Slog

News & Arts

The Stranger Suggests

Critics' Best Bets
Music Arts & Food


Line Out

Music & the City
at Night

Monday, July 27, 2009

Passive-Aggressive Note?

Posted by on Mon, Jul 27, 2009 at 4:41 PM

dogpissnote.jpg

...or just aggressive-aggressive?

 

Comments (122) RSS

Oldest First Unregistered On Registered On Add a comment
1
Just plain old aggressive. Not as aggressive as spring-loaded traps would be, but pretty aggressive short of that.
Posted by Judah http://www.suoxi.net on July 27, 2009 at 4:43 PM
2
Neither. Assertive.
Posted by pox on July 27, 2009 at 4:45 PM
sepiolida 3
well, no actual threats, but far too wordy.
Posted by sepiolida on July 27, 2009 at 4:50 PM
4
If they know who they are (I am watching you) then they should confront them and ask them to stop letting poochie go peepee on their plants. Otherwise, I say it qualifies for passive-aggressive with a hard edge of craziness.
Posted by CommonKnowledge on July 27, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Fnarf 5
Hey, dog owner: would it be cool if I came into your house and took a shit on your living room carpet if I cleaned it up afterwards?
Posted by Fnarf http://www.facebook.com/fnarf on July 27, 2009 at 4:52 PM
6
People let their dogs pee in our yard all the time and it drives me nuts. I'm always polite, but as soon as I go outside they yank the dog away before I have to say a single word.
Posted by Nic in Greenlake on July 27, 2009 at 4:52 PM
slaggy 7
#4 - You are completely right. The "I am watching you" portion of the note just cements the fact.
Posted by slaggy http://www.videowatchdog.com on July 27, 2009 at 4:53 PM
General Jack Ripper 8
In eastern WA you can shoot that dog if its off leash and you have chickens...... just saying......
Posted by General Jack Ripper on July 27, 2009 at 4:56 PM
9
Not a whisper of "passive" to any of this. If we must have public notes, this is how they should be written.
Posted by oneway on July 27, 2009 at 4:59 PM
jayk 10
Where, exactly, are the dogs supposed to piss, if not on the grass? On the cement? Or are dogs not even supposed to relieve themselves on walks anymore? I can understand getting annoyed if irresponsible people do not clean up their dog's shit, but there's really no way to a.) clean up dog piss, or b.) stop a dog from pissing on a walk.
Posted by jayk on July 27, 2009 at 5:02 PM
11
Just put up a two foot fence. It looks better than that stupid sign.
Posted by not_too_creative on July 27, 2009 at 5:07 PM
kim in portland 12
That sign is way to wordy.
Posted by kim in portland http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2010/11/fast-paced_video_provides_a_fu.html on July 27, 2009 at 5:07 PM
13
Made me think of: http://www.unnecessaryquotes.com/
Posted by Clifton on July 27, 2009 at 5:10 PM
14
It might be passive-aggressive to put up a sign rather than walking out and talking to the person (or maybe they have a mean dog), but it's definitely passive-aggressive to put no thought into organizing the information on the sign. Bad design is passive-aggressive because it clouds the message.

It's not like the sign is helping their "plant+grass" look better either.
Posted by Strath http://pacific-standard.blogspot.com on July 27, 2009 at 5:14 PM
15
I remember when my friend's dad got sick of kids stealing his lawn signs so he duck-taped razor blade underneath the signs...

They never stole signs again.
Posted by arggggh on July 27, 2009 at 5:14 PM
16
Suggestion: tit for tat - collect your own urine and go dump it on their doormats.
Posted by Leap in Time Saves Nine on July 27, 2009 at 5:16 PM
jimmy 17
I've seen those little signs that have a 'ban' symbol overlaying a pooping pooch. That would look better that this sign.
Posted by jimmy http://www.mybigfatlazyblog.blogspot.com on July 27, 2009 at 5:16 PM
18
And meanwhile New Yorkers send the same message with the concise: Curb your dog.

#11 is correct. Build a low fence if it bothers you that much. Jesus.
Posted by keshmeshi on July 27, 2009 at 5:17 PM
19
I can understand being pissed off at someone who doesn't pick up after their dogs when it shits (pisses me off too), but dog piss? Come on, this person is just a fucking anal-retentive asshole. What do you expect the person to do, carry a sponge with them when the walk somewhere with their dog? Give me a fucking break.
Posted by Senor Guy on July 27, 2009 at 5:17 PM
20
Thank you Fnarf. @#10: Let your dog piss on *your* grass. It's this simple: my property is not your pets' toilet.
Posted by tongueholder on July 27, 2009 at 5:19 PM
21
@ 10, no, but feel free to shit on my lawn till the grass tickles your shriveled gray balls ;)
Posted by whomever whilst have me on July 27, 2009 at 5:25 PM
22
hey dipshit @ 10. They're supposed to piss on their own property or someplace else that isnt private property. You're prolly one of "those" irresponsible dog owners (ya know the ones that think the world should love their dog because you do)that goes to restaurants with their dog stinking to holy hell and then lets em jump on everyone, or stick their nose in other peoples crotch... "he's just sayin hello"...plz tell me you dont have kids.
Posted by drone5969 on July 27, 2009 at 5:28 PM
treacle 23
Where did he hide the flamethrower?
Posted by treacle on July 27, 2009 at 5:28 PM
24
Is this on CapHill? I pissed in a few peoples' yards walking home from Block Party this weekend. My bad.
Posted by tacosaladday on July 27, 2009 at 5:28 PM
kresblamania 25
So the dog is in charge? The dog urinates where and when it wants? Someone else's yard is "the grass?" So many questions. Dog owners clarify please!
Posted by kresblamania http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LiI9Uc1uVtc on July 27, 2009 at 5:29 PM
26
@22
...please tell me that you will kill yourself....
Posted by Senor Guy on July 27, 2009 at 5:31 PM
RatGirl 27
I can only hope this sign will be streaked with dog piss by morning.
Posted by RatGirl on July 27, 2009 at 5:32 PM
Bill W. 28
Hardly think this is passive aggresive since you never get a chance to confront this people face to face. I had a neighbor that would walk their dog every day and have it poop in the public green belt right in front of our house where we park our car. Not in front of their house or the house next to them (that was owned by people they were friendly with) but in front of our house. When they saw we were watching them they would quickly move along. But everyday and they think we did not know. Unfortunately, we moved before my partner had a chance to confront them. Probably fortunately for them though.
Posted by Bill W. http://www.seattlegayscene.com on July 27, 2009 at 5:36 PM
29
What I really hate is Hobo pee.
Posted by ewww that smell on July 27, 2009 at 5:36 PM
30
@ 26 why? because I hate irresponsible dog owners who dont understand that SOME people take pride in their yard and spend a lot of money to make it look just right and dont appreciate 'center of the universe' dog owners ruining it on their daily toilet rounds? Sorry dud, you're gonna have to find another way to get off.
Posted by drone5969 on July 27, 2009 at 5:37 PM
31
I live in an apartment in SF, without a yard, and dogs always used to piss near the front door. Because the building is about 100 years old and nothing is 'sealed' I could always smell the dog piss in my apt.

I finally spread cayenne pepper around the outside door for a few weeks and now no piss.

And then there was the time when I was wiping down my just washed car and some idiot lets his leashed dog piss on the rims. I hosed down the dog's owner - it wasn't the dog's fault. He got pissed but he finally moved on.

Dogs are way cool - if reincarnation exists I want to come back as one. Probably won't happen because I'd spend all day licking my balls which is not good - a dog's got to eat and sleep some of the time.

But too many dog owners are dicks.
Posted by Gary SF on July 27, 2009 at 5:37 PM
JunieGirl 32
@22, when you walk a dog, the activity gets their system revving and they have to go, even if they went right before you left the house. And if you're walking a male dog, they do additional leg lifts for scent-marking purposes.

Responsible pet owners should never let their pets up into the actual front yard as they are walking, but it is impossible to control the dog's bodily functions. Are you supposed to grab the dog and run home as soon as you notice them sniffing?

A compromise is to limit activity to the ease-way section of a yard...less "personal property"-ish than the yard proper. And, of course, solid waste is to be completely removed.

@19-I carry a bottle of water with me, and dilute any pee-spots my dog leaves as we walk along, since diluting it does help keep it from damaging the grass. I don't want the neighbors mad at me, but walking is good for me and my dog, and I don't want to give that up, either, so it's a compromise I can deal with.
Posted by JunieGirl on July 27, 2009 at 5:39 PM
33
@26
No, you just seem to hate for the sake of hating. Or a least hating everything and everyone outside of your "center of the universe" front yard. Glad I don't live next door to you.
Posted by Senor Guy on July 27, 2009 at 5:41 PM
34
@10: Jay K wrote: "Where, exactly, are the dogs supposed to piss, if not on the grass? On the cement? Or are dogs not even supposed to relieve themselves on walks anymore? I can understand getting annoyed if irresponsible people do not clean up their dog's shit, but there's really no way to a.) clean up dog piss, or b.) stop a dog from pissing on a walk."

Good question, Jay. I really enjoy dogs, but I don't know how I could own one in the city without having it shit and piss on other people's property or keeping it locked up on my own property at all times (and my property is shared, so I can't do that without invading on my neighbors a bit). Can you really convince a dog to only relieve itself on your own property?

Dog owners: How do you expect to own a dog without shoving the dirtiest part of it off on other people? Do you really believe that those of us who do not own dogs are happy to have your dogs' shit smeared in our grass (assuming you pick up as much as you can, which most of you do) all the time? Really -- I don't walk through the planting strip next to my home because at least a dozen people shit their dogs there daily (picking up the bulk of it but always leaving behind a smear; they're not rinsing it off afterward) and that means that sooner or later I'm going to track a bit of dog shit into my house if I walk across my grass. It's a relatively minor inconvenience, but do you really think it's cool for me to be even slightly inconvenienced because you'd prefer to let your dog shit wherever it feels like shitting than to ensure that it only shits in areas where it only affects you?
Posted by Phil M http://twitter.com/pmocek on July 27, 2009 at 5:44 PM
35
I sympathize with him. But I think the sign looks worse than the damage to his landscaping.
Posted by Paul F on July 27, 2009 at 5:45 PM
David K 36
@29 -- you said it bro!
Posted by David K http://www.luriddigs.com on July 27, 2009 at 5:51 PM
Carollani 37
I love the, "You know who you are..." part. It seems voyeuristic in a way. They're watching you... watch your dog pee on their yard.
Posted by Carollani http://twitter.com/carollani on July 27, 2009 at 5:54 PM
38
Do you really believe that those of us who do not own dogs are happy to have your dogs' shit smeared in our grass (assuming you pick up as much as you can, which most of you do) all the time?


There are countries where no one cleans up after their dog. Would you rather live there?

Even keeping it on the planting strip isn't good enough for you?

Since you obviously don't own a dog, let me clue you in on something. It is impossible to get a dog to stop shitting once it's started. The only thing a dog owner can do is to try to curb the dog or at least keep it on the curbside planting strip. Be thankful to live in a city where most people are conscientious and clean up after their pets.
Posted by keshmeshi on July 27, 2009 at 5:54 PM
jayk 39
If you don't want dog piss on your yard, then by all means put up a sign (or some sort of fence, as was suggested earlier). If you want to put up a tacky sign that also calls into question your mental stability -- as this property owner chose to do -- then that is also well within your rights. It's true that ideally a dog would piss on the parkway (the space between the sidewalk and the street, which is owned by the city) or in a public park, but this does not always happen and is in fact a rather silly request.

@22: I don't own a dog, and I don't have kids. Sorry, try again.
Posted by jayk on July 27, 2009 at 5:54 PM
MythicFox 40
The sign's a bit overly wordy, but the "I am watching you" line is what fucks it up. The rest of it is a guy who's understandably angry at dogs he doesn't own screwing up his yard. But nobody's going to buy the "I am watching you" bit because if he's watching you, then what's the sign for?

That's the only part that's passive-aggressive, because it implies he's seeing people let their dogs go on his yard and putting up the sign instead of going out there and asking them not to.

The rest of the sign, while TL;DR, is perfectly reasonable.
Posted by MythicFox on July 27, 2009 at 5:55 PM
Roosevelt 41
Dogs don't belong in the city, really. Dogs need lots of room to run around, they are mostly wolves, after all. Get a cat. They will catch mice and other animals (vermin) you don't want. Or, get a ferret. They are super cool.
Posted by Roosevelt http://www.youtube.com/user/matthewcobrien?feature=mhum on July 27, 2009 at 5:59 PM
Balt-O-Matt 42
According to our neighbors, the previous owners of our home used to run screaming out of the house to yell at people who let their dogs pee on the tree lawn, that strip between the sidewalk and the street. That's just insane.

But I never let my dog pee on people's garden plants, and he's usually doing #1 on trees or the fire hydrant. #2 usually happens in the tree lawn, too. Too bad I don't live in your neighborhoods, right?

Oh, and I hate retractable leashes. Those things are of the devil.
Posted by Balt-O-Matt on July 27, 2009 at 6:00 PM
Kinkos 43
SLOG - all the first world problems that are fit to print
Posted by Kinkos on July 27, 2009 at 6:00 PM
44
How about cat pee?

I use to have a neighbor that had 2 cats that just loved to piss and shit in the bush around my house. Try doing yard work around that. I've never had an issue with dog pee but cat pee is some pretty nasty stuff. Also, there was a preschool across the street and the cats loved it when the sandbox was uncovered. But the worst was when the cats sprayed. Truly foul stuff.
Posted by Yard Pro on July 27, 2009 at 6:01 PM
allergictopizza 45
Man, reading Slog comments makes me hate Seattle, whilst living in Seattle makes me love Seattle.

Hey, fuckers who hate dogs...Are you going to put up signs to keep the birds from shitting on your lawn, too? What about rabbits? Or moles? Or worms? Or amoebas?

How about a sign preventing plants from shitting up our atmosphere with their poopy oxygen?

Dogs live in cities. People walk dogs. Dogs piss. You bitch on slog when people don't walk the dogs, you bitch on slog when the dog gets tied up outside a store, you bitch on slog when the dog comes in the fucking store, you bitch on slog when folks don't take care of the dogs and the dogs eat someone, you just bitch, bitch, bitch on slog.

My dog is nicer than you. And I would piss on that sign myself if my lady parts would allow it.

Fuck.
Posted by allergictopizza on July 27, 2009 at 6:09 PM
46
@33 yep thought so you're one of those ignant dog owners, thnks for the clarity....and dont be so sure you arent my neighbor.
@32 no Im not suggesting anything as absurd as running your dog home to piss, there are plenty of places to toilet your dog that dont interfere with other peoples property, and yes I also understand the need (basic instinct) for them to constantly hoist to 'leave a message' for the next dog. However the destruction of someones personal property, even if its just someones grass, (cheap and easy to replace), is wrong. Its an infringement on their time, place, and energy and you or your dog dont have the right to impune.
That being said, thank you for trying to do your part in minimizing the impact your dog has on others.
Posted by drone5969 on July 27, 2009 at 6:09 PM
47
I would much rather have a dog pee on my grass than have the idiots who tag mailboxes, fences, trees and just about anything else around my neighborhood.
Posted by Mr. Rogers on July 27, 2009 at 6:10 PM
48
@45

Good for you! I couldn't agree more.
Posted by Mr. Rogers on July 27, 2009 at 6:14 PM
49
They need to buy a bottle of dog repellent. You can spray it directly on plants, grass and cement, and just reapply after a heavy rain. It does work. Last year I couldn't figure out why some of my landscaping wasn't doing well until I saw someone from down the block letting his dogs piss all over it. I sprayed tons of that stuff all over and problem solved. I also went down the block very late one night after too many beers and quietly pissed all over his front door.
Posted by I'd eaten asparagus at dinner, too on July 27, 2009 at 6:20 PM
Sargon Bighorn 50
What is it that Ladies do sitting down, Men do standing up, and dogs do on three legs? Yup you're right...Shake hands.

Pee? Shocking! You Cretan you!
Posted by Sargon Bighorn on July 27, 2009 at 6:31 PM
51
I like the superfluous quotations marks. I also half expected there to be a broken-down car and a couch in the yard.
Posted by wickedlittledoll on July 27, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Kat 52
@45: I think I'm in love with your lady parts.
Posted by Kat http://www.utopiatenation.com/blog on July 27, 2009 at 6:39 PM
water meter 53
They're watching you... watch your dog pee on their yard.
Posted by water meter http://www.allwatermeter.com on July 27, 2009 at 6:40 PM
Matt from Denver 54
Yep - dog repellent or a small fence. And keep in mind that cities have never been cleaner than they are today, so count your blessings that dog pee is the worst thing you're dealing with.
Posted by Matt from Denver on July 27, 2009 at 6:44 PM
Damien 55
@45 - Bitching on SLOG about the bitching on SLOG, you bitchin' bitch ownin' bitch.
Posted by Damien on July 27, 2009 at 6:57 PM
mackro 56
DOGS DIE, YOU COME FROM THE FRYE APARTMENTS, YOU, THE SEATTLE POLICE, WORSHIP THE COMMUNIST DEVIL!
Posted by mackro http://mackro.blogspot.com on July 27, 2009 at 7:07 PM
Frau Blucher 57
I'm a pet-parent myself. But it's only 2 cats that never go outdoors. And inconsiderate pet owners do irritate me, so I can relate. As I understand it, it is due to the ph level of the dog's urine that causes damage to lawns and plants. For city dog owners, I read something on the internet that might help.

You can now buy a product called Dog Rocks which you put in the dog's water bowl. After a couple of weeks you should notice an improvement in the color of your lawn. The rocks alter the pH level of the urine to prevent the 'burn'.

If it truly works as they claim, then maybe property owners won't have anything to complain about.

Sorry, if this sounds like an advertisement. Just something I remember reading once.
Posted by Frau Blucher on July 27, 2009 at 7:09 PM
58
Agressive, but oh-so-satisfyingly honest and true, not to mention, it's more than fair, it's downright courteous.
Posted by a friend on July 27, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Frau Blucher 59
And, on another note.

There is nothing more satisfying then catching someone in the middle of trying to do something sneaky. I've managed to catch a couple of situations in the "act" and oh, is it ever so gratifying. The startled look on the culprit's face.

Hopefully this guy will get his opportunity.
Posted by Frau Blucher on July 27, 2009 at 7:19 PM
60
Jayk- A lot of the grassy areas near the curb ("parking strips") are not public property. The city of Seattle is encouraging residents to use those small bits of property for vegetable gardening, by eliminating fees for permits, and if I have a garden, I don't want dogs doing their business in it. I think private property owners have been rather generous in allowing this situation to go on as long as it has.

Keshmeshi, the solution to your problem with curbing your dog is this: Make it go on *your* grass, then take it out for some exercise. You might have to wait a while until it feels like going on your piece of grass... in which case, too bad, you made the choice to get a dog. If you don't have any grass of your own, then you shouldn't own a fucking dog.

In case anybody cares... http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/na…
Posted by tongueholder on July 27, 2009 at 7:34 PM
61
Uh, I don't know a ton of people in Seattle who are actually watering their lawns right now, in the height of this very dry summer, it's gotta cost a pretty penny.

Why even bother with all that extra work when it's all gonna get green again in a few months? Always take the lazy path, you'll be happier.
Posted by endless_complaining on July 27, 2009 at 7:40 PM
jayk 62
Point taken, tongueholder, and I read the article about the relaxation of permit requirements a couple days ago, but at the same time there is a world of difference between a garden and a patch of grass. What I mean is that I don't think you'll find anyone arguing that it's okay for someone to let their pet trample in a garden. And you also have to consider that if someone is using their parkway for gardening and such--and again, these strips are actually owned by the city (in the same way that the sidewalk in front of someone's house is not "their" sidewalk)--then the probability of any given dog pissing in their actual yard is likely to increase.
Posted by jayk on July 27, 2009 at 7:44 PM
amazonmidwife 63
Dog repellent? Cayenne pepper works just fine in our yard; and it keeps the squirrels out of the birdfood as well.
Posted by amazonmidwife http://amazonmidwife.linuxcolumbus.com on July 27, 2009 at 7:51 PM
64
what is with people who think that someone other than the dog owner should be training or curbing dogs? "build a fence or your lawn is obviously a toilet!"
does this also apply to you and your belongings? or just other people and theirs?
Posted by cranky on July 27, 2009 at 7:53 PM
65
The passove-aggressive people involved here are the dog owners. If they don't have a place for an animal to relieve itself, they shouldn't own animals. These people are either asocial or angry, terribly repressed and neurotic.
Posted by Ed Special on July 27, 2009 at 8:03 PM
66

Why all the chatter when simple high voltage electric fencing would do the trick?
Posted by zzzzzztttttt on July 27, 2009 at 8:04 PM
Simac 67
The reality is that dogs pee and poop when out on walks, and most dogs are imprinted to do so on grass. If you have plants and a yard that you don't want that happening in, and if dog walkers pass your house, then dogs may pee or poop on them. Responsible dog owners clean up the poop, and pee will filter into the soil with the next rain or use of a sprinkler.

Nothing in the whole world will ever change this truth.

You can spray Bitter Apple on your plants and lawn; that will deter most dogs. Otherwise, the only thing to do is to put up an attractive fence to protect your precious plants. Whining about it and putting up crazy signs really isn't a solution--and, honestly, probably makes certain dog walkers MORE inclined to allow their dogs to pee and poop on your plants.

It's not fair, but life isn't fair. Sorry.
Posted by Simac on July 27, 2009 at 8:06 PM
care bear 68
Have you ever noticed how many notes at passiveaggressivenotes.com come from Seattle? I think most of them do.
Posted by care bear on July 27, 2009 at 8:10 PM
69
Life isn't fair, and there's shit in your hair. Sorry you don't want it there, it should be in my underwear. I guess I should have asked you first, but I really felt about to burst. So sorry about the shit in your hair, but like they say, life's not fair.
Posted by Multum Meal on July 27, 2009 at 8:14 PM
70
I am sorry, this is just absurd. It is not that big of a deal when a dog pees in someones yard. I am not going to water my dog's pee, or put chemicals in its water simply for some pretentious SOB that is so worried about a little part of lawn. My dog pees in my yard all the time and the grass is still alive.
This person has no life, evident from the over-worded sign posted in poor taste. Seriously there are many better things to do in life than worry about something so frivolous.
I actually feel stupid even posting this here, simply because it is a waste of my time as well.
But I do agree with the posters who state cat pee sucks. Man that stuff reeks to holy hell!
I let my dog pee in my year, but then we go for a 3 mile walk and he stops about ever 75 feet, if not more frequent, to cock up his leg and pee. After a while, he can't get out more than a drop if anything at all. I call him an old man, simply because all he is doing is going through the motions! LOL.
Anyways I suggest the owner of this sign gets a dog. May teach them some compassion and tolerance. Probably learn to love the dog and it's pee!
Posted by msmao on July 27, 2009 at 8:22 PM
71
i might be drone's neighbor.

but my dog pees on the street planting strip, which isn't private property.

i'm not gonna waste my time to dilute it, but the high number of dogs in fremont, combined w/ the lack of rain is making some spots around apartments start to smell like belltown.

most of the grass here is dead anyway, unless you're wasting precious gallons of water to keep it green (like the funeral home)

we need some rain.
Posted by holz on July 27, 2009 at 8:35 PM
72
I think the heat is making you all cranky. There's a war on and the economy is in the shitter and you are all blowing up over dog piddle outside. Hang on sloggers, it'll be cold and rainy again soon.
Posted by carrma on July 27, 2009 at 8:58 PM
mAlissa 73
As I was walking up to cap hill the other day, I saw a guy let his dog pinch off a loaf right on the sidewalk downtown and just keep going. Now that's something to get angry about. But, being my passive aggressive self, I said nothing to him and mumbled "What an asshole" when he was not within hearing distance anymore. Le sigh.
Posted by mAlissa on July 27, 2009 at 9:00 PM
rob! 74
@45: I have the high privilege, distinct honor, and anticipatory pleasure of introducing you to feminine urinary directors:

http://www.wavejourney.com/Products3.htm…

Gardyloo!
Posted by rob! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZBdUceCL5U on July 27, 2009 at 9:27 PM
75
I thought it was only female dogs that kill grass? At any rate, if you live in a community, you are in tacit agreement to both be considerate and be tolerant.

Dog owners who leave poo are inconsiderate idiots. Dog owners who let their dogs walk all over people's landscaping are also inconsiderate idiots. Dog owners who let their dogs walk all over people's grass . . . Well, I don't do it. My dogs are trained to stay on the sidewalk or tree lawn. But, some do, and is it really the end of the world?

Home owners who are wigged out because a dog on a public sidewalk pees on their lawn or their tree lawn need to get a grip. You've chosen to live in a community of people. Did your realtor fail to warn you that some of those people may have dogs? The city provides a sidewalk for everyone. You aren't allowed to block it, and you don't get to choose who walks there. Dog who walk there will pee. They cannot be trained to hold it until they get home, or even aim it in a more advantageous direction. You, by choosing to live in a community, have agreed to deal with that, just as other people who have chosen to live in your community have agreed to deal with your bitchy attitude without stoning you to death. If all the dogs were gone, or locked in their owner's bathroom until they get the hang of proper human hygiene, you would just find something else to complain about. "Hey! That guy drove past my house and just allowed his car to emit carbon monoxide right into my air! That's going to damage my plants. Why should I have to deal with YOUR carbon monoxide!?"
Posted by Owner of 2 well-behaved and very cute dogs on July 27, 2009 at 9:41 PM
Will in Seattle 76
I should buy one of those signs.

It's not very fun to have the summer heat make all the bushes in my yard smell of piss and the grass smell of dog poo.

Especially when it's accompanied by steaming piles that nobody bothered to pick up because they're saving plastic bags.

(grin)
Posted by Will in Seattle http://www.facebook.com/WillSeattle on July 27, 2009 at 10:29 PM
King Rat 77
76 comments (+ 1 original post) from people who don't know the fucking definition of passive aggressive.
Posted by King Rat http://www.kingrat.us/ on July 27, 2009 at 10:38 PM
Medina 78
Is simply posting a sign passive aggressive? I guess it depends on how you define passive aggressive. Find out here: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read…
Posted by Medina on July 27, 2009 at 10:54 PM
79
@60,

It's funny that you assume that I have a dog. I don't, by the way. I used to, so I know what it's like. And you're still an idiot. You try forcing a dog to go in/on one area. Good fucking luck with that, you fucking moron. Too bad about your azaleas. The next time I own a dog, I'll be sure to swing him/her by your place.
Posted by keshmeshi on July 27, 2009 at 10:55 PM
merry 80
I <3 SeeAddle!!

Srsly, I swr2Gd......... This sign could NOT have come from another urban American enclave OTHER THAN SeeAddle.. at this point........

The rest of the progressive 'burbs will catch on, eventually.. surely within the next two years........ But for Summer 2009, this sign could only have been found in SeeAddle... And for that, I love her... and she drives me nuts... and I love her.............

:-)

Posted by merry on July 27, 2009 at 11:01 PM
81
I'll be happy when the bumbs stop pissing in the street or PUKING IN THE ALLEY BEHIND MY APARTMENT!
Posted by former tri-state on July 27, 2009 at 11:11 PM
82
I'd say yes except what else could this home dweller have done, short of spending money on security measures, or sitting by the window all day for several days waiting for the perpetrator and pet to come back?
Posted by Gomez http://misterstevengomez.com on July 27, 2009 at 11:28 PM
sirkowski 83
It would be more effective with a decomposing dog carcass nailed to the sign.
Posted by sirkowski http://www.missdynamite.com on July 27, 2009 at 11:31 PM
Cracker Jack 84
He should have done what any real Seattleite would do -- same text, but posted to I, Anonymous!
Posted by Cracker Jack on July 28, 2009 at 5:05 AM
85
He should get a BB gun and start picking off dogs that step on his private property. Nothing like a little negative reinforcement.
Posted by lol on July 28, 2009 at 6:01 AM
NumberOne 86
Looks like that sign is along the side of a public walkway. I can't wait to walk my sweet puppy over there and let her piss on the pole the sign is attached to. and @ 60, you idiot-sidewalks and street parking strips are not private property! Trust me, after the city just put in a sidewalk on our street (last summer, with 2 months notice) that destroyed our newish 15K asphalt driveway (put in in 2006), I know what the frick I am talking about. Plus, even through the city owns it, you still have to maintain it. You wanna call and complain about illegal 'dumping', go right a head. Good luck!
http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/pu…
Posted by NumberOne on July 28, 2009 at 7:25 AM
Erin Daisy 87
This really nice retired guy down my street is bored with his non-working life, so he collects STUFF and he has STUFF all over his yard and porch and a whole grage that I am pretty sure is filled to the brim with stuff. Before I became his neighbor I had walked by his house once and he had written in black ink on a gnarly cut of metal: "TO THE THIEF: IF I CATCH YOU ON MY PROPERTY AGAIN I WILL PUMP YOU SO FULL OF LEAD YOU WILL BE WORTH 19 cents/LB," so I thought he was some kinda crazy violent looney, but he's totally not. Just really likes his stuff collection, I guess.
Posted by Erin Daisy http://www.themomentofchange.blogspot.com on July 28, 2009 at 7:26 AM
88
I wrote (@34): "Do you really believe that those of us who do not own dogs are happy to have your dogs' shit smeared in our grass (assuming you pick up as much as you can, which most of you do) all the time?"

Keshmeshi responded (@38): "There are countries where no one cleans up after their dog. Would you rather live there?"

I wouldn't, but that's irrelevant, and you didn't answer the question. Also, "cleaning up after your dog" here means picking up about 95% of the dog shit and leaving the rest smeared on the grass. Would you want to sit or walk barefoot in a spot where someone "cleaned up after" his dog?

Jay K wrote (@39): "It's true that ideally a dog would piss on the parkway (the space between the sidewalk and the street, which is owned by the city) or in a public park"

Holz wrote (@71): "but my dog pees on the street planting strip, which isn't private property."

Planting strips are not owned by the city. They are just the space between the public right-of-way (sidewalk; also owned by the property owner) and the street. I don't want to sit down in the grass in a public park on a smear where someone "cleaned up after" his dog, leaving remnants until they are washed away, any more than I want to find it on my own property.

Tongueholder wrote (@60): "Keshmeshi, the solution to your problem with curbing your dog is this: Make it go on *your* grass, then take it out for some exercise. You might have to wait a while until it feels like going on your piece of grass... in which case, too bad, you made the choice to get a dog."

Dog owners, how does that sound to you? It seems that it would be a way for you to keep dogs and not push the nastiest part of dog ownership off onto others.

Someone else wrote (@75): "Dog owners who leave poo are inconsiderate idiots."

Are they only inconsiderate if they leave a large quantity, or does leaving a small amount, like that which is left smeared on grass, make them inconsiderate in your eyes?

This person went on: "You've chosen to live in a community of people. Did your realtor fail to warn you that some of those people may have dogs? The city provides a sidewalk for everyone. You aren't allowed to block it, and you don't get to choose who walks there."

I'm not allowed to defecate on it, even if I "clean up after" myself afterward by picking up most of the feces.

Note that I'm not complaining about urine -- which in quantity might be a problem, and may make grass grow unevenly, but is sterile -- but about feces. Why do dog owners find it acceptable to leave a smear of dog feces on other people's property? Why do you assume that we accept this gift unless we take action to notify you of the opposite?
More...
Posted by Phil M http://twitter.com/pmocek on July 28, 2009 at 7:36 AM
Matt from Denver 89
Phil M, if you water your lawn (which I know is anathema in Seattle, but really, you might be surprised how well that works when the rain stops) that shit washes away. I can guarantee that your grass isn't nice to walk on now if you haven't been watering.

If you want to hold on to your illusions that grass is otherwise clean enough to eat off of, so you're not getting all kinds of nasty stuff on your feet even if dogs never tread on it, don't ever do a test swab from even your most isolated patch of lawn.
Posted by Matt from Denver on July 28, 2009 at 8:23 AM
90
That the prototypical Seattle dog owner's insistence that "it takes a village" extends to their animals really is the issue here. And like the Ugly American, it's not that they're ignorant; it's that they don't care.

I don't think anyone really believes you should allow your dog to piss just anywhere (I've seen well-trained dogs: their patience before being released to fetch; their amazing adherence to their master's rules. They are fully capable of pissing only down sewer gratings or in the gutter--where piss "belongs"), only that when you're up against sign-writing through-the-blinds-peeping pussy-o Seattle Freezers: you're able to get away with more.

"Where do you want the dogs to piss?"
Howbout the gutter? Howbout the farm? Howbout anywhere that's not my yard, you damn kids? That part's up to you, the person who bought a doggie friend.

I am not as excited about your dog as you are. You know all that mess you spew about "oh, he's just like a person"?--prove it. Clean up its shit and piss, and teach it to behave.

Yes, I am the guy who also wants you to keep him leashed, teach him to get out of my way on the sidewalk, and quit barking. It is up to you.

Also: if I sound like a jerk, and you don't want to be around me, just hang out in dog-friendly businesses. I avoid them.

Thanks for your time

*
Posted by ron mexico on July 28, 2009 at 8:35 AM
91
How does this person know that the festering urine stench is not from crackheads urinating in their yard?
Posted by Reg on July 28, 2009 at 8:36 AM
NumberOne 92
@ 90
Your post proves that you, sir, are an idiot. When I come walking down the sidewalk with my (large and drooling) pooch, I am sure you would gladly move, and quickly, out of our way. And yeah, Mexico, I have seen SO many well trained dogs walking out into the street to piss in a sewer. Oh I forgot, Seattle has gutters that are made specifically for piss that run along each sidewalk -thank you for pointing that out.
Posted by NumberOne on July 28, 2009 at 8:54 AM
93
FWIW there are dog treats that you can give dogs to adjust the pH of their urine to avoid having it damage the grass. I've been giving them to my dog this summer and my yard has been better off for it.

And while my dog does his major bathroom functions in my yard, he participates in the doggy blog commenting that goes on in the neighborhood by sniffing and marking. It's unfortunately what dogs do. I just make sure that my dog doesn't damage anyone else's yard by giving him those treats.

I'm just glad that my neighbors aren't the high strung cranky people who complain about this stuff. It's not that people who don't like the dogs peeing are wrong, it's just that it would be nice for a community to have a little give and take. In my case, I don't bitch when the neighbors' kids play in my yard or drop garbage in my yard or shoot those little rubber pellets into my pool when they are playing their games.
Posted by gexxor on July 28, 2009 at 9:27 AM
94
I generally try to avoid having my dog relieve itself on others' grass, and always pick up after her. However, I deem the planting strips, when devoid of any particular plantings, fair game. If people choose to purchase property in a city and area that permits dog ownership, they have to be willing to accept any inconvenience of dog urination on the planting or parking strip, which is within a designated public right of way.
Posted by caphillguy on July 28, 2009 at 10:10 AM
95
Use this:
http://www.smarthomeusa.com/ShopByManufa…

It will deter the walkers and clean any piss that is emitted.
Posted by yakdan on July 28, 2009 at 10:36 AM
jbpitcock 96
Sounds like the type of homeowner who is on the verge of selling out, moving to the country and becoming a survivalist. Really though, if they re-directed this aggression into their sex life, they might not get as worked up over dog pee. Just sayin'.......
Posted by jbpitcock on July 28, 2009 at 11:16 AM
97
Dog pee is not a nuisance--it is art.

http://www.buttmagazine.com/?p=2914
Posted by carrma on July 28, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Will in Seattle 98
I wonder if we can hire homeless people to follow these guys home and pee on their front doors and leave a steaming pile there for them?

....

yeah, it's the same thing.
Posted by Will in Seattle http://www.facebook.com/WillSeattle on July 28, 2009 at 11:32 AM
99
@98
It is probably the same homeless guy that is peeing on the lawn of the idiot with the sign. The owner is just assuming that the empty airline size liquor bottles are being left by someone's Saint Bernard.
Posted by Senor Guy on July 28, 2009 at 11:41 AM
100
i don't think "passive-aggressive" means what you all think it means:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passive-agg…

leaving a note instead of confronting someone is NOT passive-aggressive. it's just being a wuss.
Posted by pffft on July 28, 2009 at 11:46 AM
101
Number One (92):
My sidewalk maneuver goes like this-
I see you coming down the sidewalk, with your slobbering canine friend you bought. If it looks like you haven't trained it to move out of the way of oncoming people, I stop. I say, "sorry for being in your dog's way," as I look you in the eyes. In most cases, you skulk away. You react this way because you know I'm right: even though you think I'm an idiot, I must outrank your pooch friend. Although your insecurities prevent you from securing human companionship (that's what the doggie's all about, ask your therapist), you still have that inkling that what you're doing is weird.

Posted by mike vick on July 28, 2009 at 12:29 PM
Frau Blucher 102
@92 - I'm a pet-parent myself, but frankly, you are the kind of pet-parent that makes the rest of us look bad. Your "fuck you if you don't like my dog" attitude is the problem. More so then the pet itself.
Posted by Frau Blucher on July 28, 2009 at 12:46 PM
103
As much as I'd like to let you on my side, Frau Blucher, I'm going to have to insist you stick with #92...calling yourself a "pet-parent" is too much for me. It's a dog. Whether you approach it from some "God mad man and God made animal" angle, or from the "having pets is slavery" PETA-style angle, or somewhere inbetween: it's a dog. You are not a parent.

You are right about #92's attitude, though...

But what do I know... I'm an idiot!
Posted by mike vick on July 28, 2009 at 1:00 PM
104
and no, #92: I, too, have not seen anyone train their doggie to only urinate down sewer gratings or gutters. The well-trained ones seem to be able to do amazing things (at least compared to, oh, yours?)...that they are so good at following commands seems to indicate they COULD be trained to do such a thing? ...they most certainly are not, though. True. Their owners do not care.
Posted by ron mexico on July 28, 2009 at 1:14 PM
i'm pro-science and i vote 105
Well it's a pretty negative sign but I don't think it's passive aggressive.

What else is the homeowner going to do, sit on their front porch 24/7 with no sleep in order to face peeing-dog owners one by one in person? That is totally unreasonable, this person probably has a job and a life. If I was this person and really had something to say to passerby I'd just make a sign too, just not such a pissy one. I think some people are too obsessed with the "passive aggressive" phenomena. I can't believe this is the #1 most read/commented SLOG post, sheesh
Posted by i'm pro-science and i vote http://home.comcast.net/~theyellowdog/joerepublican.htm on July 28, 2009 at 1:33 PM
Frau Blucher 106
@103 - "Pet Parent" is a term of endearment. Ever hear of one of those??
Posted by Frau Blucher on July 28, 2009 at 1:55 PM
Lanis01 107
Just how many dogs are pissing on this asshole's lawn that the grass can be that bad? Do all the dogs in the neighborhood gather on this lawn and soak it everyday? Doesn't this person bother to take care of his lawn?

"I am watching you" What's he going to do, come out waving a bat? It's stupid. I can understand if a dog was taking a shit on his lawn and the dog owner just leaving it there, that is something worth getting pissed off over, but this? Stupid ass person should just put up a fence around his yard.
Posted by Lanis01 on July 28, 2009 at 2:45 PM
allergictopizza 108
@93 doggy blog commenting = awesome.

@74 (I think) - um...what? That is impressive. I must have one. It does, however, appear to be cardboard. Single usage, I'm guessing. Unless I get some of those doggy bones that will make my pee PH more acceptable.
Posted by allergictopizza on July 28, 2009 at 5:42 PM
109
Hey, Mike, your points would be a lot more effective if you didn't get so personal. You certainly do have the right to walk down the sidewalk without a dog slobbering on you or even getting in your personal space. You certainly do have the right to control the property you own, but I maintain that you can't live in a community of others with different priorities unless you have a certain level of tolerance. The edges of your property are going to be affected by its surroundings -- dogs, people, kids, bikes. Most people are pretty considerate; some aren't. But if you make a standard of perfection -- not a smear of poo here! Don't track mud on my sidewalk! Don't sneeze in the direction of my property -- you are always going to be indignant. And miserable, unless you enjoy being indignant, which is beginning to be apparent.

I agree that many people who own dogs don't train them properly. I have two very large dogs (one slobbery) and I don't permit them to greet people unless they are invited. Some people are afraid of dogs, and many people are not fond of them; they have the right to walk on the sidewalks without being accosted. I clean up after the dogs to the degree that most people consider reasonable, but I'm not going to scrub down the grass on your devil strip -- sorry. I mean, really, are you also furious at the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks? Outdoors is going to have some elements that you won't want to track inside.

The fact that I own dogs -- and love them -- doesn't indicate that I'm incapable of human relationships, or that I don't eat meat or consider pets slaves. I don't agree with the extremity of your point of view, but I do understand where you're coming from, and haven't suggested that your opinion somehow defines you as some kind of nut. Why don't you try to give people with different opinions the same consideration? Many people with dogs genuinely don't realize that others may be uncomfortable with canine greetings. Rather than slinging contemptuous accusations, why not try politely explaining this?

Many people care very much about being good neighbors -- if you can tone down the extreme demands and unkind tone, you might actually make a positive change for you and others.
More...
Posted by Owner of 2 well-behaved and very cute dogs on July 28, 2009 at 7:48 PM
110
Agressive; not so much. Totally warranted. Keep your dog off private property. Easy enough. Keep your dog piss in your own yard. Get it dog owner's?
Posted by ElaineKnowsAll on July 28, 2009 at 9:16 PM
111
@109: Do you honestly equate dirt tracked on a sidewalk, a sneeze in the air near someone's property, and dog shit smeared in someone's grass? Do you really think that dog shit smeared in someone's grass is no less disgusting or indicative of imposition of another person than that of wild birds, squirrels, and chipmunks is?
Posted by Phil M http://twitter.com/pmocek on July 28, 2009 at 9:46 PM
112
s/no less/no more/
Posted by Phil M http://twitter.com/pmocek on July 28, 2009 at 9:46 PM
113
phil m,

a. yer an idiot, learn to read. i never said they were owned by the city.

b. in the city of seattle, sidewalks and tree/planting strips are considered 'public right-of-way' not on the private property of the homeowner, however the homeowner is responsible for maintaining said sidewalk.

here is the quarter-section map of fremont:
http://your.kingcounty.gov/assessor/emap…

most street-side lot boundaries in fremont have a 30 or 33' foot offset from the centerline of the street. on some streets, this puts not only the planting strip and sidewalk well within the public right of way, but a strip of grass on the property-side of the sidewalk as well.

I don't want to sit down in the grass in a public park on a smear where someone "cleaned up after" his dog, leaving remnants until they are washed away, any more than I want to find it on my own property.

i clean up my dog's feces. if you want, i'll leave it on your lawn. i take it you don't like walking barefoot in goose shit either (which, btw is more hazardous to your health than "remnant" dog shit) but that's also found in several parks. and it's not just limited to goose shit. in our parks, you can step in squirrel feces, rabit feces, deer feces, a variety of fowl feces, dead animal carcases, etc etc.

and again, it's not your property. please learn how to read a property deed.
Posted by holz on July 29, 2009 at 12:29 AM
114
The "birds and squirrells" argument is silly. You're talking about wild animals (or vermin--I'll give you pests), not domesticated trainable animals. The only connection I can see is probably something along the lines of "clean up after yourself, I don't want to live amongst animals or their waste." Nothing to do with your 800 dollar puppy.

But, best believe: if trends changed, and Cap'n Jack's macaws were shitting all over my yard, or legions of self-absorbed jogging Bob Ross's were showing up with gaggles of barfing squirrells, I'd tell them the same thing: it is your responsibility. I do not have an obligation to help you clean up after your animal friends.

That I've chosen the names "Ron Mexico" and "Mike Vick" should show you that I don't really find it THAT important; your inability to control your animals. I'm not some animal hater or maniac, I merely don't want to help you train your dog. I'll nudge it out of my way, and IT will get it...hopefully, someday, you will too...

I need to politely explain, at every Asshole Dog Encounter, the tenets of my stance? Nah...fuck that. Fuck you, and get your fucking dog in check.

Thanks for your time.
Posted by Number 7 on July 29, 2009 at 12:38 AM
115
I don't think you're allowed to underline 4-6 times. Unless you're trying to start a new language.
Posted by Fred34 on July 29, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Rev.Smith 116
I'm hard pressed to believe this 'public space is okay to be defecated upon by my untrained pet' attitude would be proposed somewhere other than a city: You think the rich fucks in Sammamish or Mercer Island are going to do anything less than sue your ass if you try that on their McMansions? Try it at any SPD precinct. LDS church? No? What exactly is it stopping you in those cases...? For that matter, take your pet to Safeco and try it there. Or a rural town: there, they'll leave meatballs laced with onions and chocolate out for fido rather than a sign.

I think the selfish take of 'well, it's a city, so you should expect to be shit or peed upon' reveals a certain level of self-loathing or inner conflict of the pet owner/city dweller ; maybe you aren't supposed to be a city mouse. To misquote fictional character Andy Sheppard: much like democracy, city living is "advanced citizenship". I don't raise farm animals in the city [do you really want a rooster on cap hill??] I don't raise dogs if I don't have a yard for them to run/pee in. I take them in a car to dog parks, not on walks aka tours of urine samples pissin off the neighbors. Gosh, I know, it's sooo inconvenient. But being a pet parent means being a parent - giving up a lot for that unconditional love. If you don't feel sacrifice or hardship now and then, you're doing it wrong. It's a give/take evenly thing, just like sex or commerce.

I'll vote for Passive Assertive. PassAss. (Expecting my snarky landscaping-lovin canine-pee-hatin neighbor to also be a MFA Design grad makes as much sense as correcting hobo sign spelling).

@34 nice thoughtful calm post. the unsaid thing here being: maybe you shouldn't own a dog in the city if you don't know how to keep it to the curb/shortleash, and cannot train it.

@32: Does your dog piss in the car? In the house? When you bring it into QFC? But on a walk your bitch can't help itself somehow? I call BS. In my life I've raised several dogs. Most dogs (not all breeds/individuals, I know I know) can be trained with negative/positive reinforcement where to pee. It's a process and takes patience. Too lazy or don't have enough time to put that kind of training in? DTMF(Dog)A and get a Goldfish. Cracker.

#getoffmylawn
More...
Posted by Rev.Smith on July 29, 2009 at 4:48 AM
Matt from Denver 117
@ 116, as I said earlier, cities have never been cleaner than today.

I read all the complaining about dogs as people feeding their need to complain. They don't have noxious air or general unsanitary conditions to bitch about anymore. Time to focus on the picayune!
Posted by Matt from Denver on July 29, 2009 at 8:32 AM
ak47 118
This problem could be solved if we just catheterized all dogs.
Posted by ak47 on July 29, 2009 at 11:06 AM
119
I think it would have been passive-agressive if it said something like "Thank you for not letting your dog pee on my bush." Or "I sure do love when no one kills my flowers. I bet that's how you feel about your dog too."
Posted by paul c on July 29, 2009 at 2:58 PM
120
Your dog's right to pee and poop freely stops where my body & property begin.
(Not to mention - what's with the people who leave dog poop IN THE MIDDLE OF THE PATH at Green Lake? Seriously, what are you thinking?? There's a lot of it, every day! It's the PATH!)

The guy who posted that sign must have gotten very pissed (ahem) over a long time to feel the need to do so. And the responses of dog owners who think their dogs have more rights than other people do show you exactly why he doesn't just talk to them directly - likely as not they'd respond aggressively to even a very polite request that they control their dog. And they're armed with an uncontrolled dog, which personally would scare the crap out of me. Putting up a sign seems a lot safer than that!

In my experience, people do seemingly 'passive-aggressive' things when they feel like direct communication won't be safe, respected, or responded to. Think about it.

Ultimately it's reasonable to say "I wouldn't pee on you - so don't pee on me."
Posted by MR on July 29, 2009 at 5:20 PM
allergictopizza 121
No one is advocating peeing on people. Fuck.
Posted by allergictopizza on July 29, 2009 at 7:24 PM
122
Just buy "Caution: pesticide" flags at any gardening store and stick a few in your lawn. People who don't give a shit about your property DO care about their dogs, and will drag fido off your property in no time.
Posted by Yeek on July 30, 2009 at 7:09 AM

Add a comment

Advertisement
 

All contents © Index Newspapers, LLC
1535 11th Ave (Third Floor), Seattle, WA 98122
Contact Info | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Takedown Policy