Waste-Free Yards Keeps Pets Healthy

American pet owners collectively spend tens of millions of dollars every year on veterinary care and over-the-counter medicines for their furry loved ones. But what many don’t realize is that many pet illnesses can be avoided by simply keeping the back yard clear of pet waste.

Dog waste is more than just a smelly and unsightly mess. It’s also a breeding ground for infection—especially in dog parks and other areas where dogs frequently gather. Bacteria, worms and other parasites thrive in the waste until it’s cleaned up or washed into the water supply. Giardia, ringworm, roundworm and E. coli are examples of such inhabitants, all of which are commonly found in dog feces and are easily transferable upon contact.

When pets become sick, contagions are often times passed through their deposits into their own yard. The longer infected dog waste stays on the ground, the greater a contamination becomes. And when this waste is not picked up, pets have a high risk of catching the infection over and over again.

Roundworm, for example, is one of the most common parasites found in dog waste and it can remain infectious in contaminated soil and water for years.

The best thing pet owners can do to help keep their four-legged friends healthy and safe is to pick up after them and to do so in a timely manner. Those who don’t have enough time to deal with the mess themselves—or simply don’t want to—should consider hiring a local pet waste removal service.

How to Make Sure You Are Heard at Membership Meetings

All association members have a right to be heard at membership meetings by presenting, seconding, debating and voting on a motion. A motion is a proposal that our membership take action or a position on a specific topic or issue.

To make a motion, wait until the previous person has finished speaking, then stand and address the chair by stating your name. "Mr. Chairman (or Madame President), my name is…." When the chair recognizes or acknowledges you, state your motion clearly and concisely. "I move that our community … ."

Once you have stated your motion, another member should second it so that debate and discussion on the issue can commence. If no one seconds it, your motion will not be considered. Once it is seconded, the chair will announce the motion so it can either be discussed or voted on.

If the topic is one that will be discussed or debated before voting occurs, then, as the person who introduced the motion, you are allowed to speak first. Direct your comments to the chair and briefly explain the motion. You and other speakers participating in the discussion should respect any predetermined time limit for comments. You may also be the last to speak on the matter.

Voting on the motion can take place when the discussion or debate is completed and the chair asks, "Are you ready for the question?" Members can vote by a show of hands, roll call or ballot. General consent, which assumes consensus that there's no opposition to the motion, is another method of voting. The chair announces, "If there is no objection …," and members show their consent by their silence. Those who oppose the motion should speak out politely but audibly, "I object."

Then the chair announces the results of the vote.

How to Be a Good Neighbor

A little consideration goes a long way. Read the following tips from eHow.com on how to be a good neighbor beyond just a smile and a wave.

• Welcome any new neighbors with a personal note or pop by for a personal introduction.
• Make sure that the outside of your home—along with the grounds—is well-kept and complies with the association's CC&Rs.
• Be mindful of noise—loud music, barking dogs, power tools—that may disrupt the neighborhood beyond a reasonable hour.
• If you have a large party, consider your neighbors when directing your guests where to park, end the party at a reasonable hour and invite your neighbors to join in the fun.
• Return anything you borrow from your neighbor promptly, in the same condition they lent it to you, and express your thanks.
• Replace anything of your neighbor's that you, your children or your pets break or soil.
• Respect your neighbor's privacy.
• Offer to take care of mail pick-up, plants or pets while your neighbor is on vacation.
• Be social! Inviting a neighbor over for coffee and conversation can promote open communication and a friendly neighborhood environment from which all neighbors can benefit.

Visit www.ehow.com for other helpful, neighborly advice.