No dogs in stores please

Dear Editor:

I read the small dog article in last week’s NEWS with interest.

I agree that too many small dogs are atrociously behaved, and that their owners are to blame for this rather than the breed. On the flip side, I have known some very well behaved small dogs and applaud those owners.

I am curious why small dog owners have apparently decided it is socially acceptable to bring their animals into stores, any store.

I find it inappropriate and offensive, and will generally leave the store if management does not politely ask the owner to remove the dog.

It started with the mini breeds and has now escalated to smallish dogs on leashes. I’ve seen them in food stores, bookstores, gift stores, clothing stores — you name it.

Some folks are allergic to dogs, some folks are afraid of dogs, and some folks frankly don’t think little Muffin is all that cute. I’ve come across piles and puddles in stores. I’ve had dogs growl at me while I shop. I can only imagine the pandemonium that would ensue if owners decided that Bruno was equally as cute and acceptable as Muffin.

While it is currently a small number of owners who do so, if everyone brought their dogs into stores, canine turf wars would surely follow. Crying babies are one thing, but can you imagine trying to find a book amidst a chorus of yapping dogs?

When did common sense go out the window?

Leave your dog at home or in the car (properly ventilated).

As an aside, I have a dog. I like my dog. I don’t dress her in ridiculous outfits, nor am I her mom. She is not allowed on furniture, or to jump on people or vehicles. She’s well cared for and mostly well behaved.

She’s never seen the inside of a store, and I expect she never will. She’s a dog.

Deb Millar Stanwood