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!

This is entirely the dog owners fault, and if the shop wants to be accommodating to dog owners, they should add a caveat to their policy that dogs with responsible owners are allowed. My elderly dog would not dream of doing a wee (or a poo) indoors, because she was properly trained as a puppy. If she had ever had an accident in my house, I wouldn’t be taking her into any shops, dog-friendly or not!

People are saying White Stuff

eww

If I understand correctly, you bought an expensive item from a shop that actively encourages people to bring their dogs. On your way out, while you’re browsing, a dog urinates and the bag containing your purchase gets wet. You request a new bag and discover that your purchase has also been damaged.
Why on earth didn’t you demand an exchange there and then? The shop encourage dogs. Therefore it’s their duty to make good your purchase.

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

Coats and umbrellas aren’t generally covered in piss

Stores should absolutely be replacing items which are ruined by dogs in this way - it's a direct consequence of their ridiculous policies to encourage owners to bring them in.

What's even more ridiculous is the deluded owners who think their animals like shopping in John Lewis or similar, or that think we want to interact with their animals when we are walking in the park or browsing in shops. Just keep them away from other people - like responsible owners do.

Just saw you live in the same town as me @shedidwhatnan and before you hinted at the shop, I'd already guessed! Definitely take it back! Was it drool or wee? Either way, rank.

Honestly I don't know why you just left it.
If I was still inside the shop, I would have not left until the item had been swapped.
It will wash our, my arse

Gosh, what are the chances?

Close to zero I'd say.

"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"

It's absolutely the dog owners fault - however welcoming the shop, you don;t take in a dog that isn't trained.

Whilst not ideal - it's a bag, you are going to have it out and about with you a lot - you may well encounter dogs in the future; but hopefully better trained ones.

I don't understand why you were embarrassed though - and I do think the shop should have exchanged it.

Guide dogs are trained professionals, unlike this one. Op I once witnessed a Venetian shop owner running shouting after a woman who had allowed her dog to wee against the newspapers outside the shop.

I say it's the owners fault, and they should have offered to cover the cost of a new item. However if you did request a refund at the time, and it was given, it might give the shop pause for thought that maybe their dog friendly status might cost them more refunds.
Not sure about taking it back the next day, as anything that happened outside the shop is not their concern (and if you didn't see the same person they might not accept, it happened in the shop )

I found loads of places seem to be dog friendly now but a shop local to me has a sign expressly asking people not to take dogs in.

No, just trying to understand how it happened.

This story doesn't sound believable at all. It sounds like you thought "what if" in your mind and then decided to post it here as if it really happened.

I work in a similar type shop. The past few years dogs have not just been allowed but almost encouraged with the water bowl outside and we have dog treats inside. I've lost count of the times dogs have peed and pooped in the store. Its disgusting and bloody annoying. I hate it! And often the owners pretend they didnt notice 🙄. Funnily enough the staff that fuss and coo over the dogs bringing them treats etc are conveniently never to be seen when there's dog mess to be cleared up.
And the 'tasteful sausage dogs' can be the worst for barking loudly and aggressively when they spot any other dog in the store! It can be chaos when its busy

And in truth, it isn't the dog owners fault really

I think it is. Surely they don't let their dogs just piss whenever they want. Do they do it in their kitchen? Bedroom? On a child's scooter? On someone's driveway?

That's poor training, surely?!

How are you dealing with this behaviour? Dogs are mostly completely harmless.

Thanks. Yes I have tried telling her it will wind up the dog screaming so will do this!

Doesn't change the fact that her item got pissed on.

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

Yes, it’s horrible. 🤢

I'm so grateful for living in Australia, where dogs (except registered service ones) are not allowed in shops.

I love dogs but reading posts in MN, the UK has lost the plot with their domestic animals.

Disgusting. Can't believe staff in these 'dog friendly' places are happy to clean up piss and shit. I know I wouldn't do it. In this case OP I would have insisted on a replacement and would not have left without one. Also contact the manager or head office and don't forget to give a review wherever you can.

Ah, I have a different beef with them and so will avoid.

I'm a bit demused as to why you didn't then stand at the counter and ask for a new item.
"This one has got dog piss on." Because a dog inside the shop has wee'd on it is a perfectly sensible reason to want an alternative.

I'm not a confrontational person by nature, but it honestly would not have occurred to me to leave the shop with a dog-piss-soaked item I'd JUST purchased.