Togetherness by Helen Betts

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02-Dec-2023

Togetherness

I’m pretty sure dogs are prohibited in grocery stores due to health regulations, but I’ve seen a number of small dogs in supermarkets in the area, like this one. They’re clearly not service dogs, or even emotional support dogs, just pets accompanying their humans on a shopping trip, and I’ve never seen one thrown out or confronted by security. I don’t really care if they’re there or not, but I had a recent conversation with a fellow Pbaser about this and wanted to show the way things are here.

I did read an article recently, however, that said although dogs are being allowed in more and more human spaces these days, dogs don’t necessarily want to be in those unfamiliar, often noisy, places and might be happier at home.

Variety, posted earlier:

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Liz Bickel		04-Dec-2023 09:43
The supermarkets, where we live, would raise bloody *@#&! if they ever saw a dog (even a service dog) in their store. Because of the law, a service dog probably would be eventually allowed to stay with their owner if it was seeing eye dog or similar, but NOT an emotional support dog. I say the later because I have an acquaintance, with a certified emotional support dog, who got thrown out of her grocery story. She had just moved here from out of state. Her husband has to now do their shopping. When the store got nasty with her, she wasn't able to tolerate the additional stress of explaining how she truly needed her dog for severe anxiety. Although a lot of people call their dogs "emotional support dogs" (that really aren't), some people actually do need them to navigate daily life. I don't know why dogs are so disliked in almost ALL stores where we now live (from big to little stores: no matter what the store sells). But life out here is totally different than life Back East. You would NEVER see this scene here. Nicely shot, BTW. The exception is Petsmart or Petco where dogs are welcome: even if they nose the goods and pee on things. That kind of turns me off & I leave my dogs at home unless we're involved in giving a training class in a separate room. I also try to buy products from higher shelves at those stores. Personally, I don't think I'd feel comfortable with a large dog (unless it was a very well-trained service dog) in a supermarket if it was big enough to reach the meat or produce or other perishables I may want to buy. As for smaller ones, if they're exceptionally well behaved, maybe... However, even well mannered, I wouldn't want to take mine into a grocery store---even if I could. Which I can't. You know: health regulations. Nevertheless, humans probably pose as much or more of a health concern than a trained, well-behaved dog that doesn't get at all involved with any food in the grocery store. So, a well-mannered small dog in a grocery store probably wouldn't bother anything; just like a larger service dog doesn't bother anything. I would take my dogs (if allowed) into other stores than a grocery store. I used to routinely do that Back East. Unfortunately, I do longer have that option out here.

Julie Oldfield		04-Dec-2023 03:26
The dog looks like he wants some Cheez Its. It’s cute how he is wanting patiently. I’m ok with dog’s being in stores…..as long as they are friendly. V

Pierre Martin		04-Dec-2023 03:10
great scene and picture, interresting situation!

Dennis Hoyne		04-Dec-2023 01:37
Nicely photographed! There could be issues dogs, they may be frightened, or issues with other dogs. I wouldn't want to risk it.

Don Mottershead		03-Dec-2023 22:58
Years ago I took my boy Max into a PetSmart in Edmonton. He immediately peed on one of the shelving units. I don't think he would be welcomed in any grocery store. ;)

Carl Carbone		03-Dec-2023 22:34
I see them here, too. I don't think I would ever do that. Too much commotion and stress, and potential for accidents (not the potty kind!).

Mairéad		03-Dec-2023 22:12
Dogs most definitely not allowed in shops here unless it'd a pet shop although pubs and cafes are becoming more dog friendly.

Ton, Ben & Rob Nagtegaal		03-Dec-2023 22:10
Beautiful capture of this dog asking for a snack or attention. V.

janescottcumming		03-Dec-2023 21:12
You know how much I love dogs but I don’t think a grocery store is the best place for them. Mainly because the owners don’t paid close enough attention to make sure they behaving properly. Cute catch of this little guy. V

Tom Munson		03-Dec-2023 20:52
This is interesting. Nice shot!

Richard Chu		03-Dec-2023 19:46
I have seen similar scenes here too. Your comments make sense,

joseantonio		03-Dec-2023 19:17
an interesting scene. Thank you for sharing.V.

larose forest photos		03-Dec-2023 19:03
An interesting photo and comment. Here, too, there are more dogs in more stores, though I haven't seen any in grocery stores. I think it depends on the dog as to whether they enjoy the 'shopping experience'! I do know that when I encounter dogs I always stop and say hello (after asking the owner if it is OK) and the dogs seem to love the attention - I'm by no means the only one making a fuss over them! I don't think I'd take Cleo into a store because I don't think she'd enjoy it. V