Some of my best friends are dog owners.

They love and cherish their pets and would have no problem bending over backward to take care of them. A sure sign of such devotion is that they pick up Fido’s poop.

However, too many selfish people in Denver are of the opinion that their laissez-faire attitude doesn’t stink as much as their dog’s waste material.

They are disrespecting our neighborhoods and not taking care of Lassie the way she deserves, in breach of an unspoken human/canine contract.

Denver is one of the most dog-friendly cities on the planet.

The latest estimate by Denver Parks and Recreation is that at the end of 2019, about 158,000 members of the pawed population lived among us.

The Mile High City has more dogs than children, according to the US Census. The kid population is an estimated 140,000.

Forbes ranks Colorado as the top state for most-devoted dog lovers.

I was not a fan of dogs while growing up because my parents didn’t want us taking care of an animal. Most of the dogs I knew of were used to guard property. Few were allowed inside houses, and those that were typically spent the night outside in the yard. Rex sleeping with his owner was not a thing.

Part of how I felt about dogs was shaped by strays roaming the neighborhood and scaring folks.

I also thought a description of dogs I once heard on a TV show was on point: “They’re dirty, they’re a pain to train, they’re a pain to wash, they bark when they shouldn’t, they jump on you when you don’t want them to, they chew things, they shed, they lick themselves, they make your house smell, they make your car smell and they make you smell.”

Those sentiments changed when I lived with Josh, a former roommate’s black and white springer spaniel whose sweet face and gentle manner won me over. I gladly helped him be a good doggie citizen by picking up behind him no matter how disgusting the bowel movement.

My feelings for Josh are why I don’t get Denverites who adamantly refuse to scoop the poop.

The ones I’ve spoken to usually become angry and threatening, or act sheepishly and offer ridiculous excuses, or ignore me and continue walking. Amazingly, they’ve included folks with plastic bags tied to leashes, or who witness Rover doing number-2 within steps of a box of free bags and nearby waste cans.

Now, I know God don’t like ugly, yet I can’t help harboring fantasies of a big scarlet P being etched into their foreheads.

But since that’s cruel and unusual punishment, I’ll settle for dropping some knowledge about the consequences of abandoned dog feces and pray it knocks loose a few brain cells that hold empathy.

Parks and Recreation officials point out that Toto’s waste does not break down on its own.

Parasites and bacteria can stay in the soil for years. That means pets, children who play outside, gardeners and others are at risk of contamination.

Infected excrement can contain heartworms, whipworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

Thinking that dog poop is fertilizer similar to cow manure is incorrect since cows eat plant matter.

Scientists say dog waste can throw off an ecosystem’s balance, especially in heavily populated areas, which can handle about two dogs per square mile. Many cities have close to 125 dogs per square mile. (Surely Denver is closer to 125.)

Bacteria in dog feces can affect water quality if it seeps into reservoirs, lakes, and other standing bodies.

The city imposes a $125 fine for violating disposal laws the first time. The problem is offenders have to be caught in the act.

Since most encounters are chance meetings, taking videos for evidence would be helpful if you know the scofflaw’s identity.

However, if someone you do know is letting their dog damage your property, contact the local animal control center immediately. Chances for holding them accountable are better than for a stranger who can simply disappear.

Stepping in dog excrement strewn about yards, grassy areas, parks, and sidewalks, is unpleasant, unsanitary, and stinks.

Pet owners who lack a sense of community also stink.

Picking up after Spot is not only common courtesy, it’s your duty; especially if you truly love and respect your dog.

Jo Ann Allen retired recently from Colorado Public Radio in Denver after 47 years of reporting the news. She is the creator and host of the podcast Been There Done That. 

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