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!

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

I don't get it, either. I'd have just asked the store to replace it, while giving the owner one of my death-ray stares.

I've had dogs for over 30 years, but because I'm not an idiot, I could always tell when they were about to pee, and would have taken them outside to piss. As usual, it's not the dog, it's the owner.

I sometimes think that people should have to pass a test of some sort before they're allowed to get a dog.

I had to laugh at the use of 'aspirational' - particularly when the OP mentioned which store it was. A standard high street brand name.

As the owner of a sausage dog, they’re not at all tasteful and are in fact stubborn nightmares wrapped in a cute little package. If you’re going to allow one breed, don’t pick that one if you want good behaviour 😂

Well done the owner.
Very professionally handled.

Hopefully she will rethink her policy.
I like dogs, but a shop with such a policy would put me off.
God knows what could have happened to stock you might be buying, stock whiffy etc.
Hard swerve from me.

Lovely update. Glad you’re sorted

Well, that’s good news.

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!

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.

Guide dogs are necessary.

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

What a great resolution. Well done that shop woman.

This did not happen.

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

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

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.

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

What shop is aspirational ?

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

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

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

Good for the manager, much better service.

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.

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.

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.