Dogs in stores.

With more and more people bringing the smaller breed dogs around with them it is increasingly alarming to see how many people think it is ok to simply bring their pets into retail establishments.
Now, I have to say that I LOVE it when a pet brings his owner into my store and vise versa. I love to see who and what kinda dogs own which kinda owner...but thats because I have a PET STORE. Meeting people with their dogs while they are on a wee jaunt is fun for us and its always a great idea if in wanting a certain outdoor item to bring Fido or Fifi into the store to try it on...and there's ALWAYS a snack offered our four footed friends.
Having said that I have to say that almost (almost) all other retailers that I deal with say they either DO NOT allow dogs into their stores unless it is a service dog that is in training and has the service vest on at that time or one that is working for a person in need of assistance such as a seeing eye dog.
It is odd enough to see a dog in say, Home Depot where there is a vast majority of work related materials and cement floors but to see dogs in fashionable retail stores is awkward for the store manager/owner and usually annoying for other shoppers.
Watching a shitzu pee on a leg of a gorgeous couch in a furniture store in North Van just before Christmas (and the owner both saw it and ignored it) was enough to make me shake my head in disbelief! That couch is now unsellable and has to be returned at great expense to the store and time to the employees simply because the owner HAD to bring her dog shopping with her.
Bringing pets into food establishments or stores that sell food items is also, well, rude and very unthinking of the pet owner. Allergies and food safety aside some people are simply not comfortable with other peoples dogs and I for one, and as a dog person myself..truly GET that.
Instead, leave your dog at home or in doggie daycare....do NOT bring your dog to a store and tie the poor pooch up outside for any length of time.
I can't tell you how many times in front of the KIDS MARKET on Granville Island some uncaring owner will leave the dog tied up at the door only to have the dog go ballistic with howls and barks for the entire time the owner is in the store. This is really unfair to the animal and stresses out both the dog and people working and shopping around the near area.
Outside Urban Fare in Yaletown is another place people like to bring dogs to bark while tied up outside.
Lets be smart about this people...the dog obviously hates to be left tied up and "oh he'll calm down" coming from the owner just doesn't cut it. Its downright rude...and he doesn't hear it while shopping but everyone else trying to sleep or enjoy a cup of coffee does.
I guess it all comes down to being a "good citizen" for you, your dog, and the people around you. Remenber "Good Citizenship" lessons in school? I do although I went to Military schools.
Interestingly, most people seem to agree with the idea that dogs in stores and barking, frantic dogs tied up outside are bad ideas.
It really only takes a small few people to spoil it for the rest of the consciencious people who, for the most part, do a GREAT job of dog ownership here in Vancouver.
Its just a trend that we can nip in the bud right now!
I shall now fold up my portable soapbox until the next rant or rave.
P.S this topic propegated by my friend Colin who suffers more than his fair share of Urban Fare dog spazzes.