I never realized how controversial of an issue this was until I was just reading the comments section of an article about certain stores that often allow dogs.
I just couldn't believe how harsh some of the comments were. Like I realize not every one likes or appreciates dogs, and I get it, but geesh. I guess because in my area, it's pretty dog friendly. Downtown Annapolis, for example, most of the stores allow dogs inside (clothing boutiques, etc) and all restaurants that have outdoor seating let you bring your dog unless it's otherwise specified (like a 'no dogs allowed' sign). I've never seen a problem from any one's dogs - most dogs in the city, IME, tend to be pretty well behaved since they're used to all the people, other dogs, noises, etc.
And I take Jackson with me wherever I can and have never been asked to leave (ex: car wash, he can come inside the store part, they even have treats for dogs at register, the Jiffy Lube when I get my oil changed, etc, errands like that). If I was ever asked to leave, of course I would, respectfully, and I would never expect a place to bend over backwards for me and my dog. I don't believe I'm entitled in any way.
But some of the people in the comments can be really mean. "WHY do you need to bring your dog everywhere?!?! Pathetic!!!" etc. It's not that I NEED to bring him everywhere, yes I enjoy it, and yes I do get anxiety in certain situations and it helps having him with me, but no I do not claim him to be a service dog and never would... and really I enjoy having him with me, plain and simple. He's well behaved, not bothersome. Not to mention a lot of times he is traveling with me back and forth between houses and it would be inconvenient to go home first and drop him off when I'm already out and about. I would never be one of those that tries to sneak him into the movies, or to a concert, or the grocery store, or something ridiculous that I KNOW is not allowed for just pets.
"Leave your dog's at home - like a normal person. If someone needs a therapy dog (what a crock) to function, chances are that person shouldn't be allowed into a store in the first place. I sure hope you and your dog do not try to sit beside me in an eatery somewhere. Frigging disgusting."
http://barkpost.com/dog-friendly-stores/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=pd#.
^ an example of one of the comments. And then so many ignorant statements regarding service dogs/therapy dogs/etc, wow... LOL... you don't even wanna get into the kid vs. dog debate. Whew.
I just have never experienced this attitude in real life. Maybe some people are thinking it when they see Jackson with me, but like I said, most of the restaurants around here that have outdoor seating allow dogs, and I often see others as well.... and I think in general around here is pretty dog friendly. I guess I better research any future towns/cities I go into with him for future reference
For the sake of making the thread interesting -- is your town, city or state dog friendly or not? How do you feel about pet dogs being allowed in a lot of public places?
I just couldn't believe how harsh some of the comments were. Like I realize not every one likes or appreciates dogs, and I get it, but geesh. I guess because in my area, it's pretty dog friendly. Downtown Annapolis, for example, most of the stores allow dogs inside (clothing boutiques, etc) and all restaurants that have outdoor seating let you bring your dog unless it's otherwise specified (like a 'no dogs allowed' sign). I've never seen a problem from any one's dogs - most dogs in the city, IME, tend to be pretty well behaved since they're used to all the people, other dogs, noises, etc.
And I take Jackson with me wherever I can and have never been asked to leave (ex: car wash, he can come inside the store part, they even have treats for dogs at register, the Jiffy Lube when I get my oil changed, etc, errands like that). If I was ever asked to leave, of course I would, respectfully, and I would never expect a place to bend over backwards for me and my dog. I don't believe I'm entitled in any way.
But some of the people in the comments can be really mean. "WHY do you need to bring your dog everywhere?!?! Pathetic!!!" etc. It's not that I NEED to bring him everywhere, yes I enjoy it, and yes I do get anxiety in certain situations and it helps having him with me, but no I do not claim him to be a service dog and never would... and really I enjoy having him with me, plain and simple. He's well behaved, not bothersome. Not to mention a lot of times he is traveling with me back and forth between houses and it would be inconvenient to go home first and drop him off when I'm already out and about. I would never be one of those that tries to sneak him into the movies, or to a concert, or the grocery store, or something ridiculous that I KNOW is not allowed for just pets.
"Leave your dog's at home - like a normal person. If someone needs a therapy dog (what a crock) to function, chances are that person shouldn't be allowed into a store in the first place. I sure hope you and your dog do not try to sit beside me in an eatery somewhere. Frigging disgusting."
http://barkpost.com/dog-friendly-stores/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=pd#.
^ an example of one of the comments. And then so many ignorant statements regarding service dogs/therapy dogs/etc, wow... LOL... you don't even wanna get into the kid vs. dog debate. Whew.
I just have never experienced this attitude in real life. Maybe some people are thinking it when they see Jackson with me, but like I said, most of the restaurants around here that have outdoor seating allow dogs, and I often see others as well.... and I think in general around here is pretty dog friendly. I guess I better research any future towns/cities I go into with him for future reference
For the sake of making the thread interesting -- is your town, city or state dog friendly or not? How do you feel about pet dogs being allowed in a lot of public places?