Dogs can sometimes be super embarrassing but isn’t that given considering the fact that they’re just dogs and not some intellectual beings?
One certainly cannot expect them to act more civilized or blame their owners for not teaching them mannerisms.
An internet user asked, “My dog pooped on the sidewalk that happened to be in front of a cafe in NYC – Owner was not happy. Am I a jerk?”
Backstory
Original Poster, OP just had an experience that he is not sure how to feel about. OP was walking his dog on a commercial street filled with small businesses and shops in Queens, NY.
OP had just come from the vet and his dog, a beagle mix, had been pretty nervous, so he thought a little walk would be nice.
What Happened As They Were Walking?
As they were walking, OP’s dog suddenly stops and poops in the middle of the sidewalk. Now, according to OP, this is not an ideal place for him to go, and usually, he tries to find a grassy spot off to the side, but apparently, he needed to go, and this was where he was going.
This spot he chose to go on the sidewalk happened to be in front of a cafe (about 4 feet in front of it).
What Did OP Do Next?
OP didn’t think much of it, or even notice what business he was in front of. OP got out a poop bag to pick it up.
He picked up the poop in the dog bag and tied a knot. There was a small amount of residue that he couldn’t get off of the sidewalk (OP wasn’t sure how to avoid that).
The Owner Comes Out
Just as they were about to continue walking, someone pops out of the door (who OP assumes is the owner of the cafe) and says in a rude tone, “This is a business, don’t let your dog poop here (pointing to where the dog had pooped).
He should have pooped over there (points to the curb). “
OP’s Response
OP didn’t know how to respond, and he thinks he mustered something like, “This is a sidewalk, and this is where he stopped to go.”
OP didn’t feel like he should apologize for anything in this situation so he did not. OP was more annoyed than anything. He turned and left without further engaging with the person. OP noted the shop and made a mental note never to visit it.
Just for a better visual: This cafe has no outdoor seating. This is just a public sidewalk in front of their cafe that is on a pedestrian street in a big city.
What Does OP Say?
OP says, “I am not sure what I could have done differently. I picked up the poop. The cafe owner didn’t need to come out and say anything. They don’t own the sidewalk in front of their cafe.
This is NYC, we all have to share the sidewalk. Who’s the jerk?”
That’s Typical Dog Behavior
“Not the jerk. For all those saying otherwise, have you ever experienced walking a dog and them needing to poop? Because let me tell you, once they decide they need to go, despite all the tugging and pulling on the lead, *they won’t budge*.
My dog once pooped on someone’s driveway and point blank refused to move anywhere else (it was embarrassing, but I did all I could and she wouldn’t move).”
You Did What You Could
“People saying other than ‘not the jerk’ blows my mind. You’re definitely not the jerk since you cleaned it up as much as you reasonably could.”
That’s How Dogs Function
“Dogs poop and sometimes not in the best of spots. You picked it up the best you could.”
It’s New York!
“Dog owner from NYC and former front-of-house restaurant worker. If you picked it up, you’re good! It’s New York. You can’t go to the curb because of trash/traffic.”
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This article was originally published on Mrs Daaku Studio.