The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 48: April/May 2020 | Page 33

IS IT ME? IS IT ME? John Davies is a senior corporate partner at leading commercial law firm Thrings. In each edition of TBE John addresses a topical news or business- related issue. This time he’s urging you to bag it and bin it. In recent issues each of my articles seem to have started with ‘I know that elections / Brexit / politics / floods are important but I’m going to moan about something trivial anyway’. Thrings @ThringsLaw www.thrings.com Well, I’m writing this as we begin looking into the eye of the COVID-19 storm. In my lifetime I can’t recall families, friends, businesses, countries and strangers facing such a situation. It’s deeply concerning for all of us. I considered writing about it but having looked at all media outlets it’s all we’re hearing about. So I’ve decided to whine about something far more mundane, trivial even, but nonetheless something that irks me. Regular readers will know that I am a dog owner. Paddington Davies is a somewhat scruffy little chap, but he is well-loved and well-walked. As part of that walking routine, no matter where I am with my furry friend, I’ll have his lead, some treats and, of course, a pocket full of poo bags. As sure as eggs is eggs, when dogs go out for a walk nature calls. Our four-legged friends are leg-cockingly unembarrassed about going to the loo in public. You don’t know when. You don’t know where. But you know it’s going to happen. Number ones are given short shrift, although my pooch does love to try and water things outside shops - flowers or bags of logs for example, which can cause the local florist and hardware shop some irritation. Number twos, however, need to be dealt with swiftly and without fuss. Bag it and bin it. Every time. So why then are some dog owners happy to let their pawed companions do their business and leave it? And I’m not just talking about the middle of nowhere or in some darkened woods. I’m getting fed up finding canine business all over the place: on people’s drives, pavements, footpaths, parks. I live on a dog walking route and I can’t believe how many inconsiderate dog owners there are out there. What is wrong with you people?! If you own a dog, take responsibility and pick up the poo! I think I’m even angrier about this than people that don’t indicate…which is really saying something. So there you have it. Moan over but hopefully point made. And if you do own a dog but refuse to pick up its deliveries, then shame on you. Finally, and returning to COVID-19, I don’t know what the future holds for anyone but I would urge everyone to be kind, considerate, helpful and understanding in the coming months. Please take care. John Davies e: [email protected] t: 01793 412634 Virtual Office packages starting at £30 per month Virtual office packages offer the following • Prestigious business address • Mail Handling • Dedicated Phoneline • Discounted meeting room rates • Month to month contract t e w 01793 843 100 [email protected] bowmanhouse.co.uk Bowman House Business Centre, Whitehill Lane, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, Wilts SN4 7DB THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2020 33