The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Written by my lovely wife, Jennifer and me.  It opens with the weekend dog walking forecast followed by the main blog from dog lover, Jennifer. Then it’s DOGS IN THE NEWS and our close. Enjoy!

THE WEEKEND DOG-WALKING FORECAST: We grade the weather outlook for taking your pet outdoors.

TODAY: Lots of sun. Little chance of rain.  A high of 75.  “A”

SUNDAY:  Partly cloudy.  A high of 78. Again very little chance of rain. “A”

Here’s my lovely wife, Jennifer with this week’s main blog.

My childhood dogs had free reign of our back yard and driveway, and it’s where they did their business.  When the grass was snowed over, they used the driveway.  We weren’t a “walk-to-poop” family.  We just picked up after them.  Before you even BECOME a dog owner, you know what you’re in for.  True, it’s the very last thing on your list of “why I love having a dog” but it is what it is.

Perhaps that’s why so many people jumped at the chance to install an app called “Pooper.”  Call it lazy, selfish, squeamish, or hooked on your phone.  Whatever the reason(s) if there was a chance to have someone else do your dirty work, why not?

Personally, I wouldn’t bother.  The skeptic in me immediately wondered, “Where’s the proof they will actually pick it up?”  The frugalista in me thought, “Why on EARTH would I pay someone to pick up my dog’s poop?”  And the relic in me assumed, “The app wouldn’t work right anyhow and I’d STILL be left holding the bag.  Literally.”

But what about you?  Would YOU take advantage of the service?  I wouldn’t judge, really.  I’m sorry to burst your though.  This time, there really ISN’T an app for that.

Speaking of park amenities, dog owners, dogs, and dog poop…  All of this leads to my recent personal experience at a lovely Franklin park.  Kyla has been taking tennis lessons this summer through the Franklin Recreation Department and they are held at Lions Legend Park.  We love this park… the play sets are great, the tennis courts are well-maintained, and the volleyball pits do double-duty as an endless sandbox for little ones.  There are plenty of picnic tables, an abundance of shade, and the restrooms are incredibly tidy.  What’s NOT to love?

While I watch Kyla play tennis, I also observe many dog-walkers.  Sometimes I’ll chat with them or just comment on their cute four-legged friend.  So far I’ve never met an unfriendly owner who isn’t happy to brag about their companion.  It’s just one more reason to like that park.

But as I was walking from the tennis court to a picnic table, I nearly collided with a fresh pile of dog poop.  I was NOT happy.  It wasn’t that my sandals would have been covered in poop, although that wouldn’t have been entirely pleasant.  It was the laziness of the dog owner!

“Maybe they just didn’t have a bag with them.  I’m sure they didn’t mean to leave a mess.  I’m sure they would have picked up after their pooch.  The probably just forgot a bag.”  Yeah, yeah, yeah.  I’d like to think that way too.  Unfortunately they were about 25 feet away from THIS at the time…

I kid you not.  While you might not be able to tell, this photo was actually taken at my beloved park.  Literally 10 steps away from the pile.  I was dumbfounded.  Makes me wonder…  If someone at our park can’t use a FREE bag in plain sight, would they even remotely consider PAYING for a poop service would one be available?  Perhaps, since someone else would be doing the dirty work.  Good grief.
—Jennifer Fischer

Thanks, Jennifer!

Time now for DOGS IN THE NEWS, canines that made headlines the past week.

We’ve said it in the past and it’s true. The news isn’t always good. We don’t post the most graphic, stunning stories. This story doesn’t fall into that category, however it’s very sad.  A truck’s AC failed.

In Appleton, WI there’s a dog controversy that has people talking.

After competition, blind dog from Mineral Point, WI continues to spread anti-bullying message.

Hooch survives severe abuse. Read what he’s doing now.

Why are some dogs better at finding human remains?

You’ve rescued a dog. Now what?

Can I walk your dog?

For people studying dog well-being, dog spit is a highlight of their day.

Nothing WI in these listings.

What about these rules for dog owners in a luxury rental apartment?

This columnist now knows how Jimmy Stewart felt.

Good news. Corky is back home…finally!

I CAN RELATE! Oh my goodness! Could be my most favorite DOGS IN THE NEWS item EVER! Unenthusiastic dad writes incredibly detailed family dog contract.

THAT’S IT FOR DOGS IN THE NEWS.

HERE’S OUR DOG PHOTO OF THE WEEK:

Photographer shoots adorable dog photos before and after a trim at the groomer 

We close as we always do with our closing video. And we have a few.

First, we go to Chicago where burglars became heroes.

SuperDeluxe attempted to break the Guinness world record for most dogs walked by one person. To pull off this extraordinary feat, they called in a professional dog walker from Los Angeles. The goal: 45 dogs. His personal record? 6. Can he do it?

Next, here’s that Tonight Show with Jimmy Stewart referred to in the column above.

AND FINALLY, I think I’ve found the perfect dog for my wife:

That’s it for this week.

Thanks for stopping by..

See ya, BARK, next week!