Let it be known, and go down in history, that spray-on poop freezer originated in Maryland -- if not the idea, at least the marketing thereof.

You may remember the concept – minus the freezing part – from the Jack Black/Ben Stiller movie Envy, which featured a fictional product called “VaPOOrizer, a miracle spray that makes dog poop disappear.

Now, the folks at POOP-FREEZE, based in Rockville, have made it a reality, or at least come close, with a product that makes those bowel movements that lack, shall we say, structural integrity, easier to grasp.

“POOP-FREEZE™ is a specially formulated aerosol freeze spray that, upon contact, forms a frosty film on dog poop (or cat poop) to harden the surface for easy pick-up. POOP-FREEZE is a great companion to a pooper scooper for clean fast dog poop or cat poop disposal.” The company says it contains no CFC’s, can be used indoors and out, and is safe for humans and pets when used as directed.

"Just frost and toss," the ads say.

POOP-FREEZE can’t be shipped by air, but is available via UPS, FedEx or DHL ground shipments at an additional cost of $8 per order. The product is available over the Internet, and the website lists two Maryland retailers, Critters in Bowie and Just Dogs! Gourmet/The Doggie Bag in North Bethesda.

Available from the website are a 4-ounce can for $9.95, a 10-ounce can for $14.95, and a strap-on tote in which you can carry both your spray can and pick-up bags.

The website features testimonials from consumers, including one person who says picking up his dog’s waste, while once distasteful, is now “fun.” Another, from Rehoboth Beach, wrote in, "We own a pet friendly hotel and give owners of our four-legged guests a can of POOP-FREEZE at check in. They love it."

I'm wondering if there might be some good variations of this product -- allowing us to spray, frost and toss other things we wish would just go away. BOSS-FREEZE, NOISY-NEIGHBOR-FREEZE, NANCY-GRACE-FREEZE come immediately to mind. Have some ideas of your own? Feel free to click our comment button and submit.