When I first got Trixie, and she was itty bitty, I took her to a Food Co-op. I knew almost everybody there and they had asked me about my new puppy every day. So I took her in one day and they were all soooo excited to see her.

I was told 'no' at a Target and really haven't tried to take her to a store since... except for the pet store and Menards (kind of like a Home Depot), where my husband worked for a while!

I'm a woose though, I don't like to do anything against the 'rules'. So if I know they don't let dogs in, I won't even try... I won't even leave her alone in a hotelroom if that's in the pet policy of the hotel!

I am such a baby about taking Coco places...I get so nervous someone is going to say something. My husband and I always used to argue about it because he thought we should be able to take her everywhere...restaurants, walmart, wherever...but Coco would always start barking and I would get so stressed. No i only take her to places I know will let us eat on the patio with her or stores that allow dogs. Plus, I always felt crazy in the middle of walmart telling my bag to lay down and be quiet...hehe I guess I am a little crazy that I couldn't part with my dog for an hour and go to walmart by myself.

I pretty much take poopy every except for grocery stores. i even take him to wal-mart...but of course no one sees him cuz i keep him in his bag. when i go shopping i put him in his stroller and cover it with a baby blanket. looks just like a baby is in there that someone even wished my husband a happy fathers day on fathers day of course.
once i took him inside a sushi restuarant... most ppl think it's a baby inside.
but no one says anything to me unless he's outside the stroller, but that never happens unless i know that it will be ok. the stroller was the best investment i made. it's the happy trail blue one. i love it. poopy is able to go everywhere...when we travel to hotels, i use it as his bed.

I am an allergy sufferer. My brother is the worst allergy person there is. Can't get much worse. He doesnt' expect the world to revolve around him because of it AND he has no problems with non shedding dogs. (not that he would live with one but he can handle if one was in a store or visiting my house)
A dog in a bag is not going to affect an allergy sufferer and I repeat...I have done a TON of research for allergies and chemicals and the stuff we clean with is actually worse for us. there is a commercial out right now on the radio, they have found that chemicals and pesticides int he classrooms have increased and are causing a rise in ADHD, allergies, and asthma...so if you REALLY want to get into the allergy debate and who is affecting our allergies...look to cleaning chemcials, look to what we are doing to the environement...look to what PEOPLE do. It is FAR worse.
Did you know that at least one chemical that makes up lawn pesticides is in agent orange? Did you know the cancer risks involved for our pets when they walk the neihborhood so close to the ground and these things are being sprayed ever6ywhere? And the risk to our kids??? How come nothing is done about that? These allergy suffering kids can't even play outside without be affected by what someone wants to put on their lawn so that it can look "weed free".
Ironically, we were out at an outdoor event and one area wouldn't allow dogs. Okay...well we moved to another area. People are such pigs. old food was thrown everywhere. I couldn't even let my dog down and walk around because of the disease that I was afraid of that was in all the trash and junk.
So my point is, PEOPLE affect allergies more then a dog in a bag. People affect disease more then dog in bags do.
suzie

Well, pesticides cause cancer...plain and simple so we should demand that all people stop spraying their lawns.
There are things you can do for your allergies besides shots. There are places that I've gone into that I am allergic to something and my eye swells up. So I have to leave. That's just how it is. The world can't revolve around me.
suz

I have to get that. That sounds awsome!
suzie

Well, I am sure with all the chemicals and such this is true. But as myself being the severe allergy suffer of cats I know I dont even have to be with them or them touch me and I am off to the hospital just because there hair and dander was around. The doctors even say with each inncident it gets worse. ... Chanda was not debating... or trying to argue... Just merely stating consideration. You and I as an individual can be considerate of others.. Truly to even state that your Brother is the worse allergy suffer there is ... that no one could get any worse. Is a rediculous statement, beings you have no idea , unless you have your doctors degree.. as I can tell by all that you dont. You also mentioned that your brother can be around non shedding dogs.. thats great... but there is not just non shedding dogs out there.. they cant allow our precious yorkies in and not allow someone to let there cat or golden retriever.... I have 4 dogs.. and Luckily they have no affect on me. But, Cats do... Just as I am sure some dogs have the same affect on them as Cats do on me or some worse.. and I am pretty bad... To the point of hospitalized. With this said.. say what you will... I am now refraining myself from such a non productive debate. Have a nice day!

I guess we do have to agree to disagree, but I must say a couple things and this is how I feel, so take it however you want. First of all, MOST people have the right to be out and about more than dogs. Society values a human life more than an animals, no matter how we feel individually.

Also, if you've been gone all day, why should a store make an acception for you? If you have to be gone all day, plan so you can make stops at home to let your dog out, or have someone watch your dog for you, or board your dog. If you live a lifestyle where you are constantly going places that you cannot bring your dog, either make sacrafices or don't get a dog. Everyone has to make sacrafices right? I know I've made them for Rocky...some I don't enjoy but I still do them because I love him and want the best for him.

Also, leaving a little kid at home is nothing compared to leaving a dog at home. You're not putting the dogs life in danger by leaving it at home.

I know what its like to think of your dog as your kid, I consider Rocky my child, and Gizmo is my little brother. I guess the difference between us is that I understand rules and regulations and don't expect everyone to make exceptions just to make me happy. I try to look at things from other perspectives.

Good post! you took the words right outta my mouth about everything!

I was just in Target this morning with
LillyBelle in her purse (as usual). We have been there many, many times
before-today, though, the manager tracked me down and told me that
I had to take my dog out--I told him I was blind and needed her--it didnt
work--so I said okay--Luckily, I had gotten what I needed and just checked
out. (Im still offended)
Lilly is used to shopping, she just sits in her purse with her head out
and most people dont even notice her. But she does have a doggy purse
in her assortment, just for these occasions. It just zips all they way around,
and has mesh on both ends. When she was younger, she would just panic
if I tried to put her in this purse, so it took some training and patience to teach her to be in her "shhh" purse. We practiced at home, I would put her
in it for a very short period, praise her and give her a tiny treat...Now she hops right in and lays down, and doesnt make a peep. She loves to GO!!
anywhere/anytime...She's 4lbs and easy to carry around....
I keep an assortment of purses and leashes in my car, you
can go to most pet stores and some restaurants with outdoors seating
with just a leash....(watch out for bigger dogs)
I didnt start taking her out and about until about 5-6mos, and then for
very short trips. Be mindful of his tolerance to be out--
remember to bring water, food, and be careful of the heat...Dont ever
leave out in your car...Kind of like having a baby with you!
Have fun.

Well, I have done EXTENSIVE research on allergies and what causes them so sorry...the allergy debate still does not "fly" with me as an excuse and I don't need to be a doctor to know the simple things that I know about allergies and what you can do with them. Other countries are more considerate of dogs and do not seem to have the problems.
Leaving a dog at home and not letting him or her get fresh air and exposure to other places and people can have health and behavioral damage. Sorry, but you are wrong there. I guess a store should not make exceptions for you for your children if you want to take them out and you've been gone all day. And yes, sorry in MY eyes it is the same.
You are right about one thing, it is not worth debating because you don't think the same as I do. I believe we should be compassionate of all people. People should have a right to come home and take their baby shopping even if it annoyes me at times with the screaming and running around and destroying the store. I don't begrudge them the ability to take their child out instead of leaving them longer with a babysitter but I shoudl have consideration to.
I have reached a spiratual stage in my life where ALL life is of equal imjportance. You dont' have that and that's okay. That is where I am. I don't have or dislike you for it. I still feel you have rights to take your children out and hope that you find relief for your allergies and maybe someday you will find compassion for those of us who desire a life with our children...our fur children. Either way, it is not worth the effort to argue and I will cease to read posts here. You have not lived MY life, MY fears, MY allergies and don't know the research that I have done on allergies and more NOR have I lived yours. You can't understand where I am coming from and although I am trying, I don't understand where you are coming from because in my eyes, my dog should be allowed to go with me because his life is of equal importance.
suzie

I took Katy in the one in Norman today! They were like sure no problem. That is so cool! They are a couple of stores away from Petsmart and I hate to go there and not take her with me. It worked out great!

It's funny how you want people to understand where you're at in life, but you in no way have shown effort to undertand where others come from. And your allowed to bring furbabies places, just NOT EVERY place. And for saying leaving a dog home alone and a baby home alone is the same? Do you have kids? I don't think anyone in their right mind would leave a toddler home alone. Dogs mature faster, think of it as like leaving your 14yr old home alone for a little bit during the day. And w/ all the law suits, stores who dont allow pets are probably saving their own asses. I'm sure that even if your dog is in a handbag, if you walk in the store and someone is by you who is severly allergic and ends up in the ER, it could come back to the store for allowing you in it w/ your dog, and the store can get sued. We all know that their are stupid lawsuits out their, so I'm sure this could happen, and probably has happened. Not to mention dogs biting. Your dog might not bite, but someone elses dog does. So what should that dog not be allowed to go places?

And another thing, don't tell me where I'm at spiritually just because I take others into consideration and think of reasons as to why their are certain rules and regulations. You claim you think all living creatures are equal, but the way you talk I think that you consider you and your dogs above all else.

Rahter you read this or not, I just can't believe how out there your post is. If your so "spiritual" why don't you quit debating why your furbaby can't be allowed in the store and go out their and do something for mankind. Theres far more worse issues in this world then not allowing dogs in ALL stores.

I have taken Rocky to Home Depot, Office Depot, Half Price Books, the mall, many different plant nurseries, and of course Petsmart and Petco. I would like to take him more places, but I hate it when kids come up poking at him in his carrier and their parents don't even do anything when I ask them to leave him alone.

Efinity of Thumbs up!!!!!!!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

carry treats with you ... and i heard that if you give the pup peanut butter he can't bark ... I never did that though ... (Warren Eckstein, the pet psychologist said that about the p-nut butter) ....

and I bet the barking was not any worse than a screaming kid ....

Yorkies in stores
 

Yep, I had trouble at Home Depot .... even after I said she was a therapy dog, they came back and asked me WHY? I said epilepsy ... I didn't walk 2 steps and they asked me if I had a note from my doctor. Now my little Yorkie (4lb) was in a carry bag .... with her head down much of the time. Yes, I do understand insurance companies can impose that on stores ... oh well.

I take Bengi to a lot of different places. I used to carry him in a bag with his head out (this one didn't have the option to keep him inside) and I took him to the grocery store, walgreens, CVS, target, home depot. Then, one day I was asked to leave when I got into a Target because a security guy say his head out. So I purchased a bag that looks like a regular bag and he stays inside. The other day I went to walmart, and the greeter at the door didn't even notice him. I haven't had problems overall, but I'm gonna used this new bag from now one, just in case.

taking pets into stores
 

Hi Ellie,
Home Depot was the one who gave me trouble .... I have dared to take Monday with me whenever I can .... my bag has her all the way in but it has a velcro closing on top and her hair gets caught ....
and then there was that dog-hating lady at Home Depot who was saving the world from my 4.5 lb Yorkie ....

have you ever tried a restaurant? I don't think I'd dare!!!!

thanks for the response ... much appreciated ...
Debbie

Some people are unhappy and they try to make others unhappy too... but they are not going to succesful!
I think it also depends on the area where you live in. Where I live, people are pretty dog-friendly :aimeeyork
And Home Depot!!! and don't understand what's the problem! it smells like dirt in there! it's not like there is food in there or it's extremely clean...

Oh, and I think I would not dare to sneak Bengi into a restaurant unless they allow dogs in the outdoor patio (some places are starting to allow them in my area)

I hate not being able to take Little Bit in with me as well because sometimes it keeps me from going places I really wanted to go but we do have to consider that some people really are allergice to the dog dander or whatever and they should not have to have their health endangered without their knowledge. If it is a place that is dog friendly then they have the option of not going in but if they are under the impression that there will not be exposed, it could possibly present a serious health risk.

The businesses are only going to do whatever makes the most money for them. If they lose money because we are shopping at dog friendly places, they will begin to allow dogs as long as the health code permits it.:)

Yes, Home Depot blew me away .... I have had her in supermarkets but she was not noticed until I was checking out and no one said anything ....

Yes, there is one outdoor restaurant here that allows dogs ...
I can understand the "allergic" part ... but Yorkies are really hypoallergenic... and in Home Depot I am not shoving the dog in anyone's face ... but so be it .... (and how many years did you have to sit and inhale someone else's cigarette smoke????) .... However, we abide by the health codes and do our best!

I could also understand if we were talking about Saint Bernards here!

Debbie

I wish more places were pet friendly. I work full time and while I get to come home at lunch to take Howie out and spend time with him, I really dread having to run to the supermarket or somewhere after work because it means I can't get right home to him. It would be awesome if I could swing home, pick him up and run my errands. As a result, I plan my week around him. If at all possible I wait until the weekend to do any type of non-dog friend shopping OR socializing. I give up a lot of happy hours because I want to come home to him!!

With that being said, I guess I understand why dogs aren't allowed more places. Yes, our furkids are small and largely hypo allergenic but the majority of breeds are not.

i have to agree with rae rae on this..

:thumbup: sorry there is no comparison to kids and dogs being left home alone...

Just to take this away from the debate for a minute...

I went to Target and was told to leave, no pets allowed, etc. so I said that i understood that they didn't want my money - that I had come to spend literally hundreds of dollars. I wrote to the email address on their website and let them know, and asked if they would consider a rule about small pets only in enclosed bags and they said no, it was about their "distraction-free" shopping experience.

Well, I certainly don't spend as much money when I need to get back home to the pup, so...if Nordstroms can allow pets, why not Target?

I think that a specific rule allowing small pets *in enclosed bags* is not too much to ask, and rules out the "if one can come in, we must let in all dogs" excuse, accidents and possibility of bites are pretty much nil - it also rules out most of the shedding dogs.

What do you think? And if you agree - maybe we could start a letter-writing campaign to Target?

neiman marcus, I take charlie there all the time. Its good fun and evreyone adores him :)

Oh, and I forgot - (would love to go to Neiman Marcus - have to find a local one!)
Buddy and I go to :
Borders
Cody's (in Berkeley - bookstore)
video store
Old Navy/Gap
All pet stores (though I don't put him on the floor)
Z Gallerie (furniture store)
Restoration Hardware (furniture/accessories)
Pier One
Some Office Supply stores (not CompUSA for some reason)
I think Macys allows pets?

kicked out of:
Walmart
Target
Costco

Won't take him to the movies because anything loud makes him bark!

Some stores are clueless .... Small pets, not Saint Bernards
 

I think thatz a great idea ... have you noticed itz the low-end retailers who prohibit pets? not that I am putting them down, I shop at Target, WalMart, and Kmart whenever I get a chance ... (I must admit, I never got asked to leave WalMart), but probably b/c no "BIG SHOT" saw me.
Good idea to inundate Target with letters ... herez their address ..
http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=nav2_footer_contact/601-2114349-8292961?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=3370571

but i see many wayz to contact them but none for GENERAL topics .... I shall try to compose a letter or if you (Chelbuddy) would send us a copy perhaps we can use that as a skeleton .... I like your remark about them not wanting your money!!!!

Now I want to stroll into Nordstroms simply b/c I can!!!!
Woot woot,
Debbie

Big Department Stores Welcome All Service Dogs
 

I just came across this article on a website that might interest y'all
http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1063676079.html

Research Articles Big Department Stores Welcome All Service Dogs
Tom Schram

Officials and managers of several national department store chains say that their policy is to welcome service dogs into their stores when they accompany people with epilepsy.

"Target does allow animals regardless of what disability they might serve," said Kristin Jahnke, spokeswoman for the Minneapolis-based discount chain.
Jahnke said that employees might raise the question of whether it was a service dog but that no documentation on the part of a person with epilepsy would be needed.

Jan Drummond, spokeswoman for Sears in Hoffman Estates, Ill., echoed Jahnke's statements.

"We certainly permit them in stores. That's not an issue for us. My understanding is that there isn't any signage in the stores, but it's part of the overall training and instruction that we give," she said.

Drummond said that any effort to prevent people with epilepsy from bringing in service dogs might well be a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the 1990 legislation that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities.

Charlie Conner, manager of Wal-Mart in Jupiter, Fla., said that written notice welcoming service dogs is posted at the front door.

"If it's obvious that it's a service dog, we have no problem allowing it in the store," he said.

And Derek Cresto, manager of the L-Street Kmart, Omaha, Neb., said his store also posts written notice and would not turn anyone away.
"In general we wouldn't allow pets. But obviously if someone approached an employee and said 'It's a special dog for my epileptic seizures' then there really wouldn't be an issue."
Woot Woot, Debbie