This “humanisation” of dogs has got ridiculous

[Houseplantmad]

Had lunch in a chain restaurant yesterday. Two couples came in with smallish dogs. No problem with that as the restaurant is dog friendly however, they insisted on having high chairs for the dogs when their meal came as they had been holding the dogs on their laps until then. The waitress refused but they went and got them anyway so we had these shoved next to our table with a restless dog breathing and being uncomfortable in the high chair very close to us.
Today I get on an intercity train and a woman boards with a medium size dog and puts it on the seat next to her across from me at a table. The person who had booked that seat then turned up and the woman said what was she supposed to do with the dog as it couldn’t go on the floor! It did but was clearly distressed and couldn’t settle, poor thing.
I think putting animals in these situations is so unfair on them and also on others but it seems to be very common these days for people to treat their animal as if it is a human.

I agree it’s got ridiculous. I like dogs but don’t want to hear barking or tripping over their leads when I’m shopping.

Brent Cross shopping centre in NW London has started to accept dogs. I was there recently and saw a man whose dog cocked his leg and wee’d at the side of a shop doorway. He made no attempt to clear it up so I asked him about it. He said ‘it’s dog friendly and that’s what dogs do’ and walked off! Unbelievable.

I bought 4 dog advent calendars, in mid January, because they were the treats I use and cheaper than buying a bag of them as discounted. I emptied them, put them in an airtight container and congratulated myself on a saving, and used them for training like I would a bag. I really don't understand why people pay a fortune for them when from the dogs pov, a treat a day out of a bag of treats would be exactly the same - but I guess it's more for the owners than the dogs and there's no harm in that sort of thing (as long as it's in moderation, dog safe etc).
Although I do feel similarly about valentine's chocolate and am looking forward to some pink, mushy adorned, but more importantly, cut price chocolate on offer in a few days 🤣.

Items like dog advent calendars are often bought by family or friends. I have bought them as a very cheap present for friends, especially if I have bought their children an advent calendar as well.

I take my dog on holiday, and I am not allowed to leave her in the accommodation, so she has to go in cafes/shops with me. However, I am not an arse, and do not take her places where dogs are not allowed. She is housetrained, so does not pee in shops, she is fine in cafes (lies at my feet). She does not harass other shoppers or go begging at other tables for food.

If she is allowed somewhere, and she is with me, I take her. No amount of foot stomping and capslock will change that. I am doing nothing wrong, and I will not be made out like I am.

I have been on a long walk in the park with my dog and then had to walk past a shop where I needed to buy milk, but could not go in with my dog. It is annoying to have to walk past a shop, walk home and then come out again to get one or two things. So i would welcome shops you can take dogs in.
Also country walks have always traditionally ended up in pubs with the dog, that is normal.

That is unfortunate, but that is not the fault of dog owners or the dog food industry.

Anyway, a lot of dog ice creams are actually dairy free, and are fit for human consumption. If he is brave, he could try one.

I refer to my dog as my furbaby. It is a term of endearment, and not a poor reflection on how I look after her.

But by all means, call the RSPCA and tell them I love my dog too much.

Thehigheroffer · 12/02/2024 20:32

Britain is, and has always been, a nation of animal lovers. Our animal companions, cats and dogs, become virtually part of the family. For many people dogs and cats are very therapeutic in a stressful world where many of us, have in varying degrees, mental health issues. In addition where would visually impaired and deaf people be without assistance dogs. Be tolerant as the OP and other PP's may have those issues one day”

Under no circumstances should dogs be in high chairs in cafes or on seats on public transport.

Just a heads-up for all those who want to enjoy a meal/drinks without having to put up with dogs being everywhere . Wetherspoons does not allow dogs apart from assistance dogs.

No, but a dog owner can look over photos of their dog. Otherwise, what is the point of taking photos at all, if not to jog pleasant memories. You don't have to discuss them with anyone.

You can’t really go there for a nice coffee and cake though!

But why would you want to look at a photo of your dog with Santa, a made up person mainly for the purposes of entertaining children. It would be like taking your dog to Disney to take photos with Micky Mouse just so you could look back and reminisce. There are plenty of dog related scenarios to take photos of your dog.

What impact does someone having a photo of their dog and santa, have on you?
Other than it causing you to cringe inside, it is harming zero people, and brings the dog owner some cheer.
Why put such a downer on people finding a bit of joy in these shitty times?

It is the same as people bitching on here about the mere existence of dog ice cream, dog advent calendars, hell... someone upthread was bitching about her aunt making clothing for rescue dogs like she is some awful person.

Believe me, your mental health will improve when you give less fucks about things that are not in your control.

And where exactly are there cats in high chairs?

Mondaymorningtoday · Today 17:23
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Just a heads-up for all those who want to enjoy a meal/drinks without having to put up with dogs being everywhere . Wetherspoons does not allow dogs apart from assistance dogs.”

Hmm. Would rather tolerate dogs than give a single penny to Martin.

A woman my mum does a hobby with is a very distraught empty nester and she took her dogs to see Santa because she misses being able to take her children, it made her feel better.

And where exactly are there cats in high chairs?”

No idea. Which is why I said dogs. Smartarse.
(Though Japan is probably a safe bet)

Exactly. It made her feel better. Anyone who would deny her that can fuck off.

A simple typo as I meant to say dogs.

I don’t think it’s fair if people are taking their dogs to see a Santa that’s meant for children - it can be difficult enough to find one that’s not fully booked and I do think children should take priority for that. But I’m all for a separate Santa Paws!

I couldn’t give a shit about someone having a picture of their dog with Santa, whatever floats. I just said that I personally find the concept bizarre. Which I am entitled to do as that’s my opinion. Why does a difference of opinion mean I need to improve my mental health?

GRRR I am sick of entitled dog owners.

This afternoon on the school run my dc were scooting on the pavement. We get nearer to a man and his on- lead dog who are stationery on the path, standing to the side. I tell the dc to get off their scooters and walk, which they do. The dog rushes up to ds9, who just ignores the dog and carries on. The dog, which is a large GSD type, is now taking over the whole path, so ds5 and me can't get past, so we have to walk on the road. All this time the dog owner is on his phone ignoring us. I told him that we shouldn't have to walk on the road because he's not paying attention to what his dog is doing. I don't think he even heard what I said.

I have numerous other stories and ds9 is still quite scared of dogs.

I don't mind dogs in country pubs but I think it works best if they have separate areas so people who are nervous or allergic etc don't need to sit near them.

We are going to get a puppy hopefully after the summer holidays. So I have been doing research. And funnily enough all the trainers and people in the dog world who know their stuff say that the term "fur baby" needs to die a death and anyone wanting to get a puppy from a decent breeder would be turned away if they used that term! I've learnt a lot of tips and useful info from decent owners and trainers, so they are out there, but it seems a lot of owners are just selfish and cba.

It's pretty common in Canada. The various animal shelters and rescues do it as a fundraiser.

I've witnessed Santa holding snakes, bearded dragons, assorted dogs, and even a hamster.

Once my kids became teenagers, they used to take their dog to see Santa and get in the picture. Only way a 15yo boy will hand out with Santa.

I don't think they do. It is usually a specific event for dogs. Santa Paws etc.

Leave your dog outside the shop.