The Barking Lot is a regular weekly feature of This Just In…Originally written by both my lovely wife, Jennifer and me, this blog brings you the latest news about our furry friends including articles, columns, photos and videos. Enjoy!

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

TODAY:  Scattered thunderstorms in the morning, then mainly cloudy during the afternoon with thunderstorms likely. High of 85. Chance of rain 60%.  “B” in the morning, “D” in the afternoon.

SUNDAY:  Sunny. High of 76.  “A”

Before DOGS IN THE NEWS, a Barking Lot summer rerun. From July 30, 2016. Jennifer wrote:

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

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

The FDA Suspects Tainted Pet Foods Poisoned Hundreds Of Dogs.

Time for Pandemic Puppies to Learn How to Be Alone.

Dog Tied To Pole Reaches Out Paw To The Cop Who’s Come To Save Him.

Milwaukee dog, owner reunited; pet spotted on FOX6 WakeUp…

The canine-human bond is strong; the hunter-dog bond stronger still.

Scientists show that cuddling with a dog significantly improves your well-being.

OPINION: Has the latest status symbol become a vegan dog?

Next Thursday is National Dog Day.

AND FINALLY, the answer is no. From British Columbia…

That’s it for this week. Thanks for stopping by.

We’d really appreciate it if you forward this on to other dog lovers you know. Let them have some fun!

See ya, BARK, next Saturday!