Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Longwaysouth · 17/01/2025 11:01

Keeponkeepingon9 · 17/01/2025 10:06

If a child slipped on dogs urine and was injured surely the parents would be entitled to sue John Lewis for negligence in having a dogs allowed policy & not taking due care to ensure the mess was cleaned up immediately,or at the very least cordoned off until dealt with.

They quickly reacted and had a cleaning team etc there when I reported it. The mum didn't make a fuss.

Schoolpractice · 17/01/2025 11:00

Fizbosshoes · 17/01/2025 10:54

Of course they do, but it's open to customers at 9.30, so unless she'd emailed ahead (possible, but not explicitly explained) how would the manager have identified her? to know to let her in earlier than other customers

Edited

It’s likely someone mentioned this thread to the manager?

Judgejudysno1fan · 17/01/2025 10:56

fashionqueen0123 · 16/01/2025 22:08

Yuck. My child is scared of dogs so a massive scream would have been heard if a dog appeared. I would have asked them to replace the item

I hope you don't live where we live.

We are anxious around big dogs and I'm allergic. And because of this, a mum on the school run screams abuse at anyone who gets nervous around her dog including me. Yelling we are teaching our children to be scared of dogs. I was sworn at and screamed at. She doesnt even mind effing and blinding in front of her own children and even screams for the dog to f off. Such a wally.

DancingOctopus · 17/01/2025 10:56

I am totally with you OP.
I don't understand why dogs can't be left at home anymore. Being dragged around shops can't be much fun for the dogs.
The sound of dogs yelping in John Lewis does not enhance my shopping experience. I know that shops are desperate for customers these days.

Fizbosshoes · 17/01/2025 10:54

Schoolpractice · 17/01/2025 10:51

Surely the manager arrives at work before the shop opens to the public?

Of course they do, but it's open to customers at 9.30, so unless she'd emailed ahead (possible, but not explicitly explained) how would the manager have identified her? to know to let her in earlier than other customers

Bloom15 · 17/01/2025 10:54

Pilatesnightly · 16/01/2025 23:54

I don’t have kids, but I find it gross and weird how many people rush to compare the idea of banning little/younger humans ie. Kids, from indoor spaces as if it’s the same as banning animals 🤦🏽‍♀️ it happens on every thread about dogs being a nuisance.

Edited

Thank you for saying this - I always think this on dog threads. The two just aren't comparable.

Schoolpractice · 17/01/2025 10:54

ChannelFiveDrama · 17/01/2025 10:21

How did the manager track you down OP?

Well OP named the store and its location. Obviously someone connected with the store informed the manager.

Anyone can join MN and you can private message people.

DancingOctopus · 17/01/2025 10:53

GoldenGail · 16/01/2025 22:04

And if it had been a guide dog ???

It would have been well trained.

Schoolpractice · 17/01/2025 10:51

Fizbosshoes · 17/01/2025 10:18

Unless the customer (OP) emailed to ask for an exchange it is slightly suspicious as she updated at 9.30 to say she'd been refunded....but the store doesn't open til 9.30....

Edited

Surely the manager arrives at work before the shop opens to the public?

NoahsTortoise · 17/01/2025 10:48

Oh sorry, just seen it was wee 🙈

NoahsTortoise · 17/01/2025 10:47

I don't really get it, is it a bit of water that's got on your bag from the dog's drink? Surely that wouldn't ruin whatever you bought?

Strawberrypicnic · 17/01/2025 10:45

This sounds made up but it you are worried about dogs peeing on things there's no reason a 'tasteful sausage dog' (whatever that means) is less likely to do so than a larger dog

dynamiccactus · 17/01/2025 10:43

MissDoubleU · 17/01/2025 10:43

Your bag got wet, doesn’t sound the same as the item was ruined?

Being wet with URINE ruins it!

dynamiccactus · 17/01/2025 10:43

shedidwhatnan · 16/01/2025 23:48

I don't know if typing it will get me in legal trouble or something... but the initials are TWC and they sign is white and black

How would it get you into trouble if what you say is true?

It's perfectly fine to criticise companies as long as it's true or an honestly held belief.

MissDoubleU · 17/01/2025 10:43

Your bag got wet, doesn’t sound the same as the item was ruined?

dynamiccactus · 17/01/2025 10:41

Keeponkeepingon9 · 17/01/2025 10:06

If a child slipped on dogs urine and was injured surely the parents would be entitled to sue John Lewis for negligence in having a dogs allowed policy & not taking due care to ensure the mess was cleaned up immediately,or at the very least cordoned off until dealt with.

Depends if it had just happened. In this case there would have been no time to clean it up - and the dog peed directly on the OP's purchase.

If it had peed, and then the OP had slipped up on it several minutes later, that would be different.

However, as I said upthread I don't think it's up to shop or cafe staff to clean up dog waste. If the owner or manager allows dogs in, it should be their responsibility to arrange a cleaner. But that will lead to delay of course.

dynamiccactus · 17/01/2025 10:38

fashionqueen0123 · 17/01/2025 10:34

That’s great! How did she contact you or did you go back in the shop? Maybe they’ll rethink having dogs in a shop.

Probably not if it's actually a chain like White Stuff - it will be an HQ decision to let them in.

dynamiccactus · 17/01/2025 10:37

User09678 · 17/01/2025 10:33

I think the OP would have said.

As someone upthread said, guide dogs don't pee on stuff when out and about. They are too well trained.

And as I said, it's not a gotcha because there are actually very few guide dogs around.

Guide dogs are very well trained.

Pets are not. Other types of support dog - it depends.

fashionqueen0123 · 17/01/2025 10:34

shedidwhatnan · 17/01/2025 09:30

Well I just wanted to add that the store manager was aware of this thread, and refunded me immediately (no stock to exchange). She was very apologetic this morning. I wonder if she's a Mumsnet user or if someone she knows just linked her to the thread

She also issued me a £50 voucher so it has been made right Smile

That’s great! How did she contact you or did you go back in the shop? Maybe they’ll rethink having dogs in a shop.

User09678 · 17/01/2025 10:33

GoldenGail · 16/01/2025 22:04

And if it had been a guide dog ???

I think the OP would have said.

WhatHoJeeves · 17/01/2025 10:32

I have dogs but I don't take them in shops. I don't believe that dogs should be allowed everywhere and a clothes shop is not the place for a dog.

BlackberryViolet · 17/01/2025 10:29

Wow. Amazing result! And so quick. Did they open early especially for you??

MikeRafone · 17/01/2025 10:23

I stopped walking through a park as dogs had jumped up on me with their dirty paws over my coat. Twice it happened & the park is now bypassed

it’s not the end of the world, the coat was dry cleaned

but its sad dog owners don’t control their dogs

id have told the shop assistant to swap it for another and they can wash it

ChannelFiveDrama · 17/01/2025 10:21

How did the manager track you down OP?

Fizbosshoes · 17/01/2025 10:18

ruethewhirl · 17/01/2025 10:16

What on earth makes you think this wouldn't happen?

Unless the customer (OP) emailed to ask for an exchange it is slightly suspicious as she updated at 9.30 to say she'd been refunded....but the store doesn't open til 9.30....