So, I received the above infantile message in Reddit earlier today.

Paul and I are always happy to engage in a grown up adult discussion.  However, this sort of nonsense needs called out. 

You can see I made the point that posts like this are not a great advert for the counter petition, and it would make a lovely screenshot in an update on our petition.

The poster must have realised it could backfire, and contacted the author of the counter petition, sparking this update for their supporters a short time later:

"Alongside sharing and signing we do have an additional small request to our supporters. Whilst we understand this is a very sensitive subject for everyone and we feel at times the other side may appear to make extreme comments and accusations we'd ask that our supporters remain courteous and polite. We understand you may feel very passionate (as we ourselves do) but there are different ways of expressing this and we don't want to give the other petition ammunition to try to ruin our petition especially through character. " 

Thankfully, infantile messages like the one above are in the minority - we have had a grand total of three, which considering how many social media channel's we are utilising, tells its own story. 

Anyway, for balance - here's some nice comments we have received.

Every single one is verifiable:

"My heart goes out to you and your wife. I’m not a dog owner but can’t believe that owners would let their animals desecrate, as that’s what it amounts to, a place that should be for peace and respect. Can’t believe the council won’t change the law and if you ever do a petition I will happily sign it. I don’t live in Morningside now but was born and raised there and in my day this would never have happened. My thoughts are with you"

"as a dog owner (and yes I love him very much) I think (hope) you would find we would support you. People may not think about it as they go about their busy lives but I think most people having the obvious pointed out to them would realise it’s not appropriate. I’ve never walked my dog in any cemetery but I certainly never will now. All the best"

"I really hope there genuinely are enough good dog owners/walkers that would actually support you and I for one would!! I don’t walk my dogs in a cemetery because there are plenty of green spaces around and cemeteries are not open green spaces for recreation, they are places of rest for our loved ones and yes it’s truly sad we should need to be reminded as such   Bless you for having the courage to write this fight for your sons memory - I actually think this type of message is more powerful than fighting the council for a ban or sign… come on folks let’s be more considerate of others and the places we walk our dogs xxx hugs to you are your family"

"I'm a dog owner and I would sign a petition. To me personally, cemeteries aren't for dogs, there are plenty of parks"

"that’s awful to hear, I really hope your courage in writing your post reaches far and wide and things start to change"

"I'd sign a petition to ban dogs in cemeteries too (except guide dogs etc), and I think that most people would be so shocked that dogs are allowed to defecate in cemeteries that they would sign it as well"

"Well said. I'd never walk my dog in a cemetery for all the reasons you set out. It's astonishing people think it's a reasonable or respectful thing to do."

"This is dreadful and shouldn’t be allowed. There are plenty of other areas to walk dogs. They shouldn’t be allowed in cemeteries- it’s a disgrace and so disrespectful to those who are grieving loved ones. During Covid I often used to walk in there and would see your little one’s grave with all of the teddies. I can’t imagine your grief or your anger at this desecration of your loved one’s grave. I would happily sign a petition. It’s abhorrent that owners are allowing their dogs to do this. A total lack of respect at best and pig ignorance at worst."

"I am a dog owner and I would never walk my dog in a cemetery   it is so disrespectful and I have no idea why it is permitted anywhere. My heart goes out to you and please know that there are many dog owners out there that completely understand your point of view."

"You won't find many bigger dog lovers than myself but I 100% agree. No need for dogs to be any where near a cemetery. Happy to sign any petition in due course. Thoughts with you and your family always."

"I have no idea why dogs are allowed in cemeteries. My dog could not be controlled respectfully in one! Is there anything else we can do to support you? Would it help if we wrote letters of support for your meetings?"

"I too am a dog-owner and am appalled to read of the behaviour of other dog-owners towards you. Dogs should not be in a cemetery FULL STOP. I would like to offer you the deepest sympathy of our whole family in your suffering and loss."

"I am a dog lover but would be very happy to sign a petition to have them banned from cemeteries because of the selfishness of those who cannot keep dogs under control. There are plenty of other places for them to go. Yes let's get a petition going."

"t's appalling that dogs can be taken in to cemeteries to pee and poo.
I'm gobsmacked that this is allowed, what was going through people's heads to make them think that this was / is acceptable??"

"You are 100% right. I can’t believe people would give you abuse for such an obvious thing. I’m so sorry for your loss and lend your family my prayers & support."

"Completely agree about there being plenty other open spaces for people to walk their dogs, cemeteries are definitely not the place for this."

"I read this and couldn't believe what I was reading. There is absolute no reason why the council shouldn't revert the rules regarding dogs being allowed in cemeteries to pre-Covid rules."

"I frequently look after and walk two Labradors and would not dream of taking them into a cemetery - if I had to for any reason it would be with a view to walking straight through and not exercising them - in this case they would be on a very tight lead. Cemeteries are a place for respect - I am so sorry for your understandable distress due to irresponsible owners."

"Not acceptable and your right to post this "

"I am with you 100 percent. We think of your boy almost on a daily basis. You shouldn't have to go through this agony. On behalf of all dog and animal lovers, I am sorry."

"Until recently I walked my dog around the path, on a lead as respectfully as I could. I’m fascinated by the history of these place’s. We would time and again be bothered by dogs off lead and one particular time when I shouted for the owner who was nowhere in sight I was threatened with violence when he appeared. I’ve since realised graveyards are not the place to walk dogs respectfully and so support your suggestion."

"I’m a dog owner and I would never even consider my dog doing that as remotely acceptable. I’m so sorry and it’s so disrespectful . Grief has no limit and they should give themselves a moment to show some respect for your family , your lovely boy who is resting and also everyone else who should be able to rest easy . Totally support you moving forward to get stricter rules put in place ."

"I wholeheartedly agree."

"Parks are for walking dogs not cemeteries. My heart goes out to you and your wife"

"I could agree more. My godmother and her 16year old sister are buried in Morningside and I am shocked to see dogs urinating on graves! Just so disrespectful! Would they like it if it was their family member buried there???"

"I'm not a dog owner but just wanted to say I'm so sorry you and your family are having to go through this"

"My heart goes out to you Paul. My mum is in the grange cemetery and she has a beautiful gravestone and we always have lovely fresh flowers in pots and wreaths and sprays down for her anniversaries and birthdays and Christmas. It is unacceptable and hurtful when dog owners let their dogs run riot all over the cemetery lifting their legs on the graves and flowers and defecating wherever they please. I don't think dogs should be allowed to be walked in cemeteries at all. If they are they should 100% be kept on a short lead. The amount of dogs I see running all over the place not even in sight of their owners is unbelievable. I have a dog myself but would never walk her around a cemetery. I think it is disrespectful walking a dog around a cemetery as if it is a park. Xxx"

"I will sign a petition. No need for people to walking their dogs in graveyards"

"I can only imagine the grief you and your family go through on a daily basis since losing your son. The disrespect shown by these dog walkers is overwhelming. I too live opposite a graveyard and see countless dog owners letting their dogs off their leash as soon as they go through gates. I always think of the dogs doing their business on graves and headstones. I wholeheartedly support you and would not hesitate to sign a petition. My thoughts are with you and your family."

"As others have suggested, start a petition, its really disrespectful to let dog wander through a cemetery without a lead. I'm sorry for your loss"

"I am a dog owner and wouldn’t dream of walking my dogs through a burial place. It’s disrespectful and there are many other places to walk dogs. I’m so sorry for your distress."

"As someone who has owned a dog, I totally agree with you. Dogs should not be allowed. So disrespectful!"

"Shocked anyone would take their dog for a walk / toilet in a cemetery. I think you would have a lot of support if you can manage to find strength to set up a petition. I think a lot of people will be upset this is even allowed by the council. Sorry you are having to deal with this."

"I’m so sorry to hear this is happening. I really hope people listen and respect how traumatic this is for you. I really hope your voice is heard xxx"

"I am so sorry for your loss and cant imagine how you feel. I have 3 dogs but would not dream of walking them in a cemetery. The only reason i could think of was if the dog had belonged to the deceased. My father is buried at Mount Vernon, the catholic cemetery and dogs are not allowed there. Despite your fears about a counter petition, I genuinely believe that most dog owners would support you. Xx"

"Hi Paul, I own a dog and would never let her off a lead or put her on a long lead in a cemetery (in fact, wouldn’t take her into a cemetery out of respect). I think your post is completely justified. Hopefully will be respected by all."

"I'm a dog owner and have / would never walk my dog in a cemetery. There is no need to do that in Morningside as their are so many green spaces."

"we often think of you and your family   U should not have to put up with this disgusting behaviour by dog owners !! No dog walking in cemeteries - full stop - across the whole of the UK !!"

"As a dog owner i would never walk my dogs in a cemetery. Have some respect. Unfortunately, if people are not controlling their dogs in the area then you should petition for no dogs. So sorry your are having to ask this"

"this is SO disrespectful! I am so sorry. I am a dog owner and wouldn't dream of allowing my dog to walk over / urinate or destroy any grave, or indeed walk in the actual graveyard. I cannot imagine why anyone would think this is ok? It really clearly is not and it's awful that you are having to go through this on a daily basis. So sorry for your loss. Best wishes to you."

"I can’t imagine why anyone would take their dog to a cemetery."

"I’m so sorry you are having to deal with this on top of your grief. I’m a dog owner and agree that cemetery’s aren’t the place to exercise your dog"

"This is dreadful. I have dogs and would never dream of taking them to a cemetery. Its shear laziness. Braidburn Park, Craiglockhart Hill and The Hermitage are all within easy walking distance. I'm so sorry for the distress being caused. If you start a petition more than happy to sign"

"I am a dog owner and I would never ever allow my dog to do this!!! I remember your wee one and I'm so so sorry this is happening! Anyone counter petitioning so they can let their dog urinate on graves and steal teddies will soon hopefully realise they are basically being dicks!!! Happy to sign or petition! Xx"

"Why on earth would people want to walk their dogs in a cemetery, it’s a sacred respectful place. I have 2 dogs and wouldn’t dream of it. My sister died at birth and is buried, I would be horrified if this happened to her place of rest. I’m so sorry this is happening Paul xx"

"There is Morningside Park literally next door so I agree dogs should not be allowed in the cemetery, keep going Paul and I would happily sign any petition or anything that shows my support for what you are doing."

"Paul, I am not a dog owner but would never dream of taking a dog into a cemetery. Just not appropriate ! Sadly there are lots of people who may not be aware of the distress they are causing? Or are and are just disrespectful and lazy ! I personally won’t even walk on a grave if I can help it."

"Hi Paul.... Its the first I have ever heard of such terrible behaviour. Please consider a petition. I am sure thousands of people would sign this then hand it into the Council and Scottish Government. Truly shocked at what you have told everyone....   .
To be blunt, it's desecration Paul! I can't begin to understand why any owners would let their animals do that! Obviously they do. Please, get a petition up and running. Thoughts with you and your family."

"Totally disrespectful to take any dog into a Cemetery,"

"I fully support having the cemetery as a private, peaceful place where people can grieve their loved ones and pay respects without any disturbance. It’s simply not the place for anything else. There are plenty places to walk, and only one place to visit our loved ones. I’m sending you my very best Paul."

"If I saw someone walking their dog in a cemetery I would ask them what they are doing as it’s not somewhere dogs should be using to urinate and things. What kind of folk walk their dogs in cemetery’s anyway? where’s the petition I’ll sign"

"So sorry you have this to contend with in addition to the horrendous grief. Totally agree that people should not walk dogs in cemeteries. It’s so disrespectful and takes zero account of family feelings."

"I am so sorry that u are going through this. I am a dog owner and would never allow them to walk on a grave let alone take anything. Happy to sign any petition"

"Dog owner here and I would 100% support a ban in cemeteries."

"Absolutely right. No dogs except guide dogs should be allowed in cemeteries at all. They're not meant for the pleasure of pets but places of rest and respect."

"We have beautiful walks around this area I would never take my dog into a cemetery that’s for people to visit their loved ones in peace I’m so sorry this has happened to you"

"Nothing less than a 100% ban should be in order. I hope you can find the strength, Paul, you can make this happen with the help of all these good people."

"So sorry for the loss of your son and that you are having to deal with this Paul. As a dog owner I support you  . A cemetery is no place to exercise dogs. Particularly as there are so many other green spaces we can take them in this area - it is completely unnecessary."

"My son is buried there, I have seen dogs fouling on graves, this has to stop
I will sign any petition which is set up. There should be no dogs allowed in a cemetery.
Morton hall cemetery is spotless, NO dogs allowed!"

"Flabbergasted that in an area with an abundance of green space folk would choose to walk their dogs in such a sacred place."

"So sorry this is happening to you Paul. I really hope you get some action on this soon"

"So sorry to hear this and how horrible for you. I don’t have a dog but if I did, I wouldn’t walk it in a cemetery and let it urinate/defaecate or destroy anything around the graves, that’s awful and so disrespectful to the people buried there and their families and friends. I’m happy to sign a petition."

Keep signing and sharing folks! We will be issuing a "Weekly Update", once a week, from this weekend onwards, detailing what we have been up to in the background, and any noteworthy developments.

Muchas gracias

Paul & Andy