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!

So true!

Well it seems that some retailers are changing their mind about letting dogs in. I've been told recently by friends (both of whom have dogs) that two local garden centres (not run by the same people) have now stopped dogs "visiting".

I assume they got fed up of having to clean up dog poo and urine. Also, they sell glass- and chinaware and maybe dog started having a go at each other and caused mayhem.

Both my friends actually agreed with the decision, despite having dogs themselves.

Not like that where I am, more and more places welcoming dogs.

Yeah I think people who are not keen on dogs in stores are being more vocal too so maybe a small but growing number of businesses are beginning to understand that yes they may lose some customers if they don’t allow dogs but equally they may also gain some too.

I mentioned upthread the case of the shopping centre in Glasgow which reinstated it’s no (non-service) dog policy after the dog friendly trial received such negative feedback.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-64566448.amp

I honestly can't fathom why anybody thought it a good idea to allow dogs in shopping centres/department stores/clothes shops etc in the first place. I can get it might be handy to nip in a local shop for a pint of milk or something at the end of a dog walk but surely few people would be up for a good browse with a dog in tow?

I get that shops are struggling at the moment but I really can't see allowing dogs in would gain them any more custom than they'd lose.