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FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | SEPTEMBER 2016 9 By Teri DiMarino-Davidson Life here in Four Seasons is a constant pleasure. There are loads of new friends and plenty of things to do. Many of us have pets, as the community is very pet friendly. But just because Four Seasons has a welcoming approach to our furry friends does not mean that we can be lax or careless with our pet responsibilities. We share this lovely neighborhood with pet owners and non- pet owners alike, but some residents may not be as fond of pets as many of us are. It is our job as pet owners to assure the non-pet- owning public that we are aware of the responsibilities that come with owning and caring for a pet and we cannot allow our choices to infringe on the peace and quiet of others. Pet responsibility is simple. Keep them clean, keep them quiet and refrain from allowing them to be an annoyance to our neighbors, pet-owners and non-pet-owners alike. But, sometimes we all need little reminders that our fondness of pets just may be encroaching on the rights of others. Yes, my dogs bark when someone comes to the door. Most dogs do. It's their job! But, it is my job to assure my neighbors that my dogs are not excessively noisy and barking at "nothing," especially when I am not home. Some people put their dogs outside when they leave home for a while. First of all, this is not safe for the dog. Temperatures can rise to uncomfortable and unsafe levels for a dog and leaving them outside can result in tragedy. We also have some native wildlife, like snakes, coyotes, owls, hawks and bobcats that can find easy access to our backyards. Last, but certainly not least, the poor dog is lonely and wants to be back in the house with their people. They will usually bark to express their desire to come in. The owner does not hear this, as they are not home… but the neighbors do. This is very annoying to everyone. Please take care to keep your pet comfortable and quiet in your absence. If your pet has separation anxiety issues when you are gone, leaving them outside will only exacerbate the problem. Professional trainers can offer advice on how to keep your dog safely comfortable and controlled when you leave. Most of the cat owners I know in Four Seasons keep their kitties inside, but allowing them to roam can have annoying, if not heartbreaking, consequences. Cats can unwittingly utilize a neighbor's flower bed as a litter box, causing unwelcome odors and mess. And, unfortunately, a number of cats have "disappeared" over the years when allowed to wander, becoming the unwitting victims of the local wildlife. A big complaint in the neighborhood is pet waste. The Four Seasons Dog Owners Group (D.O.G.) has taken on the responsibility of policing some of the trails and public areas during their weekly "pack walks," but it is impossible for them to monitor every single street. And, they shouldn't have to! If you have a dog and you are taking them for a walk in the public areas, it is simply common courtesy for you to clean up after them. Bring a bag. The HOA is working on installing more pet waste stations in strategic places within the community but just because one is not immediately convenient when "nature calls" doesn't mean that you shouldn't pick up after your dog. If you dog does his business it is YOUR business to make sure it gets picked up and properly disposed of. Don't leave it for someone else. And please, DO NOT think, for a moment, that it is the gardener's responsibility to clean up after your pet! This is an example of absolute irresponsible pet ownership. Every dog owner in the community suffers from the negligent actions of a few. The vast majority of dog owners clean up and many of us clean up after others in an effort to keep Four Seasons clean. PLEASE clean up after your dog. Sometimes we all need a little "reminder" on what it means to live in a community such as ours where we share so much common space. Please be a responsible pet owner. Your pet, and your neighbors, will love you for it. Responsible Pet Ownership

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