In an environmentally conscious world and a pooch friendly community, I’m appalled by the number of idling vehicles, especially gas-sucking trucks and SUVs, and the amount of dog droppings I’ve been encountering in Durango.

You should not leave your car idling because carbon monoxide reduces air quality and affects everyone’s health, causes global climate change, wastes fuel and costs money, contributes to noise pollution, and also because leaving your vehicle idling and unattended – “puffing” – is against the law in Colorado and in many other states. Warming up your car more than a minute does not help your car and uses more gas. Unattended vehicles are an open invitation to car thieves. Put on an extra sweater and turn off your car whenever you are stopped even if just for a minute or two.

As for the dog poop, I’ve found it prevalent in the community dog park, in Horse Gulch, and along the Animas River Trail. Dog owners are responsible for their dogs and the negative reactions to dog actions. The excuse that you did not see your dog poop or that it was covered by the snow has no merit.

Occasionally you may truly be unaware, but, if you are a responsible dog owner, you know your dog’s behavior including when she or he poops. I see owners intentionally ignore the situation and leave it on the ground or kick up a little snow or leaves to cover it. I see dozens of green poop bags abandoned along the walks and trails, presumably to be picked up but then forgotten or ignored. Last summer there was an outbreak of disease in dogs because of all the feces left behind in the dog park.

If you want Durango to stay dog friendly, get your act together, carry bags and pick up the poop. Be a good citizen and carry extra bags for the poop others have left behind. Durango is full of doggie bag and trash receptacles. Let’s use them.

Dot Helling

Durango