By ten o’clock, all three families had been formally visited by Officer Hadley, who issued each of them an official warning and a copy of the local by-laws on pet waste and leash requirements — documents that explained, in very clear language, that what they had been doing was not only inconsiderate but also against council regulations. The fines, if issued, would be substantial. Each family was also handed a small laminated card listing the dates their dogs had been photographed on Walter’s property. The Petersons went pale. The Nguyens looked at each other. Mr. Garcia read the card twice and cleared his throat.
The community newspaper ran a small piece the following Thursday. It did not name the families, but it described the situation clearly and included a quote from Officer Hadley about the importance of responsible pet ownership. It also included a photograph of Walter’s lawn, looking green and lovely, with a caption that read: A Clover Lane resident spent 31 years caring for this garden. He just wants it respected. Mrs. Chen cut it out and pinned it to her fridge. Danny showed it to his mum. Walter read it twice, folded it carefully, and placed it in the notebook with the plan he had written down on that very first morning.