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!

Of course they do, but it's open to customers at 9.30, so unless she'd emailed ahead (possible, but not explicitly explained) how would the manager have identified her? to know to let her in earlier than other customers

I am totally with you OP.
I don't understand why dogs can't be left at home anymore. Being dragged around shops can't be much fun for the dogs.
The sound of dogs yelping in John Lewis does not enhance my shopping experience. I know that shops are desperate for customers these days.

I hope you don't live where we live.

We are anxious around big dogs and I'm allergic. And because of this, a mum on the school run screams abuse at anyone who gets nervous around her dog including me. Yelling we are teaching our children to be scared of dogs. I was sworn at and screamed at. She doesnt even mind effing and blinding in front of her own children and even screams for the dog to f off. Such a wally.

It’s likely someone mentioned this thread to the manager?

They quickly reacted and had a cleaning team etc there when I reported it. The mum didn't make a fuss.

Going slightly off topic . I used to work for a department store which was in a shopping centre with a food court. Ppl often used the store as a cut through and once a woman slipped on a gherkin that had fallen out of someone's burger. She hurt her ankle and sued the company for quite a lot of money!

I can't imagine mine doing it either. She's trained to only go outdoors. She manages nights and long journeys without going. She's even been London to Penzance on the train without going. The only scenarios I can imagine are a puppy, or a very elderly/sick dog, and yes they shouldn't be in shops if there's a chance of this happening.

But good old MN, always good for dog bashing.

Just don't shop there, problem solved.

Glad it's sorted op, and can I just say your pooch is an absolute beauty 😍

"dog bashing"? Get an absolute grip of yourself woman. Dogs don't give a shit what is being said about them online, but plenty of human beings don't want to have to share every single space with your animal.

Lucky you you've never experience dog piss or shit where it shouldn't be. I assume that's what you meant when you pick out your own singular dog as a bastion of good doggy manners.

I also made this mistake based from OP’s first post, but also., if you saw your bag got piss on it while still in the store why wouldn’t you just turn to the giggling employee and say “I just purchased this, can I change it out for one that doesn’t have pee on it as I haven’t even left the shop yet.”

Idk it all seems a bit needlessly dramatic

Totally missing the point of this thread but wtf is an 'aspirational brand'?

Maybe this post is spam to advertise said brand, seen as it was later named. The aspiration is to comment on their glorious customer service and to appeal to dog owners? 😂

And to turn off everyone else?

Of course my dog wees and poos outside. Not a lot I can do about the wee but poo gets picked up and disposed of. That's standard for the vast majority of dog owners.

I was going to edit my post to say the dog owner should have compensated the OP and at least offered to clean up. I would as I'd be mortified.

I assume by pm.

It was a joke, but they do say all publicity is good publicity

This thread has reminded me why I prefer dogs to people.

Yuck! Everyone I know dislikes dogs in shops - including dog owners.

Curious to see how this unfolds for retailers. I’ve completely stopped going to Starbucks and Cafe Nero due to all the barky dogs. How many others have done the same and has it occurred to the retailers that it might be offputting 🤔

Ugh I just knew it would the The White Company
Stopped going in there after I bought some cashmere gloves as a present and they had dog hair over them!

Crazy to allow dogs into a shop known for selling white items 😆

I posted earlier that my dog pooed in Pets At Home. She would never toilet indoors at home or in the car etc so I was surprised. She isn't used to shops though (was only in there for the vets) so I'm guessing she was a bit confused and overwhelmed.

I've seen several dogs go in there though and I doubt they're all not toilet trained. I actually saw one cock it's leg up the stack of kibble bags and made a mental note never to buy anything from there that wasn't above waist height!

Guide dogs undergo rigorous training and only the best become guide dogs. They have to be trusted to act appropriately. It could literally be a matter of life or death for their owners.

The dogs know the difference between being on duty and "free-time" and behave accordingly.

Any guide dog misbehaving on duty would have to be decommissioned (redeployed as a pet).

Give over. A guide dog that wee’d in shops would instantly fail its training and be rehomed as a pet. A lot of dogs fail guide dog training, it’s incredibly rigorous.

Not to mention a guide dog needs to be in a shop to help its owner. No other dogs need to be in shops.

Yep, it’s all wrong. I agree with you OP. I was in a shop recently where a dog was digging its nose into everything. Gross. I’m sure I’ll get jumped on by dog lovers for saying this, but I can’t understand why people feel the need to take their dogs EVERYWHERE these days. What’s the problem leaving dogs at home whilst you pop to the shops for a couple of hours? I can’t imagine the dog particularly enjoys a shop.

Lately I’ve noticed quite a few shops with polite notices saying no dogs allowed (except assistance dogs, of course) so maybe the tide is turning?