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!

As a shop assistant they might not have come across this scenario previously - hopefully it doesn't happen often (as it chain it would not be the owner of the shop anyway) or have a default policy.
Some members of staff in shops are not allowed to authorise refunds themselves, if anyone was at fault, it was the dog owner, not the shop assistant.

Of course

Glad the shop sorted this.

Perhaps shops that allow dogs need something like the breakages must be paid for signs you often see. Not sure how you would word it though.

If John Lewis are allowing dogs in their stores they should employ full time dog watchers to ensure there is no urine or excrement left behind which could cause serious accidents if left lying for too long. Customers bringing their dogs in may not always be aware the dog has lifted its leg to urinate or poo beside the clothes rail if they are concentrating on finding a new blouse. All it would take is for someone to have a serious fall for John Lewis to have to reconsider this dogs allowed policy. It's all wrong with the exception of guide dogs highly trained not to do their business in shops or restaurants. The last time I was in our local store I counted at least 3 dogs on the same floor although to be fair one was small & in a bag with it's head sticking out so not quite so bad.

The shop should have replaced it , laughing totally unacceptable response.
Have you written and complained?

Glad to hear that all's well, that ends well.

YANBU about dogs in shops either.

I can't believe you were such a wet blanket as to not demand an exchange there and then OP. Glad it's sorted now anyway. If I'd been the dog owner I'd have offered to replace if the shop hadn't done so.

FWIW I would never take my dog into a shop, aspirational or not, because she can't be trusted not to embarrass me by her behaviour. She has no manners even at the age of 11 and is still capable is acting the puppy when the mood takes her 😀

Quite right. Your dog sounds adorable but they should not be in shops or restaurants unless they are guide dogs.

It seems such a simple and low cost thing to do - I really hope businesses will take this up one day! It would definitely be beneficial on all sides if they had this kind of signage.

Exactly, many of my friends with dogs are the same - they don’t always want to be in dog friendly spaces.

Great update, OP and well deserved!

I'm a dog lover and I don't agree with letting dogs/animals in shops regardless of size as I don't believe that small dogs should get preferable treatment either. I think this was unacceptable and I would've made a fuss about it. I would have wanted to speak to the manager, you deserve an apology and a store credit at the very least.

A village local to us has a “dog friendly town name” campaign and about 80% of the shops/cafes have a dog friendly sticker, so it’s safe to assume the rest aren’t given how widely it’s been adopted - but would be good to have something more explicit and widespread!

Some of us don’t consider having dogs everywhere a step in evolution.

@Pilatesnightly I was in Deal, Kent recently where they have a dog friendly sticker scheme. It was really useful.

Great news OP. Let this be a learning point for people like you and me. Stand up and speak out for what you deserve.

You’re being unreasonable for getting an immediate refund.

Why do you think that?

Because I hadn’t RTFT 😆
I’ve just seen you got a refund AND £50.

Wow nice - I really thought this idea only existed in my imagination 😆

ETA: Just seen your post now too @piscofrisco

Nice to hear it is actually happening in at least two places, there must be many more no doubt - yeah let’s hope it gets taken up more widely! We have nothing of the sort in my town.

I thought the exact same. 🤣

Aspirational… it’s a high street store.

are you going to wash and keep the item?

She is returning it. But I've no doubt it will end up back on the rail 🙄

Guide dogs don't piss everywhere.

The rest are probably supermarkets and the like that don't allow dogs in anyway (not sure if that is a legal/hygiene requirement or they will soon follow suit).

Sigh*

Clearly they are suffering because several of us have literally seen them close down.

@blubberyboo and of course it's all the dogs fault, nothing to do with hugely rising costs in hospitality, cost of living crisis, difficulty recruiting dependable staff, all food costs going up and up ... yeah it's cos they let in dogs