What's with people bring their dogs everywhere they go? (Austin: Home Depot, living)

[passionatearts]

I know that Austin is a dog-friendly town, and I like dogs, but does anyone else here think that it's really tacky when people bring their dogs into non-pet-related stores? It seems like this trend has been increasing over the years, and I find it really annoying.

[paul6835]

I know Home Depot and Lowes are both dog friendly and people often brings dogs into those places -though I doubt the dogs are any dirtier than I am as I roll in halfway through a project covered in sawdust/paint/etc. But generally outside those 2 stores, I haven't seen it that often other than the known dog friendly establishments like Freddy's Backyard (they'll serve your dog if you're eating outside).

[another_hot-day]

Originally Posted by passionatearts

I, but does anyone else here think that it's really tacky when people bring their dogs into non-pet-related stores?

No.

[ATX Wahine]

Sonic and Wells Fargo Bank are both dog-friendly as well. So is McCoy's. They all hand out treats to dogs, which I think is way cool. Nope, dogs out in public don't bother me a bit ... provided of course that they are are on a leash.

[sweetheart1311]

You should see all the dogs in Germany. People have them sit under the table while they dine in a restaurant .

[llkltk]

One good reason not to go to Germany!

[Austin97]

Originally Posted by passionatearts

I know that Austin is a dog-friendly town, and I like dogs, but does anyone else here think that it's really tacky when people bring their dogs into non-pet-related stores? It seems like this trend has been increasing over the years, and I find it really annoying.

No, it is awesome. We need more stores that let people bring their dogs in.

[TexasHorseLady]

I love it! I don't take my dogs around (farm dogs that they are), but I love it when others do.

[ATX Wahine]

Originally Posted by sweetheart1311

You should see all the dogs in Germany. People have them sit under the table while they dine in a restaurant .

Back in the SF Bay Area where I lived for so long we had a tiny German delicatessen called Der Munchner Haus. It was owned and operated by a no-fuss German woman with a sweet little fat dachschund who was given free reign of the restaurant despite any public health rules to the contrary. It was a huge part of the charm of the restaurant. There were only 6 or so tables, and the little chubby pup (who lived to be like 14 or so!) came around silently seeking scraps. She came to work with her every single day and all the regulars called Freida by name to pet and feed her - it was such a fun part of eating there.

[iceshots]

I think its great seeing the dogs in Home Depot and Lowes. I always get a kick out of it. I know my dogs always liked to go places with me back when.

I see no problem with Sonic since it is a drive in. The dog is in your car or outside which is cool.

I don't see a problem with bringing dogs to places where there are no health concerns. As long as the dog is clean, behaved and properly restrained. Just like kids.

I really don't see a problem with dogs in restaurants either if they fall into the above category. If there were a serious concern, then service dogs would not be allowed in either. I like the fact that a lot of the Austin restaurants with patios are dog friendly.

To a lot of people, dogs are family, not a living tool.