That background is not so bad! It gives a kind of cubist, constructivism feel to the image.
And what is wrong with dung as a background, Doug? When you photograph for example dungflies this dung background can show a nice variety of browns and the eggs and larvae can be seen shining through the dung.
And on the photograph you will not be distracted by the smell!
I think we should be less opposed to excrements. We should treasure it as a reminder of the good meals we had.
Did you know I have been photographing (stereoscopy) a machine that produces dung? all over the globe? Next week it will be in Beijing. Me too!
http://www.cloaca.be/machines.htm
Wim