Pet Resorts, Not RV Resorts

dahkota wrote:
We have been in 28 campgrounds, both public and private, since January 1. We have been from Florida all the way to California. In only one campground did we have a dog problem and poop wasn't the problem. We have only encountered unpicked up dog poop in two campgrounds, one public and one private; in the public one it may have been coyote poop. Yes, we notice those things because we have a dog and work hard to make sure she doesn't disrupt the camping experience of others. Just like we work hard to make sure we humans don't disrupt the camping experience of others. And we have found that other campers, for the most part, are the same way.

We have, however, run into Camp Hosts who seem mad at the world. Sometimes I wonder why they take a job working with the public they seem to hate so much. With some, it's dogs; with others it's cars or fires or noise or children or people in general. They really need to think about why they are doing what they seem to dislike so much. Now, I'm not saying you - the OP - are one those people. I'm sure you are very pleasant in person. But you may want to figure out why you have so much time to sit around and watch people with dogs doing their business. Maybe find a hobby. Maybe get a dog. Anything to relieve some of the stress you seem to be under.

My nomination for best post of the day!

This has been our experience as well. When traveling I feel it is best to be tolerant of others' lifestyle choices. Some take their dogs, some don't, some even take cats or birds. Some take their kids, some have a whole van full of active kids, some are childless. Some people are irresponsible with kids/pets, most are not. Sometimes parents are judged by ohers as being irresponsible because their kids are loud and seemingly ill-behaved, when actually they are dealing with a disability such as autism. Sometimes it is a cultural issue.

In short, it doesn't hurt to be charitable and tolerant of those who make different life choices. It usually DOES cause strife when one negatively stereotypes all dog owners/cat owners/parents/etc. When people are inconsiderate of other campers and breaking campground rules, camp hosts and rangers can correct the behavior constructively, or they can be emotional and confrontational. In my experience in the military and in public schools, one of these approches definitely works better.