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!

Did they accept the item back and explanation?

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

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.

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

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

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

Unless the customer (OP) emailed to ask for an exchange it is slightly suspicious as she updated at 9.30 to say she'd been refunded....but the store doesn't open til 9.30....

How did the manager track you down OP?

I stopped walking through a park as dogs had jumped up on me with their dirty paws over my coat. Twice it happened & the park is now bypassed

it’s not the end of the world, the coat was dry cleaned

but its sad dog owners don’t control their dogs

id have told the shop assistant to swap it for another and they can wash it

Wow. Amazing result! And so quick. Did they open early especially for you??

I have dogs but I don't take them in shops. I don't believe that dogs should be allowed everywhere and a clothes shop is not the place for a dog.

I think the OP would have said.

That’s great! How did she contact you or did you go back in the shop? Maybe they’ll rethink having dogs in a shop.

As someone upthread said, guide dogs don't pee on stuff when out and about. They are too well trained.

And as I said, it's not a gotcha because there are actually very few guide dogs around.

Guide dogs are very well trained.

Pets are not. Other types of support dog - it depends.

Probably not if it's actually a chain like White Stuff - it will be an HQ decision to let them in.

Depends if it had just happened. In this case there would have been no time to clean it up - and the dog peed directly on the OP's purchase.

If it had peed, and then the OP had slipped up on it several minutes later, that would be different.

However, as I said upthread I don't think it's up to shop or cafe staff to clean up dog waste. If the owner or manager allows dogs in, it should be their responsibility to arrange a cleaner. But that will lead to delay of course.

Your bag got wet, doesn’t sound the same as the item was ruined?

How would it get you into trouble if what you say is true?

It's perfectly fine to criticise companies as long as it's true or an honestly held belief.

Being wet with URINE ruins it!

This sounds made up but it you are worried about dogs peeing on things there's no reason a 'tasteful sausage dog' (whatever that means) is less likely to do so than a larger dog

I don't really get it, is it a bit of water that's got on your bag from the dog's drink? Surely that wouldn't ruin whatever you bought?

Oh sorry, just seen it was wee 🙈

Surely the manager arrives at work before the shop opens to the public?

It would have been well trained.

Well OP named the store and its location. Obviously someone connected with the store informed the manager.

Anyone can join MN and you can private message people.

Thank you for saying this - I always think this on dog threads. The two just aren't comparable.