I'm sorry they were rude to you
I usually take Lacy almost everywhere with me too, and I've only been stopped once at Target when they quit allowing pets. But I've never had a problem anywhere else.
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~Magnifique Yorkies~
Purchasing from backyard breeders, pet shops, and puppymills perpetuates the suffering of other dogs.
Educate yourself and buy from reputable breeders or rescue.