Scully,
one of the reasons we chose a ferret instead of a puppy is that I don't want to deal with poop. A ferret is a lot easier to clean up after. And you know in a house with 8 people the mom always get stuck with it.
My neighbor's have a dog, and she has a few puppies. They are constantly getting out because of a small hole in the fence. I have had to watch my step on our lawn on more than a few occaisions. I have said a few things politely, and they are trying to keep them in...but I tell you, there is nothing more disgusting than stepping in a pile of cat or dog crap.
We used to have a real problem with a neighborhood cat that would crap in our lawn...I have run it off a few times.
the thing with dog poop and urine is you can smell it when it is hot outside, even if it is a couple of lawns away. My nieghbors go out and pick up their backyard every few days, but man, especially with this TX heat, it can reek to high heaven.
Good for you for standing up.