By Katherine Moseley

There is a sandy beach on the east side of the Skagway River that a few local kids call “Dog Poop Island.”  It is a popular spot for people to take their dogs and it used to be a popular spot for kids to play.  That is until it became “Dog Poop Island.”  A recent picture of the area made it to the Skagway Swap on Facebook encouraging people to do better and clean up after their pets.

“Dog Poop Island” is just one of many hot spots in town where people don’t clean up after their dogs.  When my friends and I are out with our dogs we always try to pick up an extra pile or two.  It is good karma to do so, and I figure there has probably been times when we have missed a pile or two from our dogs.  We are only human after all. And while it isn’t our responsibility, we don’t want dogs to be cast in a negative light.

There are several good reasons to clean up your dog’s poop.  It helps prevent the spread of disease and parasites.  Pet waste can contaminate waterways. It does not decompose properly and can disrupt ecosystems. There is also a legal responsibility to do so.  According to Skagway Municipal Code Ch.6.02.010 Animal Waste Removal it is unlawful to not clean up your pet’s fecal matter.

Picking up your dog’s poop costs nothing.  The city even provides poop bags and has several receptacles around town to throw your full bags in.  If you are cleaning up poop from your yard, you can put it in a plastic bucket with a lid and take it to the city composter during their business hours.  There is no charge for this disposal service.  Check with the Municipality of Skagway for details on disposing of larger quantities.

Here are a few tips that I have learned over the years that has made it a little easier for me when cleaning up after my dogs.

I always keep my treat pouch stocked with poop bags and sanitizing wipes.  The wipes are for those “oops” moments when you might get a little on you during the clean-up.  It doesn’t happen that often, but it is best to be prepared.  If I go anywhere with my dogs, my treat pouch is always with me.  I keep it hanging by the front door and make sure it is stocked each night before bed.

I prep a few bags before each walk by having them opened already.  If you have ever struggled to get the bag open on a windy below zero day, you will know why this helps.

I have a carabiner on my treat pouch so that I can clip the bags on it when they are full leaving my hands free for holding leashes. This is why I prefer to use the bags that have handles.

For the love of dog, please pick up your dog’s poop.  When you don’t, it makes dogs look bad.  Being an irresponsible pet guardian can bring on stricter rules for everyone.  I personally love that Skagway is such a dog friendly town.  Let’s keep it that way!