While accompanying me on a trip to the more scary storage area of our house, my three-year-old spied an old “yard art” statue of a Rottweiler that belonged to my spouse. (The movers would not accept a bribe to, uh, lose a few items during the move).
Later that evening, she remarked to my husband, “Daddy, we need a real dog, not a plastic dog.” Between this plea and having to stop and ask to pet every, every, single dog we encounter in public, I set about the task of getting my spouse to agree to add a new member to the family.
It was not easy. He was heartbroken after losing his last dog, and pretty set against a puppy. This does not mean no — it just means choosing your moment wisely.
“Oh, I’ve got a dog for you. Chocolate Lab. I’ll spay her and everything,” my brother, a vet, offered. We were out for a family dinner. My husband was deep into his second beer. I gauged my opportunity. The moment looked right, or my husband looked a bit drunk. Either way, works for me. “Hey, Honey, guess what?!”
Yeah, I got him to agree while he was buzzed. A mom’s gotta do what a mom’s gotta do.
Speaking of do, or rather “doo,” we have just a short while before we go pick up the puppy to consider how to “green” our new pet. A bit of internet searching and some recommendations included Paw Luxury, a site that offered eco-living for the every day dog. The products included many eco-friendly, fair-trade, and recyclable products from hemp collars to organic treats, toys, beds and things for the lesser exciting new pet issues such as the “wet dog” aroma, and doggy breath.
The site also offered a resource for biodegradable “scooperboxes” and “business bags.” The only thing the site did not have was a place to put the fully-loaded bio-bag. For that, I had to do some research.
Turns out, they do make compost bins especially for pet waste. You can make your own, or buy a ready-made model. Prices range from around $50 bucks to a fancy model with fans and an empty light (not-so-green for the brown, really) for around $500 bucks. I’m all for low-tech, kids. It’s poop.
The compost system uses a treatment similar to a septic system, or a bokashi bucket, using enzymes to break down the waste. This “compost” however, cannot be used on any kind of food garden. But the system sure beats the plastic bag method for environmentally-friendly.
Now, if I can just convince the spouse he will not mind some scooping. That’ll take a few more beers.
[This post was written by Beth Bader.]
Beth… this story was just as good the second time… I want to buy one of the pet waste digesters you mention… my wife’s unconvinced… guess I need to get her out for some beers..
Just yesterday I observed my parents bickering over who was supposed to clean the cat litterboxes. My mom is the one who brought both cats home to live with them. The box was overflowing and stinking up the whole house. My dad asked her, “When you brought those cats home, did you think someone else would clean the boxes? Or did you think the cats would do it themselves?”
I’m pretty sure the box is still not clean.
Congrats on your new addition to the family!!! I wan’t to see pics. 🙂
The composting idea is interesting. I tried composting last year with very icky results. You could also look into biodegradable doo doo bags. Spikes business bags are pretty efficient too.
That is a great story, love the part about him being buzzed. Try Blue Dog Food. Our Llasa Opso does not like the salmon, but loves all of the other flavors. Thank you for sharing.