Time for the annual Center Trail refresher course for dog walkers.

FAQs:

1. Do I have to pick up my dog’s poop?

Yes, please.

2. What if I don’t have a poop bag?

Bag dispensers and waste cans are at both the Main Street and Loop Road ends of the trail. Take two if necessary.

3. OK if I just cover it with snow?

No. That simply ensures it’ll still be there when the snow melts.

4. I don’t like having to carry a poop bag. If I leave it along the trail, someone will pick it up and put it in the can for me, right?

Right, but believe me, that someone will not be happy about it.

5. What difference does just my dog’s little poop make, after all?

Well, if everyone thought that way, there would be about 80-100 pounds of dog poop on the trail every two weeks. No exaggeration. Dog feces are the third greatest contributor to water contamination and contain viruses, bacteria and worms that can cause infections in other animals, including human children (see aapaw.org/education/dangers-of-dog-poop).

And a big thank you to most dog walkers, who do the right thing!

— David Dollenmayer and Charlie, Hopkinton (trail stewards)

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