The seattle area is very dog friendly, so I usually don't have a problem. I always bring them in a bag. The only place I have never gone with them is Starbucks because I have heard about so many people being kicked out. It's a shame too because there is one on every corner
We've been to Home Depot, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, Drug Stores, Some grocery stores (although I usually don't do that), the mall. I've never been kicked out. We also have a lot of restaurants with patio seating that will allow dogs on the patio. We just bought a little rug and will give that a try next time.
Oh - and we are celebrating our one year anniversary next month and are going to Cannon Beach, Oregon. Most of the hotels there are dog friendly so the boys are going with us. It will be so much fun to play on the beach. It will cut down on the lovin with them there, but I don't mind!