The Dog Poop Sign in Waterford

I was out taking a walk in my neighborhood when I noticed this sign on someone's lawn. Check it out and see what you think:

I'm going to assume this sign was the "last straw" from a person trying to keep their lawn clear of dog poop, right?

It reads:

"Don't be rude! Please keep YOUR DOG from pooping in my yard!! If you must insist then pick it up yourself!!!! Tired of stepping in it. I have dogs...but I clean up after them".

What would you do? We have plenty of dogs in our neighborhood and (for the most part) people clean up after them when they go out for a walk. But this feels like a squabble between neighbors that went public.

Now if you REALLY want to find out who's dog is pooping on your yard - there's something you can do...just like they're trying in Europe.

Several towns and cities in France, Spain, and the U.K. are using DNA testing to track down irresponsible pet owners.

They have programs that require pet owners to have their dogs' genetics registered and logged in a database that can be accessed by the authorities for several reasons . . . including tracking poo that's left out in public. People can then collect poo in the streets, and send it to the police for DNA analysis.  (Which is somehow both absurd and awesome.)

If you get caught, you could be issued a fine for around $135.

So how do they stop people from NOT having their dogs swabbed?  If you're out in public with your pet, you are required to carry proof that your dog is registered, and if you get caught without it, you could be fined around $40.

Is this practical? Probably not. But I wonder if some "fancy" neighborhood would try it?

I hope the folks here in Waterford sort out their differences over dog poop. Maybe it's their "doody" (see what I did there?)

There's something truly special about having a close relationship with your pet. They say a dog is "man's best friend," and it's totally accurate. I have friends and family who truly feel like their pets are a member of the family. Pets will be there for you through thick and thin. Pets are also know for being loyal, which can be a really good feeling in this world. So, what are the most popular dogs right now?

Danspetcare.com has a great article out that names the most popular dogs in the world right now. In it, they describe that special relationship that one has with their pet. "From hunting to sled-pulling to herding and protection, dogs have helped us survive and thrive in countless ways," they explain. "One of the most important roles dogs play in our lives is companionship."

So, what do you do if you're in the market for a new dog? Danspetcare.com has some good advice on how to pick the right breed. They explain that finding the right breed is a big part of that decision. So, ask yourself, do you want a delicate breed or a more meaty, masculine breed? Also, what's the purpose of you wanting a pet? Do you want a pet for protection, or are you looking for a small buddy for some companionship?

Either way, when you're in the market for a new pet, make sure to have lots of questions and ask the right people before settling on your little guy or gal. I remember one of my friends buying the cutest little puppy ever only to see it grow into a huge dog that was almost too big for her apartment. She loved him, but it was quite a surprise. Read on to discover the most popular dogs right now and some more stats. Find more via Danspetcare.com here

According to Danspetcare.com, the most popular dog in the world is the Labrador Retriever. "They’re often used to provide comfort and reassurance for anxious humans," the study says. So true. No. 2 are Golden Retrievers and No. 3 are German Shepherds. Find more via Danspetcare.com here.

Dogpackapp.com has an article out about the most popular dog breeds right now. No. 1 on the list is the French bulldog. Those dogs are adorable, right? No. 2 is the Labrador Retriever and No. 3 is the Golden Retriever. Very popular, of course. Find the full list here.

What about the most common dogs? According to A-z-animals.com, No. 1, again are Labrador Retrievers, followed by Bulldogs and Rottweiler. The German Shepherd and Dachshund round out the top five. Find the full list here.

What if you want a small pup? The smallest dog breed, according to Forbes.com is the Pomeranian at 3-7 pounds. So cute. It's followed by the Toy Poodle and Toy Fox Terrier. Find the full list here.

What if you want a really big dog? According to Forbes.com, the largest dog breed is the Mastiff at 120-230 pounds. It's followed by the Boerboel and Tosa Inu. Find the full list here.