I’ve joined the “why are there dogs everywhere” Club

[BananaBum]

I’ll start things off by saying I have a dog myself and normally scoff at all the people rolling their eyes over dogs in pubs and cafes. Can even forgive younger, less well behaved dogs because they have to learn and be exposed to different situations.

HOWEVER

Today I went to get in a lift in John Lewis with my DC and a woman with a pushchair and TWO massive labradors asked if I wouldn’t mind waiting because one of her dogs were nervous about being crowded.

Why are you in John Lewis then?
Is it really necessary for the dogs to come out with you?
Did they come in the car especially or do you live in town?
how does it all work logistically?

So many questions. And also just a bit annoyed I had to wait for the next lift

Well yes, when you put them on a chair. 🧐

Me removing them and giving away the chair does rather suggest that I didn’t believe my coats needed the chair doesn’t it. Mind blowing it may be but sometimes in life people just place their belongings down in a convenient spot without too much thought.

Honestly, the things people on here find to make snarky irrelevant comments about 🙄

Putting coats and bags on a spare chair is normal behaviour.

Yes but I’d rather sit on a chair used for coats than one a dog has been on.

How could he think that was OK? If he lets the dog sit on his chairs at home, that’s up to him, but cafe chairs? Selfish and lacking imagination.

Poor sheep.

I completely agree - up to you if you want poo particles over your own upholstery but you don’t get to do it to public furniture

Do you feel the same when you see people put their feet on train seats etc?

I have a dog and I worry far more about people coming into my house with outdoor shoes on than I ever do about my dogs bum.

Yes and I also have a no shoes policy at home - can’t understand having a dog and asking people to remove their shoes though, feels like locking the door after the horse has bolted!

It doesn't feel like that at all to me. I know where my dog has been but I don't know where people have been.

Personally I never like the combination of food/eating and any animals. I speak as someone who grew up with both cats and dogs in the house but I've reacted against that and we haven’t had house pets.

I’ve seen (in other people’s houses) tapeworm segments drop from pets’ backsides, dogs and cats slobbering on furniture and the shower of skin flakes sent flying when a dog or cat shakes itself.

I don’t want any of this in my home and I don’t want it in a cafe where I’m eating. People are animals too but none of my friends do any of the above!

I'm not entirely sure why you're replying to me specifically @CoffeeCantata
My dogs have never been to cafes or shops because I don't go to those places myself. I'm very germ phobic around people so I never eat out.

I've had dogs for 48 years, lived with 9 of them in total and I've never ever seen a tapeworm, so you've been incredibly unlucky.

I was basically making a general point about why I think animals and eateries are not a good combo and why I’m not comfortable with sharing seats etc with them.

I have seen some sights, you’re right! And I haven’t even mentioned the ear mites…I know some people can cope with this kind of thing but I can’t and don’t want it when I’m eating out.🫣

Well I haven't been in an eaterie since 1976 so it's not my dog you need to worry about. I'm not comfortable sharing seats with people. I always have to change my clothes if I've sat anywhere that people have been.

I've never had dealings with ear mites either. But it's people not washing their hands that puts me off shopping or eating out.