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!

Conversely, why don't we start putting children first, and counter all these menacing dogs everywhere and go back to how it used to be, when dogs weren't everywhere. It's awful for so many of us.

Some people aren't able for confrontation. @shedidwhatnan go back tomorrow with the item and say you want it to be exchanged. They won't argue.

🤣 something that people buy to make themselves feel superior to others.

It's a bit like people who buy "premium" model cars 🤣

@GoldenGail it is highly unlikely it would have pissed in a shop if you know anything about guide dogs!

If I was you I’d take it back tomorrow explain the situation and say you were a little surprised but not happy with how ruined the item is and can you exchange it or if it’s a item you can wash I’d maybe just wash it (I think dogs are awesome though :) )

Dogs should not be allowed in shops other than guide dogs.

Dogs shouldn't be in shops, I would have immediately asked to return it then used the refund to buy a clean one

Was it White Company? We've one in our town and it's recipe for disaster the dog encouraging!

I used to train them

why put your items down near a dog ?

I don’t think dogs (with the exception of guide dogs) should be allowed in shops, and definitely not in eating establishments. I don’t understand why, in the last few years, so many owners feel that their dogs need to go everywhere with them.

I would not have left there with a fresh bag but the item still covered in wee?! If they are encouraging dogs they should replace it or take it up with the owner.

They don't piss on people's bags though

classic

I agree with @StormingNorman , I'd have requested an exchange or a refund right away as you didn't even have a chance to leave the shop before the item was soiled. It's up to the shop owner/manager to decide whether to ask the dog owner for reimbursement.

Anyway, go back tomorrow, explain what happened and say that you can't use the item.

As a dog owner myself, I'd have been mortified and immediately offered to pay for a replacement. I'm surprised that didn't happen.

A guide dog wouldn’t have pissed in the shop ???

You are not being unreasonable to think dogs (except guide dogs) shouldn’t be in shops.

I have a Labrador who is very well behaved, but wouldn’t dream of taking her into John Lewis - she’d hate it.

Dogs are animals - not accessories. They should be playing in a field somewhere not sitting in a handbag. Small dogs included IMO, unless they’re elderly and just want to look at interesting things while they have a nice rest.

It wouldn't have peed on her stuff

i mean no disrespect but knowing how dogs do like to pee up things, it seems odd to then put down your bags near a dog incase they do as they did pee ?

Exactly. As someone who has fostered and rehabilitated dogs for years, I don’t take them everywhere I go with me. I’m sick of the public’s badly trained, yappy, annoying and sometimes dangerous dogs everywhere I bloody go. People have no manners.

This. I would have insisted on an exchange.

Did the dog wee on the bag or did it dribble from the water bowl you are describing? it's not clear from your post .

"A tasteful sausage dog" :) I loved that comment, as I own one, but they're just as liable to wee on your bag as any other breed.

My child has had a traumatic event with a dog. He now screams at dogs. In the same way you would if the same happened to you.

Dogs in shops is not a necessity, children in shops is. Keep your dog at home and stop blaming young children.

There is absolutely no point in complaining about dogs in shops to Mumsnet alone. You have to write to the shop, tell them they will lose your custom. If enough did that, the shop would have to re-think its policy.
It could be very swift if everyone against it did so.