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What's the rationale behind bringing your dog into stores? — Brooklynian

What's the rationale behind bringing your dog into stores?

obamanut
obamanut
edited November -1 in Park Slope

Subject: What's the rationale behind bringing your dog into stores?

Can someone please explain to me the rationale behind this? I've been seeing this more and more in Park Slope, and even saw it in Manhattan several times this holiday season as well. It seems to me to be a relatively recent phenomenon (past 5-7 years or so).

I'm not talking about a small dog in a carrying bag--I'm talking, dog on leash, like they're out on a Sunday stroll in Prospect Park. I've seen people in Park Slope waltz into bagel stores, coffee shops, supermarkets, etc., with their Labradors like it was completely normal. Not to mention, they always seem to be almost hoping and waiting that someone says something to them so that they can pull an entitlement fit. First off, what they're doing is illegal--under the NYC health code, the only animals allowed in establishments serving food are service animals--and second, it's disrespectful to the business owners and other patrons.

I have owned dogs my entire life, and I am very aware of the growing problem of dog theft for dog fighting purposes. However, if you know you are going out to run errands and will have to enter businesses where you can't keep an eye on your dog outside, why not just leave the dog at home? Growing up in Park Slope, the thought of barging into a store with our family Boxer was absurd to me, because no one else did it--even with small dogs.

I asked a friend about it after witnessing two people strolling through Bloomingdale's with their Boston Terriers on leashes, and he said historically it was a display of rich arrogance (i.e., Upper East Side, "I have so much money that I can do whatever I want and you can't stop me"). Of course, it seems natural that that mindset would spread to Park Slope. Still, will some dog-trespasser put me on to your thought process?
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Comments

  • amac
    amac
    woof
  • danielle123
    danielle123

    Subject: Not a dog owner...

    I haven't been able to understand this phenom either. I've also noticed that when a small business owner puts up a sign saying that pets cannot come in, they have to say that they love dogs otherwise people will stop patronizing the business thinking that the owner hates dogs. (How about that the biz owner hates fines. The health department, from what I've seen/heard is giving out tickets to business owners who have pets in their stores.)

    I once went into Met Food in CG and not only was there a dog running around but there were 2 pigeons in there, as well. When I told the owner, he just stared at me and kept doing what he was doing like I hadn't spoken. I almost called the health department right then and there.

    It does seem like arrogance to me: "What I'm doing is against the law but screw everyone else who abides by the law, I'm going to do what I want." I'd be curious if someone can come up with a non-arrogant reason for why they do this.
  • lostlookingforlife
    lostlookingforlife
    I love dogs, but I don't believe they belong everywhere. I feel the same way about kids.
  • longtimesloper
    longtimesloper
    This drives me crazy also, i can tolerate a small dog that is being handheld being brought into a store, but, other than that, unless you are going into a pet store, the pooch should not be joining you.

    oh, and yes, I have a dog and have always had dogs and loved them!
  • obamanut
    obamanut

    Subject: Re: Not a dog owner...

    danielle123 wrote:
    I once went into Met Food in CG and not only was there a dog running around but there were 2 pigeons in there, as well. When I told the owner, he just stared at me and kept doing what he was doing like I hadn't spoken. I almost called the health department right then and there.
    lol, I guess Carroll Gardens is taking animal loving to the extreme. Was the dog chasing the pigeons? :lol:

    You've got to sympathize with the owner though, he was probably shell-shocked after receiving one too many temper tantrum dress-downs from CG privileged-types when he dared question their "dogmatic" beliefs. :lol:
  • raw
    raw
    People should leave dogs home while they shop. I hate seeing dogs in stores. I hate seeing dogs tied up and helpless outside of stores. If you do not have enough time to care for a dog, DO NOT GET A DOG.
  • bkchickie
    bkchickie
    Funny about this post, because I've just begun to notice the same thing. Maybe the phenomenon has reached the critical "noticing" mass.

    My (completely unscientific, not completely unsnarky) theory is that it has something to do with the way that some (and just some) dog owners treat their dogs as children. If no good parent would leave kids outside on the sidewalk, then why would any good dog "parent" leave one's surrogate child out there?

    This is the only way that I can justify it.

    And, yeah, I've long noticed those signs too. I'm almost more likely to patronize a business (esp. a food business) that acknowledges the health-code problems of dogs inside their establishments.

    And, also, let me just add that not everyone likes dogs. Some people are actually acutely allergic to them.
  • cliftonite
    cliftonite
    BKChickie wrote:
    And, also, let me just add that not everyone likes dogs. Some people are actually acutely allergic to them.

    ...and some people are terrified.

    I will admit that I brought my "rental doggy" into a store where my friend works because they keep treats behind the counter. I did it once and still felt guilty about it. I would never leave her tied up. I don't take her out unless I know I can stay with her the whole time and don't need to go anywhere.
  • anastasia beaverhausen
    anastasia beaverhausen
    Eh. I bring Oscar into places I know he's welcome. This does not include any place where food is served or sold. If I want to bring him into Gucci, I will because he's allowed in there. And I can assure you he's a helluva lot better behaved then a lot of kids out there.
  • MOD
    MOD
    I don't really have a problem with it. If the store owner is cool with it, the dog's well behaved, and it's not a place where something might get knocked over.. then whatever. I rather have dogs then children running around.
  • jamzer
    jamzer
    Anastasia Beaverhausen wrote: Eh. I bring Oscar into places I know he's welcome. This does not include any place where food is served or sold. If I want to bring him into Gucci, I will because he's allowed in there. And I can assure you he's a helluva lot better behaved then a lot of kids out there.
    Why is it that when anyone complains about dogs, some dog owners get all defensive and try to compare their dogs to children? Dogs and children are not comparable in any meaningful way.
  • anastasia beaverhausen
    anastasia beaverhausen
    My dog doesn't scream, doesn't have snot dripping off his nose, doesn't cry for candy/ice cream/whatever is at the impulse buy display, and doesn't annoy the shit out of everyone around him by whining. I think that's pretty damn comparable. Why is it when a dog owner makes a logical arguement as to why pets should be allowed in non-food related establishments, breeders freak out?
  • modsquad
    modsquad
    For you Mamacita
    http://www.phototravels.net/japan/ukai-cormorant-fishing.html

    On the subject of dogs in stores: There is a certain chaos that drew us to Brooklyn in the first place. On one hand everybody gets their panties in a knot about not being able to drink on their own stoop or in the Park, then you complain about kids pissing in the street, firemen being rude, people buying Twinkies with welfare money, and now dogs in stores. Living in BK requires living publicly what many of you consider private. You need to get over yourselves. Grow a thicker skin, it will serve you well.
  • MOD
    MOD
    Jamzer wrote:
    Why is it that when anyone complains about dogs, some dog owners get all defensive and try to compare their dogs to children? Dogs and children are not comparable in any meaningful way.
    Yeah I know, children are ill behaved snarling beasts that really should be kept on leashes... indoors.... away from the public.... :wink:
  • garfunky
    garfunky
    Unless its a pet store or
    theres a big sign that says bring in your dog,
    i cant understand why people assume they can bring a dog into any store.

    if a non food establishment welcomes pets , so be it.

    not certain jamzer noticed you said
    you bring your dog where you know hes welcome.

    but no, your domestic animal is not comparable to an actual human being and should not expect the same rights,regardless of how well behaved.
  • anastasia beaverhausen
    anastasia beaverhausen
    Garfunky wrote:
    but no, your domestic animal is not comparable to an actual human being and should not expect the same rights,regardless of how well behaved.
    He is so! If he had thumbs, he'd kick your ass for that!! :P
  • pima
    pima
    Seriously, when you compare your dog to a child, you lose credibility.
  • obamanut
    obamanut
    modsquad wrote: For you Mamacita
    Living in BK requires living publicly what many of you consider private. You need to get over yourselves. Grow a thicker skin, it will serve you well.
    Actually you are wrong, because I've 'lived in BK' my entire life, and never had to deal with the dogs-in-stores thing until now. It is not a 'normal' part of Brooklyn life, as welfare and rude people are. Ironically, the dog thing seems to be a practice engaged in primarily by newcomers.

    Thanks for the well-meaning attempt at 'toughening me up' to deal with Brooklyn life, though. I think my skin is thick enough.
  • anastasia beaverhausen
    anastasia beaverhausen
    pima wrote: Seriously, when you compare your dog to a child, you lose credibility.
    To whom? You? Phhfff. okay. :roll:

    Since I lack credibility, please feel free to tell the government you'd like to repay ME all the taxes I've given them so you're snotty-nosed ingrate of a kid can get a free education. Thanks, pal!
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    When I was unemployed in 2006, the government paid me $405 a week to teach my dog tricks. It was great. It was the best 3k (about 8 weeks of training - unemployment) the govenrment spent on education in a long time.

    Can your average Park Slope 5 y/o stay on command? Mine can
  • modsquad
    modsquad
    Obamanut wrote: [quote=modsquad]For you Mamacita
    Living in BK requires living publicly what many of you consider private. You need to get over yourselves. Grow a thicker skin, it will serve you well.

    Do me a favor Obamanut, edit my "quote" correctly. The cormorant link was for Mamacita, not the quip about needing to grow thicker skin. That was for you and all the other whiners.
  • jamzer
    jamzer
    Anastasia Beaverhausen wrote: My dog doesn't scream, doesn't have snot dripping off his nose, doesn't cry for candy/ice cream/whatever is at the impulse buy display, and doesn't annoy the shit out of everyone around him by whining. I think that's pretty damn comparable. Why is it when a dog owner makes a logical arguement as to why pets should be allowed in non-food related establishments, breeders freak out?
    OK - you seem pretty angry. Holidays have you down?

    And the term for it is deflection. You try to justify your rude and inconsiderate behavior by pointing out the failure of others. Yes some kids are annoying, but that does not have anything to do with your dog.
  • MOD
    MOD
    I want a pet cormorant now!
  • anastasia beaverhausen
    anastasia beaverhausen
    Jamzer wrote:

    OK - you seem pretty angry. Holidays have you down?

    And the term for it is deflection. You try to justify your rude and inconsiderate behavior by pointing out the failure of others. Yes some kids are annoying, but that does not have anything to do with your dog.
    Actually, it's PROJECTION. Please try to insult me with the correct ICD-9 codes. :)

    I'm sorry I pretty much pinpointed your child's behavior. It really was just a guess. Happy New Year!
  • modsquad
    modsquad
    Mamacita wrote: I want a pet cormorant now!
    Just don't take it into any store in Park Slope! :wink:
  • MOD
    MOD
    modsquad wrote: [quote=Mamacita]I want a pet cormorant now!
    Just don't take it into any store in Park Slope! :wink:

    Ahh, but can I take it into a bar?
  • whynot_31
    whynot_31
    Pintchiks and TD Bank welcome dogs ...they give them waterbowls and biscuits.

    They are in the Slope....

    Buttermilk and some other bars welcome dogs with the same enthusiasm.
  • anastasia beaverhausen
    anastasia beaverhausen
    whynot_31 wrote: Pintchiks and TD Bank welcome dogs ...they give them waterbowls and biscuits.

    They are in the Slope....

    Buttermilk and some other bars welcome dogs with the same enthusiasm.
    Please do not compare cormarants to dogs. You have lost all credibility.
  • MOD
    MOD
    When did Whynot Have credibility to begin with? :wink:

    (Without Mougar around I have no one else to pick on)
  • modsquad
    modsquad
    image

    This thread is goin' down fast!
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