Shop allows dogs in and my item is ruined

[shedidwhatnan]

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

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!

Exactly. Why were you embarassed? Why is MN full of total doormats?

Haha yes second this...!!!

*Dogs have evolved, dog ownership has evolved and the way dogs are involved in their owners lives has changed and there is no going back.
I have a well trained dog who goes everywhere with me. *

@DBD1975 I agree that the way dogs are involved in their owner’s lives has changed. I try to consider what’s best for my dog when I’m going somewhere. Will he prefer to be at home or out at the shops, for example? He doesn’t suffer from separation anxiety so for him, being at home is preferable. He doesn’t want to be under bright lights in unfamiliar surroundings.

A good walk through the woods is different, he’d love that!

I'm with you! I love dogs, but leave them at home when you are shopping!

I also avoid dogs friendly hotels... I mean yuck! Some dogs are just filthy!

I own a tasteful sausage dog. I would take him in a pub that didn't serve food, but not a cafe or a shop.
We went to the local garden centre dog friendly cafe and pet shop. To get there we had to walk through the main shoo. Way too many things to pee on, lick, sniff. My tasteful sausage dog becomes 10kg of thrashing barky fur flying mess in my arms.
He's stressed, I'm stressed
We're both much happier if he does dog things at home while I shop.

@HighSpecWhistle personally I can't leave my dog at home as he is a hearing assistance dog.

It would have been better behaved.

I've got 2 dogs but I'd never take them in a shop. It's nuts unless a guide dog. Dogs would rather go for a walk around a park than a shop.

Apparently some don't believe it happened. Now you have named the area I wonder if they still insist it's fake. Maybe they think dogs possibly do this. Some dog owners are delusional.

Removed owners in edit

I’m a dog owner. First of all I wouldn’t have taken my dog in a shop. He would hate it. I would have felt obliged to replace your package if my dog had urinated on it. Though if it was designer I doubt I could afford to!

I don’t think dogs should be allowed everywhere. I love my dog but too many treat their dogs like children.

Yep you should have asked them to swap the item right then but go back and get it changed

they should have replaced your item surely

This made me laugh, what's a tasteful sausage dog? 🤣

Um because the shop owner has set the rule that dogs are welcome.

YABU. You need to be aware of others in shops. Why were you holding your bag down in reach of wet dogs? Shops/public spaces are full of dirt hazards. You just need to watch your stuff.

A local town I visit allows dogs in most shops. I’ve never heard anyone fuss because their bag got wet from one! It could just have easily got wet from someone’s dripping umbrella or someone’s wet coat against you. It was your fault but you’re taking the opportunity to blame the dog!

Of course they shouldn't be in shops-apart from guide dogs which are very thoroughly trained and don't make a nuisance of themselves. Hardly any 'ordinary' dogs are trained to the same standard because hardly any 'ordinary' dog owners have the skills to do it, or are willing to invest the time and effort, and some of them don't seem to realise that dogs need to be trained at all.

A tasty sausage roll...er...dog

Speak for yourself love.

Wet from the dogs face = wouldn’t bother me

Wet because the dog did a wee = would very much bother me! The owner would be paying for a replacement!

I would have asked for a replacement item.

Was it a £1000+ handbag? You should have said, MNetters would be beside themselves trying to choose a position between hating dogs and disapproval at you spending such a ridiculous amount on a high end accessory

Interesting. I’d have to say as a layperson that I’d consider the store negligent in this case though. If they allow animals inside, which is certainly not standard, then they should accept at least partial responsibility for their actions. But I’m not a lawyer of course.

Please write a formal complaint to the business. They might reconsider the policy.

Silverburn?

Um the dog is still the owners responsibility, and supposed to be under the control of the owner, you don't leave your responsibilities for everything at the door when you walk into a shop.
No wonder so many people don't think they have to take any responsibility for themselves or those they're supposed to be responsible for when even other people are so keen to place the blame anywhere but on the people who are causing the problem!