One Man’s Brave Quest to Ensure No Poo is Left Behind

by Amy Tokic

Published: April 4th, 2016

one mans brave quest to ensure no poo is left behind

In an effort to save shoes nationwide, Chad Logan is going cross country to spread the word. He wants pet parents to pick up their dog’s poop – and we’ve got an inside scoop!

I don’t remember how I came upon Chad Logan’s website or his cause, “ No Poo Left Behind.” Perhaps it was fate; maybe I’m just a magnet for these kinds of topics. But the fact of this serendipitous encounter was clear – I needed to tell his story.

I got the chance to talk with Chad about his mission, his CD and U.S. tour, and why he does what he does.

PG: How did you come up with the “No Poo Left Behind” idea?”

Chad: Well, it started with Pick Up That Poop!, a campaign to get dog owners to do the right thing. The idea came to me after I took our dog, Gus (a black lab mix we adopted 12 years ago), out for his morning walk on June 10 (my birthday). Along the way, I counted not one, not three, but six piles of dog poop left behind… there were five on the grass and one right in the middle of the sidewalk. I remember thinking that’s my birthday wish: “I wish that every dog owner would pick up after their dogs.”

That walk help inspire nine songs to help raise awareness on poo pick-up and dog rescue. To help us get the word out there about both of these causes, I was thinking about a tour across the United States (Our “No Poo Left Behind Tour – June 2016”). We’ll be making stops at local parks, dog poo hot spots, dog parks, and dog rescues. The amount of money raised will allow us to make more stops, while also allowing us to make even more donations to dog rescue groups we meet on the road. These are shelters that need help to stay open and or expand their facilities to help more dogs in need.

PG: Do you have a tour schedule yet?

Chad: It’s in the works. We’re still raising funds, but no matter if we raise $500 or $50,000, the No Poo Left Behind Tour 2016 is going to happen. We plan to hit the open road on June 10 (it’s my birthday, of course). As of right now, we’ll be stopping in Los Angeles, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Ogden, UT; Denver ,CO; Topeka, KS; Jefferson City, MO; Nashville, TN; and Savannah, GA. We’ll be adding more cities as the project is continually being funded.

PG: What can the audience expect on these tours?

Chad: You’ll be able to find us at local parks, dog parks and dog rescues in each city we visit (the schedule will be updated on the website). If there’s a dog/rescue event going on the same time we’re in each city, we plan to set up a booth or just walk around, giving away free rolls of poop bags, selling our poop swag to raise money, and passing our informational handouts about why it’s so important it is to pick up after your dog. We hope to spread the word, not the poo! And of course, I’ll have my guitar with me, so I’ll be playing some tunes from the CD, and I take requests!

PG: Why is it so important that people pick up their dog’s poo?

Chad: A common misconception is that dog poop is fertilizer – BUT IT’S NOT! It harbors harmful organisms such as Giardia, Salmonella and E. coli that can be easily transmitted to humans and other dogs. In most cities and states, it’s the law to pick up your dog’s poo, and it’s also the neighborly thing to do. No one wants to find out they have poo on their shoes after tracking it in the house.

PG: Where do you see your movement (get it – it’s a poo pun!) going in the future?

Chad: Once we finish our first No Poo Left Behind tour, we’d love to keep the momentum going. We’ve also been thinking about adding Dog Poop DNA to the lineup. It’s a great idea for cities to implement, and pet parents who leave it behind will have to pay for cleanup. But we plan to continue our efforts to help dog rescues in need, and get a few non-poop-picker-uppers on our side.

PG: What can people do to spread your word about picking up poop?

Chad: Help us spread the word, not the poo! Fans can download our songs, buy our No Poo Left Behind CD, and become a PUTP Walking Yard Sign (we’ve got more than 30 designs that adorn t-shirts, tote bags, stickers and more)

Even better, you can start your own Neighborhood Watch Dog Poop Division. You can pass out flyers in your area about the importance of picking up after your dog. If you see someone looking around suspiciously after their dog takes a poop, ask them if they need a bag. If your dog poops next to a pile left behind, use the same bag to pick it up, too. Hey, why not? You’re already down there, so help out your neighborhood, and save someone’s shoe!

There are a few ways you can support Chad and his “No Poo Left Behind” movement. You can buy his CD, which features timeless classics such as “Pick Up The Poop Oh Yeah”; “Poo On My Shoe”; and “Turd City USA” (50 percent of the proceeds from the CD are donated to dog rescue groups). You can also purchase some sweet poop swag (trust me, you need a couple of these stickers). Or you can donate to the cause – every little bit counts. And check out his website to see when the No Poo Left Behind Tour comes to your city!

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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When it comes to eating, most dogs will eat just about anything – in fact, if it’s something that’s forbidden for them to eat or something that they really shouldn’t be munching on, their appetite only seems to increase. And unfortunately, that also includes poop. While it is definitely disgusting to see, it actually has a lot of science behind it. The behavior is called  coprophagia, and it is influenced by a lot of major factors. Getting to know them can help you better understand this odd behavior, and help you act accordingly. So let’s learn all about dogs and poop-eating.Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?Believe it or not, eating poop is a fairly common behavior in dogs. In fact, recent studies reveal that it is  in a dog’s DNA to eat poop. It isn’t, however, a behavior that should be ignored completely. Because it can give you insights into the health and mentality of your four-legged friend. If you spot your pet munching on the forbidden fudge, it could signal a major nutritional deficiency. So, basically, if a dog is lacking certain nutrients in their diet, they may seek to fulfill those needs by eating feces. Of course, it can also signal underlying medical issues. It is known that some medical conditions can lead to coprophagia, such as malabsorption disorders or  parasites. Coprophagia can also sometimes stem from behavioral issues, such as stress, anxiety, or boredom. Dogs may resort to eating poop as a way to cope with these feelings or out of sheer boredom. It can also come from simple attention-seeking. Yup, your dog can eat feces as a way to gain attention, especially if they've received a strong reaction from their owners in the past. And, if you notice that your doggo is nibbling on poop in the park or on the street, they could be attracted to the scent. The scent of feces attracts some dogs, especially if it's from another animal. Of course, neglect can also be a viable cause. Dogs that are confined in tight spaces or cages can exhibit unnatural behaviors, such as excessive eating of poop. It can also stem from anxiety, fear, isolation, or from problems related to diet. Either way, it is essential to consult with a veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues and to address any behavioral concerns. Of course, ensuring your dog has a balanced diet, plenty of physical and mental stimulation, and positive reinforcement training can help deter this behavior. It can also be wise to supplement your dog’s diet with  quality multivitamins, which can balance their nutritional needs and prevent poop-eating. 

Is Your Cat Itchy? Causes and Treatments for Itching in Cats

Itching, or pruritis, in cats has various causes, so it’s a symptom of multiple problems. Sure, a cat will have an itch they need to scratch every now and then, just like people do. But if you see your cat scratching more than usual, or they’re scratching, licking, or biting themselves so much that they’re losing fur and causing cuts and scabs on their skin, there may be an underlying issue that should be addressed.Whether your cat is scratching at one area or they’re itchy all over, don’t ignore this problem. Read on to learn about some of the causes of itchiness in cats, along with some of the things you can do to provide relief. Remember, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian about your cat’s symptoms so you can give your pet the right treatment.Reasons Why Your Cat Is ItchyHere are some of the conditions that can cause a cat to feel itchy:AllergiesA lot of things can cause an allergic reaction in cats that leads to itchy skin. For example, if your cat is allergic to an ingredient in their food, such as a particular protein, their allergy might manifest as itchiness. As another example, your cat might be allergic to something in the environment, such as dust in the house or pollen that blows in through a window. And some cats have contact allergies to products, from litter to plastic or fabric, that can cause a reaction. The goal is to find the allergen and remove it from your cat’s environment as best as possible. In the case of a food allergy, using food trials with the guidance of your vet can help you figure out what’s causing the reaction so you can start giving your cat food that’s appropriate for them. ParasitesBites from insects and parasites can cause your cat to feel itchy. Fleas and mites are a couple examples. And, yes, indoor cats can get fleas, as they could be brought in from outside and find their way to your feline.When it comes to mites, such as ear mites or mange, your veterinarian can prescribe treatments after performing some tests for an accurate diagnosis.For flea allergy dermatitis caused by flea bites, it’s a matter of eliminating the flea infestation and preventing future infestations. You can use over-the-counter products, such as Frontline Plus for Cats, which is a topical treatment you apply between your cat’s shoulders (where they won’t be able to lick it off). It kills flea eggs, flea larvae, and adult fleas, as well as ticks and chewing lice, and each dose works for a month. But you also need to thoroughly clean your home and your pet’s things to be sure you eliminate fleas in the environment.

Jolly Pets’ Annual “#WeGiveaJolly” Campaign Helps Shelter Dogs

Jolly Pets is the brand behind innovative, durable, and unique pet toys that are made entirely by domestic manufacturers – and every holiday season, they make an effort to spread joy, kindness, and love to all the pooches in need. This season, collaborating with 19 influencer ambassadors, they are once again heading their # WeGiveaJolly charitable campaign. Starting from November 28th until December 25th, Jolly Pets will donate a high-quality toy for every single purchase made. The toys will go to rescue dogs at 19 animal shelters in the USA, each represented by the influencer ambassadors, as announced by the marketing director of Jolly Pets, Louisa Casto. "The holiday season is a time for giving, and what better way to make a difference in the lives of shelter dogs than through the power of play and companionship. Jolly Pets understands the importance of providing joy and comfort to dogs awaiting their forever homes, and # WeGiveaJolly exemplifies our commitment to this cause," said Casto. "We believe that every dog deserves love, care, and happiness regardless of their circumstances. That's why we're excited to kick off our annual # WeGiveaJolly campaign, collaborating with compassionate ambassadors and animal shelters to make a real difference in a dog's life."This campaign will bring true holiday cheer across the country, especially to rescue dogs who are in dire need of some love and compassion.The ambassadors, shelters, and locations are as follows:@guidingeyesfortheblind for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Yorktown Heights, NY@goodasgoldens for Canine Companions, Sacramento, CA@Jack_the_Sleeper for Fort Worth North Animal Care and Adoption Campus, Haslet, TX@moosethegoldenretriever for Rescue Village, Russell Twp., OH@cheriethesurfdog for Frenchies United Rescue, Claremont, CA@incredibullstella for Animal Help Alliance, Las Vegas, NV@iheartpgracie for Animal Care Centers of NYC, New York, NY@2rockstarlabs for Crossed Paws Animal Shelter, Woodsfield, OH@koda.laredo for Hoosier Bulldog Rescue, Indianapolis, IN@posies_pocketful_of_praise for Pickens Humane Society, Liberty, SC@ziggy_loving_life for Home Fur Good Animal Rescue, Phoenix, AR@maligator_apollo for PAWS Chicago, Chicago, IL@remingtonpup for Great Pyrenees Rescue Society, Spring, TX@gvl_golden_girls for Dog Squad, Greer, SC@enzo.and.bella for Friends of Detroit Animal Care & Control, Northville, MI@benny.n.lola for Humane Society Silicon Valley, Milpitas, CA@leuleu_theblue for the Pet Alliance Sanford Shelter, Orlando, FL@the.hero.dogs for Hot Mess Pooches, Homer, IL@fosterkittenhq for The Animal Welfare League of Arlington, Arlington, VA"By participating in Jolly Pets # WeGiveaJolly campaign, our customers are not only providing joy to their own pets but also extending that joy to shelter dogs waiting for a loving home. It's a small act of kindness that can profoundly impact these dogs' lives," Casto said. "We encourage using the hashtag # WeGiveaJolly on social media to encourage friends and family to participate in this heartwarming initiative."To learn more about the # WeGiveaJolly campaign and to shop for Jolly Pets' durable and innovative pet toys, visit  https://jollypets.com/pages/wegiveajolly-annual-toy-drive.

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