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Viewpoints: Letters / Opinions

Shopping dogs...

By Dixie Rhodes

 

April 16, 2014
Wednesday AM


After reading the letter sent in by Laura Attwood, I decided to put in my own two cents. I've noticed a trend recently for people to bring their small dogs into grocery stores while they shop. I know that there are certified therapy dogs and service dogs in Ketchikan. I understand that there are people that need the help that therapy / service dogs provide. I have no problem with that. My problem is when I see people inside a grocery store with their puppy or small breed dog. Clearly, these are not service or therapy dogs.

I, for one, don't want to have to follow you through the store so that I can be sure to not pick up any of the things that you and your pet have touched. Because I don't know the status of your pet. I don't know if you have recently dewormed your dog, or if you use monthly flea control, or if your dog has recently had a bout of doggy flu and has been vomiting or sneezing. The fact is that I shouldn't have to worry about it in the first place. Grocery stores are not appropriate places to bring our pets. Period.

And, as for the grocers themselves, I understand that you are limited in what you can ask people that are in your store with pets. However, using a small amount of common sense will tell you that a young person walking through the store with a little fluffy puppy tucked into a coat probably isn't a service/therapy dog scenario.
I think that the world was given a bad example in certain popular young women that carried their little chihuahuas everywhere. The fact is that not everyone is in love with the idea of having a dog around their food. Not to mention people that may have allergies to dogs having to deal with potential dander on food items.

There are plenty of stores that are more than happy to have dogs visit. Even going so far as to hand out treats! So, take the dogs to the places where they are welcome, not to places where they may be endangering others.

Dixie Rhodes
Ketchikan Alaska

About: "I have been working in veterinary medicine for over 15 years, 8 of them locally. I recently switched careers, but still keep my hand in the animal industry with dog training through Parks and Rec."

Received April 10,, 2014 - Published April 16, 2014

Related Viewpoint:

letter Doctors Over Prescribing 4-paws and a Wet Nose By Laura Attwood

 

 

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