20 years in the West taught me one thing: dog owners aren't always civilized

From sidewalks littered with dog waste to unleashed pets in parks, the behavior of some owners reveals that true civility comes not from where we live, but how we respect others.

Every afternoon when I pick up my child from school, I have to remind him: "Keep your eyes on the ground, don't step on dog poop." That simple sentence has become routine after years of witnessing the same scene: sidewalks and entrances smeared with waste from dogs whose owners simply walk away.

I spent 20 years living abroad in Western Europe, a place many consider highly civilized. I even had a dog myself once. But after what I've seen, I've promised never to raise one again. The problem isn't the dogs, it's their humans. Some feel no hesitation letting their pets relieve themselves in front of apartment buildings, schools or playgrounds, leaving others: mothers pushing strollers, children walking home... to deal with the consequences.

What's more troubling is that enforcement is weak. Authorities rarely impose penalties, and many residents rely on street-cleaning crews, who often avoid fresh waste because spraying it would splash onto themselves. The result: an unpleasant, unhygienic environment for everyone.

And it's not just about cleanliness. I've seen owners walk large dogs without muzzles, ignoring rules designed to protect the public. Even in parks with clear signs banning dogs, some people stroll in with their pets, ready to argue with guards who remind them. Their devotion to animals often crosses into disregard for community safety.

The truth is, this problem isn't unique to Europe. It exists in Vietnam too. Civility isn't about geography. It's about attitude. Owning a pet is a personal choice, but it must come with responsibility: cleaning up after them, ensuring they don't harm others, and recognizing that love for animals can never justify neglecting the well-being of neighbors.