Dogs in handbag store.

[Vinyl]

Originally Posted by claireZk

No, see here's the difference... Stores are for humans and children are human. Dogs are not. A child cannot be left at home unsupervised. A dog can. Everyone keeps saying these arguments against dogs in stores are invalid... well give me one good reason why dogs should be allowed in stores. Why should people go shopping with their dogs? What is so wrong with leaving a dog home for an hour or two to sleep while you shop??

ITA. Basically sums up my opinion on this topic.

[exotikittenx]

Originally Posted by Bitten

I assume we are adults here and the silly responses like "Well, dogs aren't allowed in operating theaters for a reason" are just pathetic in all honesty. You're absolutely right whoever said that, dogs AREN'T allowed in operating theaters.

That would be me. Thanks for referring to me as "pathetic."

My comparison was meant to say that you don't let a dog into a doctor's office for a reason- that it's not sanitary, and who knows how they will behave. Same with a store, the merchandise can be affected, people may be fearful and not want to shop around the dogs, some may be allergic and being in such a confined shop with an animal makes it difficult for that person. And if you can't understand why people don't want dogs in places of business, well... people have their reasons just like you do. Take the dog for a walk in the park, or tie the dog up outside the store, or leave it at home. Some people are highly allergic and don't need their brand new clothes tainted by pet dander. And where do you draw the line from one dog to another? Not every dog is well-trained. Some people just feel entitled that if they're shopping someplace, they have a right to bring their pet when it is not something necessary. It's inconsiderate to other people who may have health-related issues and just don't want to be trying to shop with unpredictable and uncleanly animals wandering around. I don't think that's pathetic at all. There is really no good reason for an animal to have to be in an indoor place of business.

[boomie]

Some people themselves aren't that clean...women's bathrooms can be disgusting! I don't agree with the people clean, dogs dirty argument. It's not 100% valid, but that's just me, and it's ok to disagree!

The reason I take my dog anywhere dogs are allowed (pet stores only around here) is because he loves the interactions with other people and pets. He gets bored at home...sheesh, I'd get bored staying at home all the time too. Plus the car rides...he loves them!

I do respect that not everyone loves dogs. I keep him close on walks so he doesn't sniff people's crotches. If someone wants to pet him, by all means, I'm all for it...but I won't get in people's way. A lady at Petsmart actually said she was afraid of dogs, so I respectfully kept my distance.

It's all good, no need for either side to get fired up. I disagree with some of the viewpoints here, but that's what makes this forum enjoyable, seeing the other point of view.

Life's too short to make a huge fuss over some things.

[exotikittenx]

^^ I agree, it's fine for different viewpoints, and it's making for interesting discussion and I don't think it's anything to get upset over. I just get disappointed when I see people resorting to saying that people's viewpoints are "pathetic," and I happen to be targeted. Not very nice, in my opinion.

[Sean]

I am not sure if anyone posted this yet...
When I was in Key West there were dogs everywhere. In fact we noticed them barking/running around in one of the restaurants we visited. The family with whom I was vacationing asked our waitress and she said Key West is a very dog friendly city. Many of the restaurants and bed and breakfasts allow dogs. That said it was some what uncomfortable with the dogs barking.... and I am a HUGE dog lover

[scarlett_2005]

I'm sorry but, it's very inappropriate to resort to name calling just because someone doesn't share your opinion.

[sweetneet]

Originally Posted by boomie

Some people themselves aren't that clean...women's bathrooms can be disgusting! I don't agree with the people clean, dogs dirty argument. It's not 100% valid, but that's just me, and it's ok to disagree! The reason I take my dog anywhere dogs are allowed (pet stores only around here) is because he loves the interactions with other people and pets. He gets bored at home...sheesh, I'd get bored staying at home all the time too. Plus the car rides...he loves them! I do respect that not everyone loves dogs. I keep him close on walks so he doesn't sniff people's crotches. If someone wants to pet him, by all means, I'm all for it...but I won't get in people's way. A lady at Petsmart actually said she was afraid of dogs, so I respectfully kept my distance. It's all good, no need for either side to get fired up. I disagree with some of the viewpoints here, but that's what makes this forum enjoyable, seeing the other point of view. Life's too short to make a huge fuss over some things.

I agree. To be honest, all the times I've seen dogs in stores, they were small, well-groomed dogs that were contained (in carriers or strollers) so they didn't leave pet dander or what not behind.

I personally cannot recall a single time when I was slobbered on or jumped on by a random dog in a store, but I can recall many times when I accidentally sat in someone's left over soda/ketchup/whatever at McDonalds, or had beer/peanut shells spilled on me at a baseball game. I have never seen a dog have an accident inside a store or restaurant, but ive been in countless public bathrooms were people do not know the meaning of aiming of flushing (lol). Now I agree that hygiene/allergies are the main reason why dogs are not allowed in restaurants, hospitals and most stores...and if a store doesn't want to allow dogs (or can't, per the city health code), then that is fine. however if a place of business does decide to allow dogs inside (e.g. Petsmart or whatever), I don't see anything wrong with that. If seeing an occasional dog in a store bothers you so much, then don't shop there. If you don't agree with bringing your dog to a store, then don't. But if others do and they are abiding the the store policy (e.g. dogs are allowed) then I don't see the need for getting so upset. i think it's quite unfair to label all people who bring their dogs places as "inconsiderate", if they're not breaking any rules and not causing direct harm to anyone.

[twinkerbell1986]

i've seen two teacup yorkies at southcoast plaza's Bloomingdales....they were so cute. you know by the look of the dogs and owners that they are well trained and behaved.

[claireZk]

Originally Posted by scarlett_2005

I'm sorry but, it's very inappropriate to resort to name calling just because someone doesn't share your opinion.

I completely agree!

Here's the thing. I DO like dogs-- I like almost all animals. I always had a dog growing up, and they were spoiled rotten. My mom cooked them special food, they were allowed to sit with us on the furniture and sleep in our beds. We took them on walks everywhere, hiking, to the beach, for constant car rides, and even on some family vacations. But we NEVER took them into stores or restaurants, nor would we have.

I guess it's not the fact that the dogs are in the stores that bother me (I'd probably be the one saying how cute it is & asking to pet it), it's just that I don't understand the motive behind taking a dog into a traditionally non-pet-friendly place like a restaurant or boutique in the first place. I just find it completely unnecessary. That's all...

[sweetneet]

Originally Posted by claireZk

I completely agree! Here's the thing. I DO like dogs-- I like almost all animals. I always had a dog growing up, and they were spoiled rotten. My mom cooked them special food, they were allowed to sit with us on the furniture and sleep in our beds. We took them on walks everywhere, hiking, to the beach, for constant car rides, and even on some family vacations. But we NEVER took them into stores or restaurants, nor would we have. I guess it's not the fact that the dogs are in the stores that bother me (I'd probably be the one saying how cute it is & asking to pet it), it's just that I don't understand the motive behind taking a dog into a traditionally non-pet-friendly place like a restaurant or boutique in the first place. I just find it completely unnecessary. That's all...

i get your point, but one could similarly argue (and my DH often has! ) that owning $10,000+ in handbags is "completely unnecessary" and how one "doesn't understand the motive" behind it. To which I say, one doesn't have to fully understand it to accept or tolerate it! To each his/her own, i guess.

[cheburashka]

Originally Posted by sweetneet

i get your point, but one could similarly argue (and my DH often has! ) that owning $10,000+ in handbags is "completely unnecessary" and how one "doesn't understand the motive" behind it. To which I say, one doesn't have to fully understand it to accept or tolerate it! To each his/her own, i guess.

To play a devil's advocate:

While both may be unnecessery, owning handbags doesn not directly affect the well-being of public in promixity around you, while bringing dogs the places they don't belong does. Besides the allergies, the noise issues comes into effect as the dogs often get loud, especially the little ones 'the yappy kind'. Another issue comes from the fact that owners almost always let their dogs off their leash and they run around everywhere and rub on you. Dogs can also bite you.

I'm a dog lover myself but I am anti owners that bring dogs in places where they absolutely do not belong.

[cakegirl]

Originally Posted by cheburashka

To play a devil's advocate: While both may be unnecessery, owning handbags doesn not directly affect the well-being of public in promixity around you, while bringing dogs the places they don't belong does. Besides the allergies, the noise issues comes into effect as the dogs often get loud, especially the little ones 'the yappy kind'. Another issue comes from the fact that owners almost always let their dogs off their leash and they run around everywhere and rub on you. Dogs can also bite you. I'm a dog lover myself but I am anti owners that bring dogs in places where they absolutely do not belong.

I could make a very similar argument about parents bringing small children "where they don't belong." An example would be a high end restaurant. Children are often crying and loud, parents let them run around, where not only do they bother others, but actually cause a danger since waiters are carrying plates of hot food and may not see then underfoot. They directly affect the dining experience of other customers.
This is my subjective opinion however- and as such not something I think should be regulated by law.

[mcbaglovin]

Originally Posted by cakegirl

I could make a very similar argument about parents bringing small children "where they don't belong." An example would be a high end restaurant. Children are often crying and loud, parents let them run around, where not only do they bother others, but actually cause a danger since waiters are carrying plates of hot food and may not see then underfoot. They directly affect the dining experience of other customers. This is my subjective opinion however- and as such not something I think should be regulated by law.

Oh crap. reading this made me remember taking my kids to a mexican restaurant. it wasn't high end, but my kids were running around and was exactly like how you described. i was horrified. too bad i can't spank them in public. they need to be on a leash! JK!!!

[gillianna]

One thing that is interesting is that you would not have seen dogs in stores 30 years ago. When I was in high school and college and worked in various retail stores you never ever saw a person bring a dog to a store. But since dogs kind of became a new accessory for the lala land people to carry all of a sudden you have the designer pet carriers and strollers for pets. So now it is like another fashion statement in marketing things to carry your dog. Would people even think of bringing dogs to stores and everywhere they went 30 years ago???? But since the hollywood crowd started it years ago everyone follows. I mean when you look at some people dragging there dogs all over town you really have to feel sorry for the dog. Paris Hilton is a example--you see her poor dogs in her arms and UGH--the dog would be better off at home. People love dogs and when they feel they have the right to take them in stores and all over they will never change. I love dogs, owned 4 and they were happy to live in the house on 5 acres and were very social and well adjusted. Does anyone really think a dog is happy being dragged in a small carrier for a few hours, even if they are let out it? To me that is just like a small cage.

[queennadine]

I wasn't going to come back to this thread...but DOGGONE it I can't help myself! lol

Responding to a prevous ?: no, there is no reason that dogs SHOULD be allowed on stores. Once again, I can make the same argument for kids, going shopping right after working out, etc.
A lot of things SHOULD NOT be done, but they are.

Responding to ^: I don't think I live in lala land and try to emulate celebrities that bring their dogs everywhere.
I work full time, as does my husband, so when we have free time on the weekend to go shopping and can bring our dogs, why not? It's not a fashion statement by any means. We obviously won't take them into a store that sells food or where it expressly says that dogs are forbidden.

(And I will admit that I'm more favorable to stores that are pet friendly)

Not everyone can have 5 acres, or even a smaller amount of property.

And yes, I honestly do think our dogs are quite happy coming with us. They're not in a "cage" since we let them walk and then pick them inside of a store, they receive lots of positive attention from children and adults alike, they get treats, they get socialized and great experience, etc.

Not everyone is trying to be like Paris Hilton. DH and I are just trying to spend as much time with our dogs as posible. Surely no one can say that's a bad thing.

There will never be a general concensus and everyone will have different opinions. I, for one, will take my dogs to pet-friendly shopping centers for as long as I can.