LJ Idol, Season 8, Topic 3, Coprolite

[imafarmgirl]

There’s nothing like learning to pick up poop. When one is training with a guide dog it is an essential part of the training. The first few days the trainers scoop the poop with shovels, and tell the blind dog handlers what the dog is doing, urinating, defecating, or just sniffing around. The handlers have to get to know their dog’s efforts.

Comments

[elionwyr]

Picking up dog poop is a bizarrely educational and personal process, isn't it? I was a dog walker and I had no idea that there was a pattern in defecation. 0_o

But I never considered how blind people scoop for their pups. Thank you for the education - and the laugh. :)

[imafarmgirl]

Poop is such an interesting topic among dog lovers.

[elionwyr]

True story:
During my first few years as a zookeeper, I discussed poop too much. I didn't realize it until a friend's girlfriend looked at me cautiously during our second meeting and asked, "Are...you going to talk about poop again?"

Sigh.

[imafarmgirl]

Some people just don't understand.

[its_raining_jen]

"but whatever you do, do not move that pointed foot or you’ll have lost the shit forever." HA HA HA!!

That elephant poo prank is AMAZING!!! I love it! Ha ha ha ha ha!

[imafarmgirl]

It's true about the pointed foot. Sighted people have no idea. lol.

The elephant thing was so hilarious. When it happened I was doubled over laughing.

[marstokyo]

great story! I've got a dog who poops in secret. I've had her three years and only seen her poop twice. She gets walked twice a day. Somewhere in our backyard there must be a huge pile of poop but I haven't found it yet. Very strange.

[imafarmgirl]

Thanks.

That'd be horrible for a guide dog. We have to travel with them so much they have to be willing to poop in front of people. lol.

[imafarmgirl]

I think a lot of people don't think of the little aspects of being blind or having another disability. It is all too common. Most of us don't think about the details of others lives. I think that's why.

[imafarmgirl]

I hate those paper saving things in public restrooms! Grrrrr.

It is really amazing how small things can become big things overnight.

[majesticzaichik]

OMG how funny! I can't imagine the effort it took to bring back such a pile of elephant shit! Actually it has been a curiosity of mine how blind people clean up after their dogs. Good to know there is a challenging training regime you guys have to endure. hehe.

[imafarmgirl]

Most of us are good about picking up after our dogs because they get to go places that other dogs can't and we should respect that by keeping those areas clean.