Is it my imagination or are there more people bringing their canine friends with them everywhere? And by everywhere, I mean EVERYWHERE! Recently I have encountered dogs at Home Depot, the grocery store, the hairdresser, restaurants, the liquor store and Walmart. Last week my husband watched a dog make a "deposit" in the middle of the bank. It was a sizeable "deposit" and the dog's owner declined to "withdraw". Lack of "interest", I imagine. [Just had to do that.] Here in Florida, it seems to have reached epidemic proportions.
What makes a person think that a dog enjoys being hauled around to public places? Do they gain immeasurable pleasure by watching humans ponder the many selections of canned beans at the Piggly Wiggly? Perhaps they are amused by the footwear of strangers? I cannot believe that most dogs appreciate the nuances of laminate vs. hardwood. Of course we all know that Fido just loves being overstimulated with the various sounds and smells of a noisy, crowded retail store at Christmas time.
There are a few places that dogs can and should be allowed. PetSmart. You want to bring your dog to the store, this is the store they actually WANT to go to. Dog areas at the beach. There are designated areas for our four-legged friends. They can romp, jump into the waves and pee all over the sand that dog owners walk barefooted on. Parks and sidewalks (on leash, thank you very much). It is important to exercise your dog in a safe environment that provides them with just the right dog-friendly stimulation.
Now before you think this is an anti-dog manifesto, think again. I am actually very fond of dogs. I used to own a sweet little Boston terrier (see previous blogs). He came with me on several vacations to pet-friendly hotels and B&Bs (one: The Paw House, Rutland, VT was especially appropriate for dogs). I took my little guy hiking, canoeing, to dog parks and PetSmart. When I had to bring him to homes of friends or family members, I also brought his kennel, where he would retire when I was unable to keep him near me on his leash.
Bringing dogs to inappropriate places is the same as bringing small children to fine dining establishments. The behavior that might be deemed as "cute" and "amusing" to adoring parents is probably not shared by others. Children are usually uncomfortable in an unfamiliar environment. They often have accidents because they are anxious. They usually want a burger and fries. Dogs prefer the backyard, just as children prefer MacDonalds.
Let's face it, folks. The REAL reason people bring their dogs to inappropriate places is for the attention it draws. Throw on a pair of funny glasses and leave the dog at home.
