Page 5 | Shop allows dogs in and my item is ruined

shedidwhatnan · 2025-01-16T22:00:59+00:00

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!

ruethewhirl · 17/01/2025 10:16

CucumberBagel · 17/01/2025 09:45

This did not happen.

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

Toolardy · 17/01/2025 10:15

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

Good result. Maybe they will now review their dog policy.

ChannelFiveDrama · 17/01/2025 10:12

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

Well that is lucky

brunettemic · 17/01/2025 10:12

Porcuporpoise · 17/01/2025 09:15

Because the shop has a policy that allows dogs to enter.

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Correct, but that still doesn’t make it the fault of the shop. The fault lies with the dog owner (takes dog into shop and lets it wee) and OP (leaves things on the floor knowing full well there are dogs about). Most shops let children in, if a child spilt their drink on my purchase I wouldn’t expect the shop to exchange it.

Fizbosshoes · 17/01/2025 10:09

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

Did they accept the item back and explanation?

They will lose money if they need to refund lots of wee-stained items!

Keeponkeepingon9 · 17/01/2025 10:06

Longwaysouth · 16/01/2025 22:54

Last year I saw a dog urinate in the middle of the aisle in John Lewis. Cocked it's leg up against a low unit. It was in the audio visual section. It went all over the place. Poor dog must have been desperate. I said Excuse me your dog has done the toilet" She turned round and gave me the finger and swore at me" I went to let the staff know as it was a slip hazard never mind yucky. I was too late a toddler slipped on it.
I am a dog lover but think you can go shopping without your dog.

Today, I saw a dog sitting on a chair in our local cafe. It then rubbed it's back end on the floor. I assume it has a problem with it's anal glands. It is my favourite cafe but I have decided to use one of the others on my High Street. It is a shame it is a small idependent cafe.

The lovely owner has recently spent a lot if money on a refurbishment and change of name. I know she has lost several clients because of the dogs.

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.

housethatbuiltme · 17/01/2025 10:03

Oldenpeculiar · 16/01/2025 22:12

I fail to see how this is the shop or the shop assistants fault over the dog owners, the SA isn't supposed to be the one in control of the dog, the owner is, you don't leave all your responsibility at the door when you enter somewhere that's got staff, your dog, your responsibility.
If the dog ruined the item then it's up to them to replace it if that's what you wanted and apologise (as they did).
I get it's annoying, but the people who own the shop get to decide if they let dogs in, you get to decide if you go or not based on that knowledge.
YANBU to be annoyed about it, I would be, and I'm a dog owner who doesn't think dogs need to be in shops, and I firmly believe my dog, my responsibility. If my dog ruined something of someone else's then it's my responsibility to put that right, not the people who own the place it happened.
We really need to stop absolving people of their responsibilities in favour of blaming someone else.

I disagree, the item was ruined within the stores premises by a situation caused by what they allow after paying but before leaving then it is the stores job to rectify it.

Fundays12 · 17/01/2025 09:59

I don't go into shops or cafes that allow dogs (outwith guide dogs). A lot of dogs are untrained and some smell plus some breeds set my asthma off. There is absolutely no need for any dog outwith a guide dog to be in a shop.

OatFlatWhiteForMePlease · 17/01/2025 09:58

Good for the manager, much better service.

TheBluntTurtle · 17/01/2025 09:56

CellophaneFlower · 17/01/2025 09:54

Tbf the shop should never have let her leave with the item though!

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No they shouldn’t have - they should have swapped it there and then and apologised. OP shouldn’t have had to complain to have got the clean item she paid for

CellophaneFlower · 17/01/2025 09:54

TheBluntTurtle · 17/01/2025 09:52

Just read the whole thread- great you have a resolution OP - and your dog is just gorgeous!!! It is good the shop stepped in - but I do still think that owners have responsibility to ensure their dogs are trained

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Tbf the shop should never have let her leave with the item though!

Springflowersmakeforbetterhours · 17/01/2025 09:52

Who the hell doesn't hold their bags down?? Are carrier bags a shoulder worn item now??

pimplebum · 17/01/2025 09:52

What shop is aspirational ?

TheBluntTurtle · 17/01/2025 09:52

TheBluntTurtle · 17/01/2025 09:48

It’s the owners fault - they are responsible for their dogs actions regardless of where you are. Just because you can take you dog somewhere doesnt mean they can piss on everything! I’d be absolutely mortified if I’d been the owner. It is perfectly reasonable that you don’t want your new item covered in piss

Just read the whole thread- great you have a resolution OP - and your dog is just gorgeous!!! It is good the shop stepped in - but I do still think that owners have responsibility to ensure their dogs are trained

Keeponkeepingon9 · 17/01/2025 09:51

Thegoatliesdownonbroadway · 16/01/2025 22:10

John Lewis lets dogs in now. Its just revolting.

I agree of course with assistance dogs accompanying their owners everywhere.I would not frequent establishments that with the exception of assistance dogs had a dog friendly policy. I have no issue with there being establishments,shops,hotels etc where they are allowed as its a matter of choice, just not for me & many others who feel the same.

As far as John Lewis is concerned. If every customer who owned a dog coincidentally arrived on the premises at the same time I doubt they would keep their customers. There are people who are highly allergic to dogs including the hair left behind on the floor & possibly the clothes,changing rooms etc. Personally I think their new dog friendly approach is a bad idea on many accounts although I do understand there are people who strongly disagree.

TheBluntTurtle · 17/01/2025 09:48

It’s the owners fault - they are responsible for their dogs actions regardless of where you are. Just because you can take you dog somewhere doesnt mean they can piss on everything! I’d be absolutely mortified if I’d been the owner. It is perfectly reasonable that you don’t want your new item covered in piss

CellophaneFlower · 17/01/2025 09:47

I don't like confrontation either and I'm one of those people who will tell a hairdresser my hair looks great if it doesn't or say a meal is lovely if it's far from 😳 I'd never accept a piss stained item from a shop though and them saying "hopefully" it would wash out would have definitely spurred me on to throw it right back at them!

I have a dog but they don't belong in shops. My dog is perfectly house trained but I took her into Pets At Home recently, had to as you need to go through the shop to get to the vets. To my horror she had a poo right in the middle of the shop 😱 Not sure if it was fear of the vet visit or if she didn't class the shop as a house but she proudly did her business next to the bunny pen.

Sausage dogs may be "tasteful" but that's unfortunate as most have terrible health problems to conform to this view and most are yappy little fuckers

CucumberBagel · 17/01/2025 09:45

This did not happen.

piscofrisco · 17/01/2025 09:45

What a great resolution. Well done that shop woman.

Moglet4 · 17/01/2025 09:42

Jingleballs2 · 17/01/2025 08:13

I'm sick to death of looking at dogs everywhere these days. I have a dog myself, which stays at home unless it's somewhere appropriate, like on a walk!

I work in a cafe, signs all over saying no dogs and people still brazenly walk in with them "assuming" they're allowed, or holding them thinking that makes it ok. Dog owners can be so entitled

Ooh a no dog cafe- they are rare as hens’ teeth these days!

XWKD · 17/01/2025 09:41

GoldenGail · 16/01/2025 22:04

And if it had been a guide dog ???

Guide dogs are necessary.

piscofrisco · 17/01/2025 09:40

Agreed @hamsandyams of all the Doggo's I've ever had our Sausage is by far the most stubborn and hard to train. And I say that as a person who also has two Jack Russell's.

hamsandyams · 17/01/2025 09:40

Pilatesnightly · 16/01/2025 23:49

I personally hate dogs in indoor spaces especially when I’m eating but I also said upthread :

We need clear signs on every shop and restaurant so everyone knows where is dog free and where is dog friendly. I feel that would be fair for everyone.

Another issue which I’ve also said is it’s increasingly rare in some areas to find places which consider those of us who don’t want dogs around. Every coffee shop /cafe except costa in my town is dog friendly and I’m hearing that Costa now accepts dogs so I’m not even sure if there’s that.

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I would campaign for this - every business to have a dog/no dog sticker in the window.

I have a dog, so sometimes I want dog friendly. Sometimes I am sans dog, so want a no dog environment. Both sides of my life would be easier if there was clear signage!

Schoolpractice · 17/01/2025 09:40

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

Well, that’s good news.

Namechangeswiftly · 17/01/2025 09:40

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

Lovely update. Glad you’re sorted