I am an avid hiker and hike several times a week. For the most part, it is enjoyable, except for one thing: dogs.

Or rather what dogs do. And the dog isn’t so much to blame but the owners who do not take responsibility for their pet and disregard following any rules. Every sign at the beginning of a trail states:

1) Pick up after your pet and 2) Dogs must be on a leash.

Let’s start with #1. I encounter several piles of poop every time I hike unless I go to a very remote area. Call me crazy, but does anyone out there like to see (or smell) that? It makes hiking just gross in simplest terms.

#2- There are a few reasons why dogs should be on leashes. Most dogs, unless trained, run up to people and often jump, sniff, lick, bark, or shake wet fur off onto you from a lake/ reservoir.

Two wet dogs got me wet just yesterday after I hiked a trail full of dog doo-doo. Some people are allergic to dogs. Some people have a fear of dogs.

To sum it up, if you want a dog — great! But by choosing to have a dog you are choosing to take responsibility and accountability. Train your dog, and pick up after them. Don’t like picking up poop? Don’t get a dog. After all, we clean up after children, don’t we? Please respect the rules because it respects everyone else’s experiences and keeps our environment clean.

Greta Morath

Colorado Springs