common for an unvaccinated dog to contract parvovirus from parks where there are many dogs.​

And, one last point: It may be a dirty job, but dog owners have to do it. Scooping your pet's waste is not only neighborly and a way to help keep your pet healthy, it's also the law in the City of Gillette.