Many many people in New York own dogs. Many of these people believe that their dogs come before people. I hate that, hate that, hate that.
Dogs have gotten into vicious fights in my wing’s elevator, so our building instituted a two dog max per elevator ride rule. That’s one dog too many for me. And if the dog happens to go where you want no dog to go, half the time the owner isn’t apologetic. As if you’re supposed to put the dog’s happiness above your own privacy, and comfort level. Don’t get that.
Our streets are packed; yet people think nothing of letting their dog use public streets as toilets, clean it, but not quite all. Gross.
Yesterday I went to my pharmacy to have a prescription filled. A woman took up the entire pharmacists counter, it is small, with her sable coat, cell phone, and gigantic dog. She was talking to a friend on the phone as the dog tried to do a bit more than talk to me. The pharmacist, new but not young, shrugged as if there was nothing he could do.
It’s a damn pharmacy and one of the supposed classiest in New York. The dog began barking when I wouldn’t let him touch me–in a place I would never let a person touch me in public. The woman turned to me, and began to object to my not allowing the dog to touch me. I asked her if she was on the phone with a doctor, nurse, insurance company or anything to do with health at all.. Sometimes I can be very rude though she was obviously chit chatting while five of us were standing on line. She left. The pharmacist apologized.
Then I went across the street to get my tax things copied. A woman walked in just before me. A man was standing at the counter talking quite loudly and not looking at his dog which lunged for the woman. When she complained he told her that she was crazy, it’s a free country and dogs can be taken anywhere.
The woman ran out of the store. I stayed as far away from the dog and its owner as possible.
I understand that New York can be an isolating city; I understand that a dog can be a persons best friend. But they would die before they had a best friend who headed straight for the crotch.
Once I was in Loves–a discount chain so similar to Duane Reade it was taken over by them. I was at the counter. Two huge dogs eyed each other. They were about to begin a fight when they both noticed my crotch. Headed straight there. Touched me. The owners finally tried to begin to control the dogs. They couldn’t. I didn’t want to scream but I didn’t want the dogs touching me. The manager said “this is Love’s and we practice love. We love our dogs,” said this right as they battled for ownership of my crotch.
Why is this an acceptable practice in dogs? Why do dogs come before people? A woman in my building once told me that she liked me very much, and that if I bought a dog, I could be her friend and we could walk our dogs together. What an exciting friendship offer. Brought tears to my eyes. Tears of laughter because I did find that to be beyond sick.
I had actually been thinking of getting a Maltese. However, I don’t want to contribute to the ever rising rate of dog owners gone amuck.
I like dogs. Well behaved dogs who I can touch when I want to. Think I have a right to go into a store and not expect dogs running up to me. Apparently I’m in the minority on this issue
Do I really need to live in an overcrowded city with prices spiraling out of control, and dogs in charge? They would die before they let their children get away with such vulgar boorish behavior. But their dog…Think no store should allow a dog in it. Think dog owners should really think about their behavior and why they allow their dog free reign.
I think I’m beginning to hate dogs because along with tourists and very rich people they are over taking my city. Tourist can come as long as they don’t bring their dogs. Some very rich people have dogs; and love to let them run amuck to show that they control. Hate people who aren’t mannered and force confrontations because they won’t control their frigging dogs.
Certain people can bring their dogs into NY such as Cat; and Doug; everybody else, please let me know so that I can either leave town or have Mayor Bloomberg institute a new quality of life order. Wait, shouldn’t have that been done already?
One of my pet peeves is out of control dogs. Drives me nuts!
All these stores, pharmacies even, and dogs are allowed in?!! Where I live we leave our dogs at home, because they aren’t allowed in the stores. WTF is up with the dogs in the stores?!!
I travel with my dog and I also have to deal with places that don’t allow dogs. The ONLY time I need my dog allowed with me is in the hotel room. I pay extra for that with no issues. I respect the surroundings and ensure that my dog is on her best behavior out of respect. No barking, no piddling on the floor, nothing. She doesn’t even get to sleep on the bed when we’re visiting…(she sleeps at my feet but only when allowed at home)
I cannot stand to see someone bring a dog into a food place. It’s supposed to be illegal/against rules but it does happen. Even those that are carried in arms — should not be allowed in.
I take my dog but in our small town, I easily can place her away from the crowd and by a pole. I will not leave her out of sight, ever…and always make her sit. She is always restrained in those conditions for her safety (and others, how unpredictible is a dog, really!)
I think sometimes I’m just fortunate to have the time to train my dog to behave but then I realize you can pay to have them trained and many don’t take responsibility and do this.
Pia, would you believe we ritzy outdoor malls that cater to rich folks’ dogs? Oh yes, they have drinking stations and everything. My girls, especially the little one, beg to go just so they can dog watch.
But I can understand your frustration. And I have the means to ease it. My place tomorrow!
You know, I never would have thought NYC had so many dogs, but then I thought that probably the reason they are everywhere is because they don’t have backyards to play in so they all have to be walked.
I’ve always heard California is too liberal, but I think New York takes the cake! Dogs aren’t allowed in our stores, malls or restaurants. I think I’d carry some type of spray with me just for protection.
Pis, you sound positively cat like. My cats applaud you. They go to the vet in their nice carriers and I keep them as close to me and out of the way as possible as they are not familiar with dogs. However, inevitably, someone with a large dog lets their dog smell my carrier. If I say anything they act offended. Sorry. It’s my CAT (read MY CHILD) and I’m not going to back down. Believe me, if their dog hurt my cat, they do not want to see what I would do to their dog that perhaps outweighs me!
I generally do love dogs but there is a limit and I think it’s horrible that poor owners who think it’s okay for their dog to be into anything are potentially ruining it for really caring owners who are aware of where their dogs are and what they are doing.
Finally, if these people are that oblivious to their dogs, do you suppose that the dogs really get the love and devotion that any good dog deserves?
Funny dog story…
My wife before we were married and a good friend of mine had a lazy day on Venice Beach. Mid-afternoon and many Mai-Tai’s later, we had come to rest at a bar over-looking the Venice “board” walk and the beach. As usual, many people were selling art on the beach. This gentlemen in front of us was selling canvas paintings and he had them laid out all over the ground along the walk. This guy walks up walking this huge brown, German Shepard-type dog and the guy is browsing the art. Suddenly after about five minutes, the three of us staring in a drunken gaze, the most surreal moment I have ever seen occurs. In near slow motion the dog walks up onto a painting, stops, and drops, well… a number 2, right into the middle of the painting. Almost on cue, the owner of the dog looks at the dog, and then the painting, and BOLTS! This whole event occurs with us just sitting there and looking forward. Amazing!
Dagnabit! And here I thought I was the “Cat” being referenced. 😀
Must agree; I have ZERO patientce for anyone who refuses to adhere to proper ettiquette regarding common courtesies.
Grrrr! Patience* Sorry for the misspell.
Another cat on board? I’m confused…
My dogs are like me. Not very formal or thoughtful but consideratish. We’re a higher form of cockroach.
I live in a town where the dogs have gotten more time on the city council agenda than the schools do. There are restaurants with doggy menus (though on the patio only), chi-chi doggy boutiques, and many of the downtown stores offer free dog biscuits and have water bowls available.
Meanwhile blocks from the hotel with a “doggy happy hour” there are homeless folk galore (and no one offers THEM free food or water) and families with kids who need clothing and toys a lot more than the doggy-woggies do.
I am an animal person. I like and have lived with dogs. I have cats. But too many people seem to be turning them into child substitutes. When we are putting them in “doggy day care” (I kid you not) buying them Halloween costumes and talking about being their “parents” it really makes me feel that society truly is going to hell in a handbasket!
I agree with you. Ever since the dog mauling in San Francisco, people react and view dogs differently. When Lil’ B was a baby, I was walking her around town in her stroller. A woman, with her lab on a leash, stood next to us. The dog made it straight for my child, ready to jump up and sniff her, or whatever… I do not really know what his intentions were… I pushed the dog away and turned the stroller away from the dog, pissed that the owner went to no trouble to keep the dog away from my child. She said, “Oh but he’s nice! Don’t worry!” Not one to mince words I replied, “I don’t give a crap. Keep your animal away from my child!” It should have been common sense. I don’t blame the dog but that woman had it coming and had anything happened more would have been in store for her…