I like dogs like I like toddlers. It’s fun to hang out with other people’s for a while, but ultimately they’re annoying, loud, and make a mess. I feel like in the past 10 years or so, dog owners have become increasingly convinced that everyone thinks their slobbering, untrained mutt is god’s gift to everyone, and expects everyone to love it unconditionally. Dogs in restaurants. Dogs in stores when you go shopping. “Oh it’s so funny that your dog is jumping on me and getting it’s dirty paws all over me while it tries to sniff my crotch.” “Oh oops! Your dog ate my food off the counter, fucking again. Guess that’s my fault because in this house nothing is safe from the coddled fucking dog.” “Hey man can you watch the dog? It’s really easy, not like it pisses all over the floor and knocks the trash over or anything. We have to leave the house for 2 hours and it has anxiety/depression/borderline personality disorder and he’s a wittle special boy who needs constant attention.”
I’m just tired of it. Nobody gives a goddamn about your stupid dog. Stop bringing your animal to restaurants, it’s disgusting and inconsiderate. It’s not your child, it’s a dog. Dog people have made me hate dogs.
There are other instances of people bringing in potentially unwanted things into restaurants that are generally allowed. Take children for example - poorly raised children can raise hell and ruin a restaurant experience for everyone else, but children are usually allowed, with enforcement actions happening after unacceptable behavior has been shown.
I think a similar policy would be appropriate for animals in restaurants. A well-behaved dog, that goes to rest under the table without bothering anyone during the visit, should not be a problem, while an uncontrolled dog that bothers other guests, tries to steal food or uses the floor as a bathroom should be taken action against.
On the topic of offices - are dogs left unsupervised for the entire work day in the cases where they cannot be brought in? I’m asking because that’s extremely cruel and in fact illegal where I live - dogs must by law not be left unattended for more than 6 hours.
I understand how bad dogs can be a problem in offices, but my experience of dog-friendly offices have been nothing but positive - the presence of a well-trained dog generally just brings up everyone’s spirit, and during focused work, the dog rests under the desk and does not bother anyone.
I don’t mind one dog in an office, but how does that scale? Even two dogs feels like a bad idea, let alone multiple. I agree that if you have to leave your dog alone for 6hrs, you probably shouldn’t own a dog.
As for restaurants, you can’t be comparing dogs to small humans. It’s more appropriate to compare dogs to other animals - should I be allowed to bring my cat, or an obedient pet rat or snake to a restaurant?
It’s bizarre how dogs have this universal free pass.
Children can can be bloody annoying, but I can still usually eat. If I smelled dog piss, or found fur in my food, that would ruin my meal. I’d rather not have them near where I’m eating. Maybe as an inclusive step, there could be an outdoor/covered patio section where dogs would be allowed, so you could have the option of dining in a separate area with your pet.
I’m not sure what my local law is for unattended dogs, as it’s never been something I’ve had to consider, but I will say I’ve had neighbours leave their house from dawn until dusk and their dog was left barking on the back patio all day. If I recall correctly, it is a finable offense, and if it’s a repeat issue I think the enforcement body can escalate the situation right up to seizure of the animal.
Yeah, the offices one I can slide on, as long as I have the ability to be free of dealing with someone else’s dog. I get how for most people, it would lift their spirits. I’m really not a dog person though, and while I accept it’s a benefit for a lot of other people, I generally prefer to not have contact. If that is achievable, then I’m fine with dogs in the office.