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Shop allows dogs in and my item is ruined

430 replies

shedidwhatnan · 16/01/2025 22:00

Argh. Still annoyed even typing this

Visited a store of a well known aspirational brand today.

They let dogs in and have water bowls outside, encouraging dogs to 'take a sip' and then goes on to say all dogs on leads or dogs in arms are welcome inside

I had just spent good money on something and stopped to have a look at something on the display table near the exit.

The owner seemed to have been having a browse next to me and her dog proceeded to go right next to me! My paper bag from the shop got wet Sad

The store assistant noticed, giggled and went to get some stuff to clean up. No mention of my bag or compensating me when I said 'Oh dear, it's on my bag now'. She just said 'ha, what are they like!' Then ignored me and started chatting to the owner who whilst the cleaning stuff was fetched, kept apologising to me over and over

And in truth, it isn't the dog owners fault really. The ultimate blame is with the shop for allowing dogs of any kind beyond guide dogs into the place.

I asked for a clean bag. Discovered my item also got wet. Shop assistant said 'oh, hopefully it'll just wash out!' And that was that

I was so embarrassed and upset that I left

AIBU to think dogs shouldn't be in shops? I can sort of see the appeal to have a tasteful sausage dog allowed in but not medium+ size breeds!

OP posts:
dontknowwhathappens · 16/01/2025 22:51

HighSpecWhistle · 16/01/2025 22:36

Can I ask why you take your dog into shops? Are you aware that lots of people are fearful of dogs?

My 4 year old was involved in a near dog attack and is now petrified of dogs. There’s literally nowhere he can go now without being constantly on watch for dogs.

Why can’t you leave your dog at home for a few hours?

All the shops where I live permit dogs, bar the supermarket.

I also don’t let my dog go near anyone, unless they want to say hi.

Peopleinmyphone · 16/01/2025 22:51

I wonder what the shop assistant would have said if you asked to return the item instead with the receipt.

Samandytimlucypeterolivia · 16/01/2025 22:50

I’m with you Op, I absolutely love dogs but don’t believe they should be in shops. Why is it necessary to take a dog shopping, one it’s not fair to the dog and 2 it’s not fair to those who don’t like or are afraid of dogs.

blubberyboo · 16/01/2025 22:50

I also cannot believe you just left without asking for an exchange refund or at least demanding the owner pay.
Dry it overnight and take it back to the shop for refund. Tell them it didn't fit.
Deny all knowledge of the soiling if they mention it. After all they were content it was just the bag at the time

coldcallerbaiter · 16/01/2025 22:50

BlueRobins · 16/01/2025 22:44

why put your items down near a dog ?

Because she longs for dogs to piss on her things.

The dog came along afterwards- obviously

PiggyPigalle · 16/01/2025 22:49

There is absolutely no point in complaining about dogs in shops to Mumsnet alone. You have to write to the shop, tell them they will lose your custom. If enough did that, the shop would have to re-think its policy.
It could be very swift if everyone against it did so.

HighSpecWhistle · 16/01/2025 22:49

BeeDavis · 16/01/2025 22:39

You probably need to work on that because if your child screams just seeing a dog then she’s gonna have a pretty bad time of it

My child has had a traumatic event with a dog. He now screams at dogs. In the same way you would if the same happened to you.

Dogs in shops is not a necessity, children in shops is. Keep your dog at home and stop blaming young children.

ChiliFiend · 16/01/2025 22:49

"A tasteful sausage dog" :) I loved that comment, as I own one, but they're just as liable to wee on your bag as any other breed.

sleepandcoffee · 16/01/2025 22:48

Did the dog wee on the bag or did it dribble from the water bowl you are describing? it's not clear from your post .

JammySlag · 16/01/2025 22:48

ISaidOopsUpsideYourHead · 16/01/2025 22:41

Conversely, why don't we start putting children first, and counter all these menacing dogs everywhere and go back to how it used to be, when dogs weren't everywhere. It's awful for so many of us.

Exactly. As someone who has fostered and rehabilitated dogs for years, I don’t take them everywhere I go with me. I’m sick of the public’s badly trained, yappy, annoying and sometimes dangerous dogs everywhere I bloody go. People have no manners.

EternalSunshine19 · 16/01/2025 22:48

Yellowbananasarebetterthangreen · 16/01/2025 22:07

Why didnt you stand at the till and insist on an exchange for an alternative? I would have.

This. I would have insisted on an exchange.

BlueRobins · 16/01/2025 22:48

verycloakanddaggers · 16/01/2025 22:46

Hmm classic

i mean no disrespect but knowing how dogs do like to pee up things, it seems odd to then put down your bags near a dog incase they do as they did pee ?

RedHelenB · 16/01/2025 22:48

GoldenGail · 16/01/2025 22:04

And if it had been a guide dog ???

It wouldn't have peed on her stuff

BingGetInTheSea · 16/01/2025 22:48

You are not being unreasonable to think dogs (except guide dogs) shouldn’t be in shops.

I have a Labrador who is very well behaved, but wouldn’t dream of taking her into John Lewis - she’d hate it.

Dogs are animals - not accessories. They should be playing in a field somewhere not sitting in a handbag. Small dogs included IMO, unless they’re elderly and just want to look at interesting things while they have a nice rest.

Peaceandquietandacuppa · 16/01/2025 22:47

GoldenGail · 16/01/2025 22:04

And if it had been a guide dog ???

A guide dog wouldn’t have pissed in the shop ???

BruFord · 16/01/2025 22:46

StormingNorman · 16/01/2025 22:30

Use your words: “the dog has peed on my new jumper, I’m going to need an exchange”.

I agree with @StormingNorman , I'd have requested an exchange or a refund right away as you didn't even have a chance to leave the shop before the item was soiled. It's up to the shop owner/manager to decide whether to ask the dog owner for reimbursement.

Anyway, go back tomorrow, explain what happened and say that you can't use the item.

As a dog owner myself, I'd have been mortified and immediately offered to pay for a replacement. I'm surprised that didn't happen.

verycloakanddaggers · 16/01/2025 22:46

BlueRobins · 16/01/2025 22:44

why put your items down near a dog ?

Hmm classic

wholettheturnipsburn · 16/01/2025 22:45

GoldenGail · 16/01/2025 22:04

And if it had been a guide dog ???

They don't piss on people's bags though

GreekSun · 16/01/2025 22:45

I would not have left there with a fresh bag but the item still covered in wee?! If they are encouraging dogs they should replace it or take it up with the owner.

Ireallycantthinkofagoodone · 16/01/2025 22:44

I don’t think dogs (with the exception of guide dogs) should be allowed in shops, and definitely not in eating establishments. I don’t understand why, in the last few years, so many owners feel that their dogs need to go everywhere with them.

BlueRobins · 16/01/2025 22:44

why put your items down near a dog ?

GoldenGail · 16/01/2025 22:44

1234jump · 16/01/2025 22:41

@GoldenGail it is highly unlikely it would have pissed in a shop if you know anything about guide dogs!

I used to train them

1234jump · 16/01/2025 22:43

Was it White Company? We've one in our town and it's recipe for disaster the dog encouraging!

Blinky21 · 16/01/2025 22:43

Dogs shouldn't be in shops, I would have immediately asked to return it then used the refund to buy a clean one

cansu · 16/01/2025 22:42

Dogs should not be allowed in shops other than guide dogs.

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