topic Re: Pets and outings in Community Chat

Pets and outings

bargainsgirl — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 03:06:34 GMT

We have many festivals in our area during the summer. There are also functions at school grounds and there are signs that cleary say no dogs yet people still bring them. I do wish people would leave their dogs home and not subject them to crowds and heat. It is also not very easy to walk arounf when large animals are trying to share the sidewalk and walkways. I have only had cats for pets and many of my friends have dogs. I like them but I do think home is a better place for them at times like these.

Re: Pets and outings

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 03:14:07 GMT

I love my dog like crazy, but I agree with you 100%, @bargainsgirl

Re: Pets and outings

ECBG — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 03:40:29 GMT

Our dog Shadow is our 3rd child. I would never drag him everywhere. Some people have allergies as well!

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vermint — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:06:58 GMT

I would never dream of taking my dog to any kind of festival or anything where there are crowds of people! Not everyone is an animal lover.

Re: Pets and outings

Citrine1 — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:34:25 GMT

What annoys me even more than this is those who insist on bringing their dogs to the food stores, Home Depot, etc. (and I'm not talking about service dogs).

Re: Pets and outings

Iwantcoffee — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:54:09 GMT

The only place we take our dog is to the vet, his groomer is their too. I agree, home is the best place for our dog.

Re: Pets and outings

Another new name Sue — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 14:20:38 GMT

I feel sorry for dogs when I see them at hot, crowded public events because they don't seem to be enjoying themselves. Maybe those dogs can't be left home alone,tear up things, pee, bark disturbing neighbors, etc.

I do take my dog to a Home Depot because he loves it and occasionally to a pet store. We have taken him to outside dining 2-3 times but I don't like him lying on the ground under the table where people out their feet. Too dirty for a small dog we handle and pet.

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CelticCrafter — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:10:25 GMT

Because everyone is supposed to love their dogs, don't you know?

Re: Pets and outings

occasionalrain — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 15:48:02 GMT

@Another new name Sue

Bring a mat along for him to lie upon. I've seen other outside diners do that.

Re: Pets and outings

Kachina624 — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 16:48:37 GMT

If a venue has a "no pets" rule it is their responsibility to enforce it. People bringing dogs should be asked to leave.

Everyone thinks their little darling has the perfect disposition but any dog under stress can snap or bite. I've seen it happen. The venue would then be responsible for allowing the dog to be there.

Re: Pets and outings

occasionalrain — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 17:30:46 GMT

I often see dogs in non-food stores and other customers seem pleased they're there, I'm among them. All have been well behaved.

Re: Pets and outings

LavernLuvsShoes — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 17:37:04 GMT

@vermint wrote:
I would never dream of taking my dog to any kind of festival or anything where there are crowds of people! Not everyone is an animal lover.

People do it ALL the time where we live, so due to my allergies and Hubby's fear/phobia (he was traumatized by a dog as a child), we can't attend any of the festivals, concerts, or other outdoor events.

Re: Pets and outings

Mersha — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 17:45:35 GMT

I am amazed how many dogs I see in stores now...HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, Home Depot, etc. It seems like in the last few years this is a "thing."

There are areas around such as Annapolis that are very dog friendly. Water is left in front of restaurants and stores and pets are welcome inside.

I never take my dogs into large public areas. With heat, loud noises and so much other activity I do not feel they would enjoy being there.

As far as stores, my 6 yr. old Portie would not enjoy that at all and my 2 yr. old Lab's tail would knock something breakable off a shelf in a nanosecond.

There are others, for whatever reason, that do not wish to be around dogs. They should not have to deal with mine when shopping or out and about.

Re: Pets and outings

occasionalrain — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 18:03:57 GMT

I'm sensitive to perfume, but I can't prevent other shoppers from wearing it. Not all dogs, just like people, enjoy being out and about among strangers, but others enjoy it. They like the attention.

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Carmie — Tue, 04 Jul 2023 18:21:20 GMT

I almost always leave my dogs home. Every time we are out in public, too many people want to pet them. One likes the extra attention, the other one doesn't.

Once I had to take my puppy to a festival years ago. I was gone too long and there was no one to watch her at home. I have a pet stroller. I zipped her in and took her. Most people had no idea there was a dog in there.

The worse I have seen is when people leave their dogs in a hot car with the window cracked open. It gets too hot in there. I admit, I once took my dog in a travel bag to the grocery store to grab something quickly on my way home from the Vet appointment. I would never leave my dog in the car alone.

I know a lady who locked her dog in a pick up truck while she went shopping at TJ MAXX. The window was left open. He got tired of waiting and jumped out. He entered the store and was looking for her.

It was a problem, but turned out okay. It is a good thing he wasn't hit by a car in the parking lot.

Sometimes, people have little choice. You have to take your pet with you. I doubt that happens very often though.

They are better off at home most of the time.

Re: Pets and outings

qvcfreak — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 00:54:10 GMT

After visiting the Vet, we go to Petco and since TJ Maxx is next door, we go in but my dog is in their soft carrier. I place it in the cart and do my shopping.

Re: Pets and outings

Carolina925 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 11:21:25 GMT

I know this is a sore subject with many but I agree with the thought that not all dogs like being in big crowds with lots of noise and feel they should be left at home, no matter how wonderful and well behaved they are. We have a big box store here where a customer brings two BIG pits and she always seemed to shop at the very same time I did. I was terrified of those dogs mainly because of their size. She was a very tiny girl and I always hoped they would respond to her voice if something went awry. There's no way she could physically handle them. There's a very small dog friendly town in the mountains and the sidewalks had so many big dogs walking around that one couldn't walk on the sidewalks. I never had a bad incident with dogs but I always think of those who had them and are scared. It seems to be selfish to me. I don't care to go to restaurants that allow dogs, either. I know dogs are supposed to be cleaner than humans, or so it is said, but I don't care to eat while dog hair may be flying. I know I'll be trashed for my opinions on this, so let the darts fly.

Re: Pets and outings

Patriot3 — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 12:57:06 GMT

@Carolina925 wrote:
I know this is a sore subject with many but I agree with the thought that not all dogs like being in big crowds with lots of noise and feel they should be left at home, no matter how wonderful and well behaved they are. We have a big box store here where a customer brings two BIG pits and she always seemed to shop at the very same time I did. I was terrified of those dogs mainly because of their size. She was a very tiny girl and I always hoped they would respond to her voice if something went awry. There's no way she could physically handle them. There's a very small dog friendly town in the mountains and the sidewalks had so many big dogs walking around that one couldn't walk on the sidewalks. I never had a bad incident with dogs but I always think of those who had them and are scared. It seems to be selfish to me. I don't care to go to restaurants that allow dogs, either. I know dogs are supposed to be cleaner than humans, or so it is said, but I don't care to eat while dog hair may be flying. I know I'll be trashed for my opinions on this, so let the darts fly.

@Carolina925 I won't trash you because I agree w/you 110%!! I don't mind dogs, but there is a place for them and it's not in stores or restaurants.

If anyone has watched Dr Pol, the vet from Michigan, one of the things he has said is that a dog's mouth is full of bacteria.........enough said.

Re: Pets and outings

occasionalrain — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 17:20:22 GMT

@Patriot3 So are the mouths of people and the diapers of babies sitting in the carts.

Who knows where the hands of shoppers and store employees have been, or when they were last washed.

I've never seen a dog lick produce, but I have seen children do it.

I was bitten by a dog when I was three, had to go to the doctor and I well remember it all. I'm not afraid of dogs. If I were, I'd seek help to get over it.

Re: Pets and outings

ThinkingOutLoud — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 19:00:07 GMT

Pets don't belong in public places. Period.

(legitimate service animals excluded as long as they are clean and well-groomed)