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!

Because she longs for dogs to piss on her things.

The dog came along afterwards- obviously

I also cannot believe you just left without asking for an exchange refund or at least demanding the owner pay.
Dry it overnight and take it back to the shop for refund. Tell them it didn't fit.
Deny all knowledge of the soiling if they mention it. After all they were content it was just the bag at the time

I’m with you Op, I absolutely love dogs but don’t believe they should be in shops. Why is it necessary to take a dog shopping, one it’s not fair to the dog and 2 it’s not fair to those who don’t like or are afraid of dogs.

I wonder what the shop assistant would have said if you asked to return the item instead with the receipt.

All the shops where I live permit dogs, bar the supermarket.

I also don’t let my dog go near anyone, unless they want to say hi.

But it wasn't? So it's irrelevant and pointless bringing up a hypothetical situation

Oh for heaven's sake, a guide dog wouldn't do a pee in a shop! It's a completely different situation.

fair points my apologies i missed that

Oh my goodness, if the items were bought from the same shop they should have offered you a refund or exchange immediately, without even being asked. If the manager asked why you should have put them wet side down in her hand and said "because they're soaked in dog piss".

Accidents happen, but if the shop is openly inviting dogs into the shop then they must expect to benefit from additional sales to dog owners. Therefore they also need to accept the risk of any reasonable harm that the dogs do to other customers or their goods.

But …some shit doesn't have to happen. 😀

Because her life doesn’t revolve around your child?

Last year I saw a dog urinate in the middle of the aisle in John Lewis. Cocked it's leg up against a low unit. It was in the audio visual section. It went all over the place. Poor dog must have been desperate. I said Excuse me your dog has done the toilet" She turned round and gave me the finger and swore at me" I went to let the staff know as it was a slip hazard never mind yucky. I was too late a toddler slipped on it.
I am a dog lover but think you can go shopping without your dog.

Today, I saw a dog sitting on a chair in our local cafe. It then rubbed it's back end on the floor. I assume it has a problem with it's anal glands. It is my favourite cafe but I have decided to use one of the others on my High Street. It is a shame it is a small idependent cafe.

The lovely owner has recently spent a lot if money on a refurbishment and change of name. I know she has lost several clients because of the dogs.

This. I am a dog owner. I wouldn't take my dog into a shop, but I'd it pissed on something, that's on me, not the shop.

The ultimate blame is with the shop for allowing dogs of any kind beyond guide dogs into the place

It’s illegal for a shop to refuse entry to any dog that’s an Assistance Dog (not just guide dogs). This also applies to “owner trained” assistance animals. Basically anyone can claim to have an assistance dog and they must be given entry.

The shop should have dealt with the issue of the dog urinating on your bag, it was their policy to allow dogs imo.

Wouldn't take my dogs any other place than for walks.

Wait... did the bag get wet from dog drinking water, or dog piss??

I’d have asked for the item to be exchanged or refunded OP.
I’m older now though and I’m less mild-mannered than I used to be 😊 But it’s ridiculous they didn’t offer to replace the item imho.

Well children should be prioritised over animals. Any normal person would agree with that.

Dogs can be left at home alone for a few hours. Young children cannot. Can’t believe I have to state that to an adult.

Well aren’t you lovely.

YANBU but why on earth did you just leave without saying anything when their policy to let in dogs meant the item you had just paid for had (I assume) been pissed on?!

Do people have no backbone these days?

Yes I’m unclear on that too tbh

I think it’s wonderful. I just love seeing dogs in shops. Often far better behaved than a lot of people.

You hadn't left the shop, you were entitled to a replacement. Can't understand why you didn't ask for one and can't believe a manager wouldn't have given you one.

The shop or the dog owner should have replaced your purchase immediately l think. That is terrible.

Guide dogs are actually trained to go before leaving and when they return. It makes it easier for the owner to clean up after them as well as the dog can focus on just being a guide dog. I know a man who has a guide dog so yes I do know what I'm talking about. I never have seen a guide dog go to the toilet in public.