bagged
 

pets aren't supposed to be allowed in stores that have food in them. it's against health regulations. if they are caught in the stores with food by a health inspector they can shut down the store.

That's the reason why as much as I might sometimes want to sneak Bailey into a business establishment, I just don't think it's fair to the business to do that to them.

Mikey....Baxter is so stinking cute in his bag. :) I hated Walmart before your post and to anyone considering taking their dog inside....if you do indeed inform them they are therapy dogs (not mentioning that the therapy is for you ;) ), they will be allowed to stay in most cases......

I am always up front with Oscar...he is never in a bag. And most of the time if I am in doubt if he would be welcome or not, I ask if he can come into the store. This past weekend when Glad, Dave and Wosie were riding the Harley's with us, we stopped at a little diner on the lake to eat. We asked if the dogs were allowed in the outdoor eating area and to our surprise, they were allowed! It was a nice lunch and we did not have to worry about what to do with Oscar and Wosie! I heard that they passed a law or there was one in the works where if a restaurant in Florida had an outdoor eating area and welcomed pets, it was no longer against the law for them to be there with you when you wanted to eat outside...this is a nice thing to do for pet owners.

PLEASE don't use that "therapy dog" line unless you DO have a real therapy dog. Because if people pull that just so they can bop around stores with their dogs, then those who REALLY have therapy dogs are going to have to provide all sorts of verification that theirs is indeed a therapy dog.

Sorry if I seem crabby about this but I'm disabled and may need a therapy dog in the future. It's not funny to need one and certainly not a joke.

Julie

Another walmart story
 

When I had my maltese a long time ago I snuck her into walmart in her bag. We didnt get kicked out but people looked at me like I had roaches crawling all over me! I wonder why people think its so strange when you have your dog with you?? It confuses me =:rolleyes:

He looks so cute in there!!!!! :D

At Christmas last year, when I went to leave my parent's house, I got a flat & we got it aired up enough to go to Wal-Mart (the ONLY place open on that day/at that time). I had Sadie with me because I was all ready to travel back to Dallas. I took her in (in her bag) thru the service dept. entrance. No one said anything. I didn't go wandering all over the store, but she was there!

I have also succeeded in taking her to Target several times. She's also made the trip to Blockbuster a lot.

I've never thought about taking mine anywhere except petsmart or petco. I've seen other people do it but, I just leave them at home when I'm going somewhere other than the petstore.

Don't blame you for trying. He is adorable.

Dan always says doggie paws smells like Fritos! and I agree! We have only smelled our girls paws so I can't say ALL doggie paws smell the same.

Look out for poopy or pee pee paws!

How Funny!!! Oscar's paws smell just like Frito's too! I made my hubby smell em and he agreed...Frito's!!!

Yeah but its not like it's a person. To owners, their pet is their family and friend, but to another person it's just a dog. Some are allergic, some are afraid of dogs (yes even small dogs), so you have to respect that. Especially if its a place where food is being sold. Another thing is, it might be their company policy and theres nothing that the store employees can do about it. I'm sure the dogs are fine being left at home if you must go somewhere where you cant bring your dog.

You're totally right! It happens w/ everything, people abuse policies and take advantage of it, therefore the ones who really need it dont get it anymore.

LondonTeaTime -- I agree with you 100%. I think it is totally irresponsible to present any dog as a therapy dog when it isn't.

Therapy dogs provide a great help to the people who need them - and the jobs they do should be highly respected. I can't say enough good things about these animals, and I have the highest regard for them -- and respect for the people who need them.

And, you're right -- if a lot of people start doing this - it will only make it harder for those people who truly need these pets at their side.

I am constantly amazed at what people will sink to - to get their dogs into places where they aren't allowed. I used to think it was only the teenagers at the mall who did this --- but on this forum, I can see that even "senior citizens" do it and think it is a "cute and funny thing to do." Plus - they can't survive without their little dogs with them every minute of every day (I can't believe this either.)

My dog(s) never get in the car with me unless I am going where they are allowed. More and more places are allowing pets - and I'm the first one to think this is great - but until they are allowed - my dogs aren't going. They have grown up this way - and fully understand and accept the fact that they can't go with me every place I go. I really believe for them, it makes it all the more exciting and fun when they can go.

**** I doubt any healthy person (or even a crippled person) walking into a store could convince me that the little 5-pound Yorkie they are toting around is a therapy dog anyway -- get real!

Carol Jean

i have a messenger bag as well, next time try putting a sweater on top of your yorkies head until is safe (aka: you are away from the door minders, security) cameras cant always tell is a dog, often it gets confused with a stuffed animal. if you put a sweatshirt, and pat his head gently he may stay down (mine does, and you wouldnt believe the places i am able to take him in! LOL