Some people are just idiots!

[alex99emmie]

Okay. Here is another perspective from someone who likes to take her yorkies to stores, but only where they are welcome. If I am asked to leave a store (one that does not carry food, as I would never take them to a restaurant or grocery store), then I just don't go do business with that store again. As far as Home Depot, I took my Emmie there several times in Amarillo, Texas and was even greated at the door by one of the employees telling me about a man who used to bring his cow dog in and then the cow dog died and all the employees were so sad for him. About 2 weeks later I brought Emmie in and as soon as I made my $300.00 purchase (yes, she was in her airline-approved carrying bag, zipped up with just her head poking out), I was told that I could no longer bring her in the store. But then two or three weeks later my son told me he had seen several dogs in that same Home Depot when he was there, so the next time I was in Amarillo, I took her back in (we did not have a home there at the time and drove 2 hours and did not want to leave her in the vehicle, as there are many vehicles broken into in store parking lots in that town). No one said anything, then a week later we started in the door and an employee literally screamed at us that we could not bring her in and pointed to a sign sitting down on the floor below eye level saying No Pets Allowed. So, we simply turned around and walked out (by the way, she was in her stroller this time). We now have a home in Amarillo and do all our shopping at Lowe's. As far as my "new" perspective, I watch a lot of Inside Edition and Entertainment Tonight and T.V. shows about the stars and they were always showing Paris Hilton and Brittany Spears and other stars with their little dogs, taking them everywhere. I even saw a story on Inside Edition about what they were calling "Pocket Pets" and actually showed people taking their dogs into beauty salons and grocery stores (I don't know where this was filmed but there it was, just like it was a.o.k.)!!!! My question is, when I am turned away from Home Depot or Dollar General (yep, right here in my little town of 2500 people, good old Dollar General) I ask myself, now if I was Paris or if I was Brittany, would they have told me NO??? I don't think so!!!! Anyway, I look at my little girls at Goodwill Ambassadors. They always bring a smile to people's faces whenever they see them. We take forever to get out of Lowe's whenever we go because everyone is stopping to see them and talk about them. And what a great way to meet other people, too. But, now I am having second thoughts about taking the girls even there because I don't want to infringe on the rights of other people. Problem is, we have one little one (Izzy B.) who has seizures and it is hard to leave her at home for very long at a time and I try to keep her as close to me as I can if I know I am going to be away from the house for longer than a couple of hours. Leaving her in the car unattended if a store will allow her to come in is just not something I want to do.
Thanks for letting me throw in my 2 cents!!
Barbara, Emmie and Izzy's momma

[Brandy101b]

Originally Posted by BabyFidgette

I'm not trying to sound mean to you, but people are allergic to a lot of things other than dogs, i.e. peanuts. People who are allergic to dogs do what? Sneeze, get itchy eyes? Big deal. I'm on Allegra D every day of my life. I've never heard of a person having an anaphylactic shock over a dog. Now..people die from peanut allergies. Does that mean you are not going to keep peanut M&Ms in your pocket for fear that someone will die if they get a whiff of them? I highly doubt it. Now, once again, please don't twist words around...I am not saying dogs should or shouldn't be allowed in public places. I am stating that a dog allergy is not a big deal. But, I'll admit. I can't be wrong. I have been once or twice in my life.

Well smart guy my mil does'nt only get itchy eyes and sneeze she seizes up her throat closes up and she can't breath. So before you think oh big deal walk in her shoes and then tell me you want a dog sitting next to you!!!So you are WRONG way WRONG this time. And my girlfriend is allerigic like that to cats, she carries an inhaler and a shot of something not sire what with her just in case.

And for the women who got all bent outta shape over the thing I said about service dogs and most people who have them looking disabled, I did'nt mean that to be mean all the poeple I have had the pleaseure of meeting that had service dogs, I could tell why they needed them. I said most not all. I was making a point that service dogs are important and should be allowed anywhere. So don't get all defensive!

Oh and all the service dogs I have seen have had on a vest they might not have to wear one but I have never seen one without it. I think they are a good idea because then you never have to wonder!

Like I said we can agree to disagree!

[Brandy101b]

Originally Posted by shelbysmom

Wow, this is the new never ending thread!

While it is great to hear (see?) different opinions nothing will ever change my mind about this. I will continue taking my dog where ever I want, whenever I want. I realize I am breaking rules but nothing can convince me that a dog zipped in a purse will hurt anyone. The hands and feet of most humans have more germs on them than my little dog. The diaper of the drooling infant sitting in the highchair in a restaurant is closer to food than my dog, sitting enclosed in my purse. Stores? Dirty kids touching fruit and vegetables then putting them back. ick. (my dog doesn't do that) And allergies? Anyone that is THAT allergic to dogs shouldn't go out in public b/c service dogs (legal) would kill them.

Most of my life I have been a rule follower. I am over 50 and I have never even been stopped by a cop. I actually go the speed limit. I don't steal, even my employer's time. Anyone on this website during business hours is probably breaking a rule. Harmless? Maybe.

That's the way I feel about taking my dog. She is totally harmless to everyone and no one even knows she is there. Except me. And her being there makes my life better and easier.

Am I breaking a rule? yup. do I care? not at all.

Do I think she is human? heck no. better than most.

Your dog licks it A$$ and rubs in dirt outside your dog is NO where near as clean as my kids. Me being a great mom and a clean freak bath my babues everyday and keep them EXTRAMLY clean. The diaper of a BEAUTIFUL infant, if the parents are good, would not be disqusting and dirty! And only dumb parents allow there kids to run around touching things and putting them back my 2 1/2 yr old has been taught better manners then that! And Anyone THAT allergic to dogs, like my mil, has a right to go out and live her life without coming into contact with a animal. And you see a service dog in my town maybe once every 6 mths. They are few unlike the millions of dogs animal lovers own!!!
I just think anyone who think toting there dog around is for anything more then there own pleasure is ridiculos, what are the dogs getting out of it sitting in a purse shopping??? I am sure they would be happier at home playing and chewing or even sleeping!

This is a waste of converstation!

[Pattie]

Originally Posted by Tashasmom

I have Kids and I have yorkies...and i'm sorry but my kids are my babies and my yorkies are my pets. BIG DIFFERENCE. And I think my kids are cleaner in the fact that they don't lick their own bottom end..they've never stuck their nose in poo nor have they ever stuck their nose in anothers heiny..
That said...I don't think pets should be allowed in the stores either..reason being is some people are terrified of dogs..my mom is very much afraid of dogs that she doesn't know. I would hate for her to have to be scared everytime she went out for fear of running into a dog in the store.
But on the other end it would be nice for them to open up more places for people that enjoy having their pets with them..I would enjoy something like that myself..

\\I totally agree, someplace having more places for us to go for those who do like or need to take them. I also love to take Chloe with me, some places know us and invite us to come together, Our home depot lets us , Our Staples does and of course PetSmart, Petco & PetSupplyPlus/ The manager of our Staples even greets us, plays with Chloe while I make my copies. I would not bring her if we weren't welcome (unless not having a choice) but it nice when & where we are. The MAJOR problem I have with the no dogs allowed thing, is when we are traveling. I drive to New York from Michigan at the end of every second month. I DO HAVE to sneek her inside in a dog carrier. I can not drive 19 hours without using the restroom. In certain weather I let her stay in the car and run quick. In the cold or hot weather, it is dangerous for her and I can probably get arrested for leaving her in the locked car, and probably get arrested if they she came into a rest stop with me BUT how do I go between states? If I was traveling with another person, we could take turns BUT I don't..........

[Pattie]

Originally Posted by yougetthesmiles

This was not a mall, it was just an individual place in a walmart strip, There was no one else in the place, if it would have been busy I would have never taken her in, it was just my luck the guy comes in and has a dog in his car. I have never been kicked out for taking her somewhere with me, everyone always coo's over her, she is pretty cute! hehe
I was talking to my husband about this topic and like he said, what is the difference if we take them into a pet store, most pet stores has dog treats in open canisters where any dog can stick there face and tongue in them, then someone else buys that treat that another dog has "contaminated"
And why don't we have more dog friendly places?
We don't even have a dog friendly park here where we live, I took her to a local park once and they told me she could not be in the park!
Really this is a touchy subject.

If I might suggest a Dog Park. They are popping up all over Michigan. Indiana is not that far from Michigan, if we have them here, you might have them there. My step-daughter takes her dogs there. they love it. You must pass a temperment test, show proof of shots, it is acres of land, the dogs can run lose or if you prefer there are some fenced in sections. You can walk them on a leash or let them walk without one. Check it out.... I personally have never gone along, although she has invited us but my yard seems to be big enough for Chloe to run around in right now, when she visits us Chloe then has company to run around with. She tells me there are all kinds of people and every breed of dog at these places. It is a fun day out for her and since she lives in an aprtment it is perfect for her and dogs are allowed.

[Pattie]

Originally Posted by londonteatime

Envrobear,
I am really interested in training one of mine to be a service dog for me, too. I have Lupus and scleroderma; my hands are weak and I have difficulty lifting and grasping at times.

Would you mind either starting a thread to explain how that's done or sending me a private message? I think there might be others out there who would find it interesting, too!

Julie

Enrobear
I am also interested, so if you start a thread, please notify me as well. Thanks

[elegntorchid]

I think this point could go on forever. No matter where you go and who is doing what some one could be allergic to something you or someone else is doing. My daughter is allergic to mold and smoke. Do you think the military makes sure my home is free of mold for her...no. Do you think when we go out in public that smokers give a care that the nasty, choking smoke is going all over her and in her face, not to mention if I came home and handled my cockatoo after being smoked all over.
I don't believe for one second that a single person on this thread can say they have never bent a rule. Be it taking in your pet, too many clothes in the dressing room, sneaking food/drink into a movie or any place else your not suppose to, I'v seen many sneak those grapes before thay paid, speed, and countless other things that people just do.
Do all people keep pets clean and healthy, no. But neither do they keep them on a leash when they walk down my street. And maybe your children are clean, but not all people are as on top of the caring children as the rest of us. And I must still say that with some of the people that I have to shop and share restaurants with, my dog is much cleaner. And OH HOW she smells better.
And no you are not suppose to smoke in buildings in Florida, but that doesn't always stop people, we handle it the best we can. As far as no shirt no shoes, honey come live by the beach and be grossed out.....
Bottom line, she admited that she was mistaken and people went a little crazy. We all have our own thoughts, like someone else said, just agree to disagree. I don't take my dog to restaurants and such, but I have taken Tonee to other places. And when I am running from the next hurricane(as we have had to do so many times in the last year), I don't care who is offended by the fact that she is with me........

[toria]

What a great idea. I wish we had Dog park that in New Orleans. But I guess right now that's the least of their worries.

[Tashasmom]

Coffee anyone?

[SnowWa]

I take mine with sugar!

Carol Jean

[Pattie]

Originally Posted by Tashasmom

Coffee anyone?

No but how bout a drink! ha ha

(just joking of course)
It took me a long while to read this thread from start to now!

[elegntorchid]

don't do coffee, but a good glass from down under would do me fine. and I don't mind sharing.

[toria]

HAVE A GREAT EVENING EVERYONE . GOOD BYE.

[Pattie]

Originally Posted by SnowWa

Just as a sideline, please remember not all Yorkies will fit into a purse. Many of our little Yorkies are 6, 7, 10, 12, or 14 pounds. My is 6 1/2 pounds. I wouldn't sneak him in anyplace - but also, I couldn't if I wanted to - which is the category most breeds fall into.

The end result of this long long thread is that many of you will continue to take your dogs where they aren't allowed and shouldn't be - and some of us won't do this.

It's either "Do I break the rules. Yes - and I don't care." OR I won't take my dog places where dogs aren't allowed.

I think this about covers it......doesn't seem like many of us are going to change the way we behave with our little guys.

This has, indeed, been a very interesting thread.

I've enjoyed everyone's input!!!!!

Carol Jean

OK I just could not resist just sending in one more comment...
YES Carol Jean, I totally agree this has been a very interested thread AND funny as well. (refer to #55 Nicole-Baby Fidgette's Mommy) She had me laughing so hard about the"Sorry gotta disagree with the whole candy thing comments. I have to say I had a long day at work and it felt good to laugh like this while being intriged with this interesting thread as well.

[Pattie]

Originally Posted by toria

What a great idea. I wish we had Dog park that in New Orleans. But I guess right now that's the least of their worries.

Glad you like the idea, least of their worries or not - you already have them!
Our's have names like "Off leash Play" You have the dog park, it ends on Magazine Street next to Audubon Park with a Beach access to the Miss.river for the dogs to play in

Yougetthesmiles - IF you are interested Indiana has tons of them. (many more then most states) Canine Companion on W8th in Anderson, Lemon Lake Dog Park, Nelson Dog Park, Broad Ripple Canine Companion ZOne BUT the one that I like the sound of the best is "Canine COuntry CLub" ha ha.......... Eaglecreek, No.Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Goshen & Elkhart are some other cities that have these dog parks in Indiana...........

Toria.... Let us know how you like it if you go..

I woudl just like to point out that these type of dog parks are new soooooo that means some people ARE doing something to change our world to include our dogs, Maybe other types of things will pop up in the future, who knows
AND IF you are interested in opening a dog park in your area, there is a web site that tells you "how to"

good night everyone