Figures vary widely for the number of dogs in Paris, from 77.000 to 200,000 or more. Dodging dog poop on Paris sidewalks used to be a common complaint from visitors, but the situation has vastly improved in the last decade and a half. There may have Sanisettes all over the city for pedestrians, but the poor Parisian doggies can’t push the button to get in and use them. There are signs all over the city urging residents to pick up after their pooches. “I love my neighborhood. I pick up.”
And signs around parks and recreational areas:
Specialized motorcycles called ‘motocrottes’ or ‘caninettes’ vacuum up poop. It’s no longer unusual to see Parisians with baggies picking up after their doggies (toutous). I’ve seen little ‘purse’ dogs elegantly balance on their front paws while aiming their behinds out over the curb to deposit their excrement in the street. Note they call dogs doing their business: ‘faire leurs besoins‘.
Cynthia Tuttelman (aka "Tut") is a writer, family doctor and quilter who lives in Northern California and part-time each year in Paris, France. Follow along and explore the wonders of Paris.