Fussy, fussy

Back when I walked dogs down the grassy streets of a medium-sized Midwestern college town, I used to assume that those people who cleaned their dogs' paws had a diagnosable disorder.

But like everything else, the definition of "disorder" is relative to context. Since I started walking dogs in Brooklyn, I've learned that what seems neurotic in a spotless environment, is common sense in a world of sidewalks strewn with the leavings of Brooklyn's thousands of dogs.

Oh my goodness, talk about a city full of dogs with fussy stomachs. What to do?

As far as treatment for the runny results of street-snacking goes, most of us know that plain yogurt or unspiced rice works for dogs just like it does for us. I've found that the only thing that will produce immediate results is a nice bowl of canned pumpkin.

As far as prevention goes, watching out for street-snacking is our first order of business. Walking dogs in Brooklyn requires sharp eyes. It's vital to keep dogs with sensitive stomachs away from those chicken bones and who-knows-what-else strewn from the trash cans to the gutter.

And washing a few sets of paws now and then can't hurt.