I like to think of myself as a nice person. Wait, let’s rewind that. I AM a nice person. How do I know that? Where to start? I hold doors open for others whether they’re coming in or coming out behind me. When I’m out and about I offer a friendly smile and hello to strangers that pass.
I give back to local charities. I give words of encouragement when I see someone is having a bad day. If I have money to spare, I stop and give the money to the first person I see beside road with a sign. That little bit of extra change goes a long way for them. I’m polite in my speech and treatment of others. You get the point.
However, I’m starting to think that folks are mistaken my niceness for being a flashing a sign that says ‘Pushover!’ About a week or two ago, we found out that our neighbors have a dog. How did we find out? Well, the first clue came when I was rushing to make it to JJ’s doctor appointment and I stepping in dog poop! Talk about being pissed.
Traffic here is unpredictable and I was frustrated that I had to unbuckle the kids, herd them back in the house, clean my shoes, round them up again, set the alarm and then drive like a mad woman through traffic to make it on time. Sure enough the next day, I looked out my window and there one of my neighbors was with a little miniature something (I couldn’t get a really good look to determine the breed, but it was super small) taking a crap right on the walkway.
She must have saw me moving in the window, getting to knock on it because she looked up. I nodded down at the fresh poop and then looked back her. (I’ve got silent communication down to a science. When you’ve had to send your child those silent looks or nods, it’s all practice helping you master your skill and use it on others). She retrieved a baggie from her jacket pocket and picked it up. Satisfied, I closed the blinds and went on my way.
Now, one would think that said neighbor would know that I don’t like dog poop on my side of the yard. So, please explain why I almost stepped in dog poop again today? And not once but twice! I went outside to put out the recycling and trash and there were three medium sized piles of fresh dog poop to greet me! Talk about being beyond pissed.
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I shouldn’t be surprised though. You know why? I’m too nice. I should have gone beyond the silent communication the first time I caught her dog pooping on our side of the yard. My neighbors are young (college age), but still I thought my silent nod & look were easy to understand. Apparently not folks.
But as my baby brother would say, “They gone learn today” that I’m serious about this dog poop. I’m not a mean girl, but if I was you know what I do? I would have let our a loud ‘Oh hell no!’ Then I would have marched back inside the apartment and dug out my mini shovel. I would have deposited the first pile of poop on the hood of their car. The second pile I would have left right in front of their door. And the third pile, I have would bribed a fast running person with money to knock on their door and give them a poop facial once they opened it!
Y’all already know I’ve had it to a third dimension and back with this apartment. I’ve been understanding of the neighbors loud noise from their impromptu college get togethers, their company parking in our space when we’re gone and more. But this I will NOT tolerate. I remember being fresh out of high school and in college. I didn’t disrespect people’s property though and I won’t stand for mine being disrespected or invaded.
Luckily for my neighbors I’m not a mean girl. I know Jesus and after venting to the Mr, I’ve calmed down (not enough to not write this post though). I’m to collect the poop in a bag and leave it with a note in front of their door. (They’ve been missing since a little scuffle broke at one of their parties two days ago). But to make sure they get the message, when I know they’re back, I’m sending the police over to have a little chat with them.
There are rules about here about pets and pet owners allowing their animals to use the bathroom in other people’s yards or on public property. Those violations are punishable by law and they need to know that. They also need to know that I mean business. We might be flying this coop soon, but we haven’t left it yet. And I’m not going to be hop scotching over poop to get my trash and recycling cans or to our car!
How would you handle this situation? Would you go Mean Girls on your neighbors if they did this?
Candace Howe
November 9, 2013 at 9:16 PMI hate confrontation so the silent message would have been my first move too but if I have to jump over a pile again you have now tried me and I don't do well w that. Exactly like you said I would scoop it up in a bag (DO NOT tie it up) and hang it on their door knob. Then wait for them to walk their dog again. Hope it's the last time
Candace Howe
November 9, 2013 at 9:16 PMI hate confrontation so the silent message would have been my first move too but if I have to jump over a pile again you have now tried me and I don't do well w that. Exactly like you said I would scoop it up in a bag (DO NOT tie it up) and hang it on their door knob. Then wait for them to walk their dog again. Hope it's the last time
Candace Howe
November 9, 2013 at 9:16 PMI hate confrontation so the silent message would have been my first move too but if I have to jump over a pile again you have now tried me and I don't do well w that. Exactly like you said I would scoop it up in a bag (DO NOT tie it up) and hang it on their door knob. Then wait for them to walk their dog again. Hope it's the last time
PhotoStory Collections
November 9, 2013 at 9:16 PMI hate confrontation so the silent message would have been my first move too but if I have to jump over a pile again you have now tried me and I don't do well w that. Exactly like you said I would scoop it up in a bag (DO NOT tie it up) and hang it on their door knob. Then wait for them to walk their dog again. Hope it's the last time
PhotoStory Collections
November 9, 2013 at 9:16 PMI hate confrontation so the silent message would have been my first move too but if I have to jump over a pile again you have now tried me and I don't do well w that. Exactly like you said I would scoop it up in a bag (DO NOT tie it up) and hang it on their door knob. Then wait for them to walk their dog again. Hope it's the last time
PhotoStory Collections
November 9, 2013 at 9:16 PMI hate confrontation so the silent message would have been my first move too but if I have to jump over a pile again you have now tried me and I don't do well w that. Exactly like you said I would scoop it up in a bag (DO NOT tie it up) and hang it on their door knob. Then wait for them to walk their dog again. Hope it's the last time
Brittnei Washington
November 10, 2013 at 4:56 AMThis is crazy. I live in a pet friendly community and the poop all around dry and fresh is annoying! I sort of wish we didn't allow pets since they don't have cameras to catch people who won't follow the rules. I wouldn't go crazy on them. Since I know who it is I would just let the rental office know. 😉
Brittnei Washington
November 10, 2013 at 4:56 AMThis is crazy. I live in a pet friendly community and the poop all around dry and fresh is annoying! I sort of wish we didn't allow pets since they don't have cameras to catch people who won't follow the rules. I wouldn't go crazy on them. Since I know who it is I would just let the rental office know. 😉
Brittnei Washington
November 10, 2013 at 4:56 AMThis is crazy. I live in a pet friendly community and the poop all around dry and fresh is annoying! I sort of wish we didn't allow pets since they don't have cameras to catch people who won't follow the rules. I wouldn't go crazy on them. Since I know who it is I would just let the rental office know. 😉
Anonymous
November 10, 2013 at 4:56 AMThis is crazy. I live in a pet friendly community and the poop all around dry and fresh is annoying! I sort of wish we didn't allow pets since they don't have cameras to catch people who won't follow the rules. I wouldn't go crazy on them. Since I know who it is I would just let the rental office know. 😉
Anonymous
November 10, 2013 at 4:56 AMThis is crazy. I live in a pet friendly community and the poop all around dry and fresh is annoying! I sort of wish we didn't allow pets since they don't have cameras to catch people who won't follow the rules. I wouldn't go crazy on them. Since I know who it is I would just let the rental office know. 😉
Anonymous
November 10, 2013 at 4:56 AMThis is crazy. I live in a pet friendly community and the poop all around dry and fresh is annoying! I sort of wish we didn't allow pets since they don't have cameras to catch people who won't follow the rules. I wouldn't go crazy on them. Since I know who it is I would just let the rental office know. 😉
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 11, 2013 at 6:53 PMI'm hoping it's the last time. It's just rude to let your dog poop in someone else yard and not pick it up, but you won't let your dog poop on your side of the yard. They will mostly likely get fined if the police have to come out again. The first visit was a warning.
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 11, 2013 at 6:53 PMI'm hoping it's the last time. It's just rude to let your dog poop in someone else yard and not pick it up, but you won't let your dog poop on your side of the yard. They will mostly likely get fined if the police have to come out again. The first visit was a warning.
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 11, 2013 at 6:53 PMI'm hoping it's the last time. It's just rude to let your dog poop in someone else yard and not pick it up, but you won't let your dog poop on your side of the yard. They will mostly likely get fined if the police have to come out again. The first visit was a warning.
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 11, 2013 at 6:55 PMSadly, we don't have a rental office because we're renting through an independent owner and they are have been completely unhelpful. I don't mind the pets because I was once a pet owner, but I just want them to either let the dog poop on their side or pick up after it. I don't think that's asking a lot.
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 11, 2013 at 6:55 PMSadly, we don't have a rental office because we're renting through an independent owner and they are have been completely unhelpful. I don't mind the pets because I was once a pet owner, but I just want them to either let the dog poop on their side or pick up after it. I don't think that's asking a lot.
Carissa G
November 11, 2013 at 7:11 PMThis would drive me NUTS!!! Thank God for my husband because he usually picks up all the poop from our dogs, but if he didnt do it I would have to get out there and do it. My parents have a neighbor whose dog is always trying to go in everyone's yard but looks at you like you are wrong when you give him “the look” like you better get it! LOL!! I think you and your husband should eventually go over there and tell them to keep their poop in their yard and not yours!
Carissa G
November 11, 2013 at 7:11 PMThis would drive me NUTS!!! Thank God for my husband because he usually picks up all the poop from our dogs, but if he didnt do it I would have to get out there and do it. My parents have a neighbor whose dog is always trying to go in everyone's yard but looks at you like you are wrong when you give him “the look” like you better get it! LOL!! I think you and your husband should eventually go over there and tell them to keep their poop in their yard and not yours!
Carissa G
November 11, 2013 at 7:11 PMThis would drive me NUTS!!! Thank God for my husband because he usually picks up all the poop from our dogs, but if he didnt do it I would have to get out there and do it. My parents have a neighbor whose dog is always trying to go in everyone's yard but looks at you like you are wrong when you give him “the look” like you better get it! LOL!! I think you and your husband should eventually go over there and tell them to keep their poop in their yard and not yours!
Carissa
November 11, 2013 at 7:11 PMThis would drive me NUTS!!! Thank God for my husband because he usually picks up all the poop from our dogs, but if he didnt do it I would have to get out there and do it. My parents have a neighbor whose dog is always trying to go in everyone's yard but looks at you like you are wrong when you give him \”the look\” like you better get it! LOL!! I think you and your husband should eventually go over there and tell them to keep their poop in their yard and not yours!
Carissa
November 11, 2013 at 7:11 PMThis would drive me NUTS!!! Thank God for my husband because he usually picks up all the poop from our dogs, but if he didnt do it I would have to get out there and do it. My parents have a neighbor whose dog is always trying to go in everyone's yard but looks at you like you are wrong when you give him \”the look\” like you better get it! LOL!! I think you and your husband should eventually go over there and tell them to keep their poop in their yard and not yours!
Carissa
November 11, 2013 at 7:11 PMThis would drive me NUTS!!! Thank God for my husband because he usually picks up all the poop from our dogs, but if he didnt do it I would have to get out there and do it. My parents have a neighbor whose dog is always trying to go in everyone's yard but looks at you like you are wrong when you give him \”the look\” like you better get it! LOL!! I think you and your husband should eventually go over there and tell them to keep their poop in their yard and not yours!
Tia
November 12, 2013 at 6:33 PMGirl! That would have me past mad, especially because we don't have a dog! When I was a teenager my Dad had a sign in our yard that said, “No pet waste on lawn.”. That might seem a little extreme but it was better than stepping in poop accidentally. Sometimes you have to let people know what it is straight up. That's not being a mean girl that's just speaking up for yourself.
Tia
November 12, 2013 at 6:33 PMGirl! That would have me past mad, especially because we don't have a dog! When I was a teenager my Dad had a sign in our yard that said, “No pet waste on lawn.”. That might seem a little extreme but it was better than stepping in poop accidentally. Sometimes you have to let people know what it is straight up. That's not being a mean girl that's just speaking up for yourself.
Tia
November 12, 2013 at 6:33 PMGirl! That would have me past mad, especially because we don't have a dog! When I was a teenager my Dad had a sign in our yard that said, “No pet waste on lawn.”. That might seem a little extreme but it was better than stepping in poop accidentally. Sometimes you have to let people know what it is straight up. That's not being a mean girl that's just speaking up for yourself.
Mrs.AOK
November 16, 2013 at 2:28 PMThat isn't cool!! I agree sometimes people take niceness for weakness, but they should really watch out.
Sometimes I wish I wasn't as nice… okay… sort of. I'm all about peace, love, and kindness.
I must say with the upcoming move I think I may be losing some of that niceness…
I've been a little road rage-y on the street lately, and I HATE TO DO THAT in front of the KIDS.
I'm just done with people who cannot drive or obey rules.
You're not a mean girl, you're such a sweetheart!!
XOXO
Mrs.AOK
November 16, 2013 at 2:28 PMThat isn't cool!! I agree sometimes people take niceness for weakness, but they should really watch out.
Sometimes I wish I wasn't as nice… okay… sort of. I'm all about peace, love, and kindness.
I must say with the upcoming move I think I may be losing some of that niceness…
I've been a little road rage-y on the street lately, and I HATE TO DO THAT in front of the KIDS.
I'm just done with people who cannot drive or obey rules.
You're not a mean girl, you're such a sweetheart!!
XOXO
Mrs.AOK
November 16, 2013 at 2:28 PMThat isn't cool!! I agree sometimes people take niceness for weakness, but they should really watch out.
Sometimes I wish I wasn't as nice… okay… sort of. I'm all about peace, love, and kindness.
I must say with the upcoming move I think I may be losing some of that niceness…
I've been a little road rage-y on the street lately, and I HATE TO DO THAT in front of the KIDS.
I'm just done with people who cannot drive or obey rules.
You're not a mean girl, you're such a sweetheart!!
XOXO
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 19, 2013 at 10:33 PMMy husband offered to go over so that the police wouldn't get involved, but since the neighbor who owns the dog is a woman and some women don't like being confronted by men, I told him to let the police handle it. I don't have time for anything else to be popping off. I was college kid once and I know that sometimes, you can come at them with respect and they'll still be trying to make it into something it's not.
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 19, 2013 at 10:33 PMMy husband offered to go over so that the police wouldn't get involved, but since the neighbor who owns the dog is a woman and some women don't like being confronted by men, I told him to let the police handle it. I don't have time for anything else to be popping off. I was college kid once and I know that sometimes, you can come at them with respect and they'll still be trying to make it into something it's not.
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 19, 2013 at 10:33 PMMy husband offered to go over so that the police wouldn't get involved, but since the neighbor who owns the dog is a woman and some women don't like being confronted by men, I told him to let the police handle it. I don't have time for anything else to be popping off. I was college kid once and I know that sometimes, you can come at them with respect and they'll still be trying to make it into something it's not.
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 19, 2013 at 10:34 PMI don't think the sign was extreme at all. Like you said, sometimes you have to let be know straight up that you mean business. Thankfully, they now that we mean business about not having dog poop in our yard!
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 19, 2013 at 10:34 PMI don't think the sign was extreme at all. Like you said, sometimes you have to let be know straight up that you mean business. Thankfully, they now that we mean business about not having dog poop in our yard!
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 19, 2013 at 10:34 PMI don't think the sign was extreme at all. Like you said, sometimes you have to let be know straight up that you mean business. Thankfully, they now that we mean business about not having dog poop in our yard!
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 19, 2013 at 10:37 PMYes, I'm all about peace and kindness and love too. Being the mean girl just isn't in me, but if it happens again after they've been warned about it I might have to put my niceness on the shelf for a minute. And I feel you about people and their bad driving. I can't stand, especially if my kids are in the car with me. Wreckless drivers cause a lot of accidents and half the times they're never the ones who get severely injured.
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 19, 2013 at 10:37 PMYes, I'm all about peace and kindness and love too. Being the mean girl just isn't in me, but if it happens again after they've been warned about it I might have to put my niceness on the shelf for a minute. And I feel you about people and their bad driving. I can't stand, especially if my kids are in the car with me. Wreckless drivers cause a lot of accidents and half the times they're never the ones who get severely injured.
K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy
November 19, 2013 at 10:37 PMYes, I'm all about peace and kindness and love too. Being the mean girl just isn't in me, but if it happens again after they've been warned about it I might have to put my niceness on the shelf for a minute. And I feel you about people and their bad driving. I can't stand, especially if my kids are in the car with me. Wreckless drivers cause a lot of accidents and half the times they're never the ones who get severely injured.