That question has a completely different meaning for a select group of entrepreneurs who operate across the country. They call themselves "scoopers." And these people who pick up poop for a living have a trade group: the Association of Professional Animal Waste Specialists [1] (APAWS). Their annual convention [2] was two weekends ago in Las Vegas.

Yours truly was lucky enough to attend.

The convention was almost typical: different types of people united by a trade. Some serious drinking. Informative and appropriate presentations. Only here, the topic was poop. Discussions ranged from poop disposal and insurance to animal safety to bill collection. There were games, drawings, and an auction. There was even a police dog demonstration to promote their fundraiser for providing bulletproof vests for police dogs [3]. It was so cool! (Oh wait, I'm getting all excited -- nobody wants that).

Poop scoopers come from all walks of life, and operate business that range in size from pounds of crap to tons of crap per month. One thing's for sure: they love to talk crap. For this PoopReporter, it was a pleasure to meet with a group of our canine-focused brothers and sisters. I will turn in a full report when I'm done with my travels next week.

Dave adds: I found on Flickr this picture from the APAWS 2007 Turd Herding Contest. Can't wait to hear what this is all about...

[4]