Thanks to some, no thanks to others

The ‘thanks to some’ go to the thoughtful residents who shovel their sidewalks and also to the thoughtful dog-handlers who pick up their pets’ poo.

The ‘no thanks to others’ are directed to the thoughtless ones who don’t do either of those chores, which we categorize as civic responsibility — not to mention common decency. They’re also city laws.

When the winter snows finally arrived, our sidewalks turned white, to a modest depth. Shoveling wasn’t much of a task, except possibly for those with corner lots or long frontages or for those who postpone the work and then encounter snow tromped down by pedestrians, which can require more effort to scrape away.

Timely removal lets the sun do her work by melting any remnants and providing safe passage for the community. We find such efforts considerate and appreciate them.

As to the city law, it says residents must clear their sidewalks. And if they don’t and someone slips and hurts herself, could a lawsuit ensue?

For those who can’t do the job, we suggest asking a neighbor or hiring a service.

Then there’s the matter of dog do. Since another city rule requires that dogs be on leashes, we’re assuming that handlers are aware when their charges leave a deposit, which suggests they should be prepared to patrol the poop.

In some areas, signs remind dog-walkers about the duty of picking up their pets’ duty and, some places provide free poop bags and containers for depositing them. That’s true on the Paul Stock Nature Trail, which has grown in popularity and is now lined on either side with poop, especially the first hundred yards — not a pretty picture and certainly not one we should present to visitors who explore the trail.

Please, we urge people to be thoughtful about their community — its appearance, safety and residents. Shovel your sidewalks and police your pets.