Look, I do get it. I'm not a big fan of the stroller/purse/frilly dresses just for fun "fan" either. Jackson is a dog. I know this lol. He gets to live like... a dog. He runs, plays, rolls in mud sometimes, sniffs poop, does agility, goes hiking, yada yada. I personally wouldn't ever carry him in a big, he's too big, and I would likely only use a stroller for health issues because, well, he loves to walk. And it's just not 'my thing'. But most are not harming their dogs, so live and let live. I'm just happy these dogs are being loved and taken care of.
I only have him, and I travel between houses a lot, so I often have him with me while running errands etc. I don't mind leaving him the car (if it's not hot) to run into a gas station or a Chipotle but otherwise, I won't do it.
But honestly, yeah I do enjoy bringing him out and about "For Funsies" and honestly? There's NOTHING wrong with that. He gets stimulation out of it, socialization, exercise and a mental workout. On days that he otherwise would be sitting at home bored, I will bring him with me if I can. And lastly, it IS fun, I enjoy having my companion with me whenever I can. He enjoys it, he's well trained, he's well behaved. It's kind of why I wanted a dog.
I am perfectly respectful that not every one is a dog person. I totally get it.
And the kid/dog comparison is apples to oranges. Yes I realize kids will never be 'not allowed' at places (except maybe fancy restaurants)... they're human children beings! Dogs CAN be left at home alone w/o a babysitter. So there is a big difference there. And yes kids, and adults alike, can be gross and disgusting so I don't see the big difference. As far as I know, there hasn't been a huge outbreak of disgusting diseases in Europe because of dogs. And Europe is far more accepting of dogs. They're allowed inside most pubs.
But why not enjoy every second I can with what I consider to be "my" kid? Yes, I am single and have no children of my own. Jackson is very clearly a dog but for all intensive purposes, he is also my 'kid'. He is a member of the family.
He goes on vacations with us, to the beach, camping, to Gettysburg every year, etc. Some trips he can't go on and that's fine. And some people may not be so inclined to WANT their pet with them, or choose not to, and that's fine too!
Here he is enjoying going out to eat with us:
And in the car wash waiting with us
And in our hotel room with us
I simply ENJOY including him in my life's events, if the time is right.
I am not talking about illegally sneaking him into places or getting fake service dog vests or anything of the sort.
If we're ever asked to leave, we will.
