Local Group Raises Concerns About "Doodles" as an Invasive Species, "Could impact local housing values and SAT scores"
Source: Drowning in Doodles pamphlet found at BART Station: “Kona and Charlie are cute, but is your child’s future worth it”
Orinda, CA – A local group “Drowning in Doodles” has sparked debate with its recent claims that "doodle" dogs, popular hybrids of poodles with other breeds, might be an invasive species in the community. The group, led by Frank Broeland, bases its argument on observational data collected around Lake Cascade, where doodles reportedly outnumber purebred Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers by a factor of twelve.
During a well-attended town hall meeting, Broeland expressed concerns that the rising popularity of doodles is overshadowing traditional breeds known for their roles as service animals and family pets. "The fear of shedding is driving this trend towards owning doodles, which, while friendly, often lack the specific qualities that make breeds like Goldens and Labs so valuable," Broeland stated. He went further to claim that these "lanky, fuzzy, goofy dogs" possess limited skills beyond "barking at squirrels and consuming bespoke dog food from upscale stores like Whole Foods."
The group's position is that the influx of doodles could potentially impact the community negatively, influencing everything from housing values to local high school SAT scores. "We are concerned that this shift in pet preference could alter the character and appeal of our neighborhood, possibly affecting our property values and even the academic ambiance that attracts many families to Orinda," Broeland added.
Critics of the group argue that these claims are exaggerated and somewhat alarmist. Some residents believe that the concerns about housing values and SAT scores are unfounded, especially given the evolving landscape of college admissions, where competitive schools are increasingly moving away from standardized test requirements like the SAT and ACT.
"It seems a bit extreme to connect the type of dogs we own to the academic performance of our children or the value of our homes," commented Julia Mendez, a local dog owner and critic of the group's stance. "Orinda is a diverse community, and that includes our choice of pets. Doodles are just as much a part of our neighborhood as any other breed."
The debate has stirred a lively discussion among residents, with doodle owners defending their pets' attributes and contributions to the community. Meanwhile, traditional breed enthusiasts advocate for the preservation of breed standards and roles.
As the conversation unfolds, the environmental group plans to conduct more structured research to substantiate their claims. They hope that further evidence will encourage a more balanced discussion about pet ownership and community values in Orinda.