CarrieMpls said:

That would be cool!

Genesia said:

Fuck 'em.

I worked at a place where everyone brought their dogs to work everyday

JuliePurplehead said:

Nice.

In Europe, society seems to be a bit more dog friendly, so I'm pretty used to seeing pups in places that might seem odd for Americans. All dogs go through obedience training where I live so one rarely has an afterthught when they see them since's they're exceptionally behaved. Not only have I seen the occasional dog in a workplace here and there, but it's an everyday sight to see them in subways, buses, bars and (some) cafes. They even have their own "parking places" outside of the supermarkets. Most of my friends that visit from other countries are amazed when we see these pooches just sitting outside waiting for their families to finish shopping; they just sit there tied to their little post minding their own business . They're soooo cute, they remind me of how we humans look when we're bored stiff, waiting for a train or something

I don't have a dog yet, primarily because I'm worried about the costs and logistics of havng them travel with me when I commute to Italy. But I think if I had a managable sized pooch that had completed obedience training, it would pretty much go where I would go, and no, my co-workers wouldn't give a hoot.

CarrieMpls said:

my local post office has 2 cats!

Ottensen said:

In sweden I think you can have your dog anywhere except where there is a sign that says "I am not allowed in here" with a cartoon of a crying dog on it. I saw dogs in the supermarkets, in the hardware store, all over the place!

ZombieKitten said:

Well, not really but it's up to the store owner unless you're running a business that have health/sanitation issues connected with it. You cannot bring your dog at all to: grocery stores, hospitals and cemetaries, though the cemetary thing is allowed if it's a seeing eye dog.
There's been "cases" when people like hairdressers have had their dog in their salon and somebody's complained but it's not really a health issue, more a "if you don't like the dog, fuck off and get your hir cut someplace else".
Assistance dogs are allowed in most stores, as well as in pharmacies now - they legally can't say no.
I don't see the fucking point of bringing your dog to stores if you're not in a pet store trying out a collar or coat for the dog - what's the social value for a dog to go look at clothes?

JuliePurplehead said:

Yep!

Genesia said:

The fact is that if all the people who CLAIM to be allergic actually were, there'd be a whole lot of people falling down dead cause they're surrounded by people who have pet hairs and mites on their clothes - people like me for example. There are constantly people shouting at me and Uzie from 100 yards away that they're allergic, out of doors. It's stupid as hell, if you're scared of dogs then say so and I'll pull her away but don't come to me with a dumbass fake "I'm allergic" cause if you're allergic enough that you'd react if a dog came within 100 yard of you, then you'd be dead already. Being scared is fine, lying is not.

Teacher said:

Some of us really are allergic - and have testing and a diagnosis to back it up.

I was also the victim of an unprovoked attack by a 130-pound Irish wolfhound in 1993. The dog bit me in the abdomen. I needed a tetanus shot...and the lacerations and bruising were so bad that I missed a week of work because I couldn't even sit up. I was flat on my back for that week - and in pain for months.

So, while I am allergic, I am also afraid of many dogs. (Not all - I get along fine with the dogs of family and friends - though I need to take prescription allergy medications when I'm around them.) Under the circumstances, I don't think it's unreasonable for me to be leery of the idea of pets in the office.

Genesia said:

Some of you, yeah. That does not excuse the lying many people do. As for the attack - no other dog than the one that attacked you can be blamed for that. Oh, and you don't need a tetanus shot for dog bites so that was unnecessary, not that it's a big deal with a shot.

Teacher said:

I didn't blame any other dog. But I would think that someone who thinks some people need a dog for emotional support would be sympathetic another person's fears.

The tetanus shot wasn't specifically for the dog bite. It was because the skin was severely torn. They thought it a wise precaution since my tetanus needed updating.

And tetanus shots are a big deal for some of us. I usually run a fever for 24 hours after I get one.

Genesia said:

Let's turn it around - I would think that people would be sympathetic for people who needs a dog as a support in certain social situations to keep them from having anxiety attacks or hysteria, even though they might be afraid to some extent.
You need a tetanus shot about every 10 years I think you can live with having a fever for 24 hours every 10 years.

Teacher said:

If I have to take medication for a reaction to a dog...why can't they take medication for their reaction to life?

Genesia said:

Wow, you're really...I am at a loss for words and that doesn't happen very often. This means you don't believe in mental illness at all, that's a fascinating statement to make in this century. I can't argue with something like that obviously, but I do hope that YOU need medication for your reaction to life some day.

johnart said:

Working at home changed my life as well

My dog follows me whether I like it or not.

Teacher said:

What do you girls think about mandatory obedience training for dogsin the U.S.?

I'm not entire sure, but I think it's mandatory here in Germany, and attacks from pooches seem very rare here. I've never felt unsafe around any dog as I walk down the street here, and actually have some weird sort of assurance that biting is the last thing on their minds, even as most of them roam with their owners unleashed during dog walks. I wonder if Ganesia's doggie attack (and warranted fear) could have been avoided altogether had the Irish wolfhound been schooled....?

I work for a healthcare system and we have a volunteer therapy dog that works for us (he's even got an ID badge with his picture on it!) - he comes in to volunteer with his mom every Thursday...his name is Grady and he's my adopted doggie

Teacher said:

I agree - there's a woman at work here who says she's allergic, but she's clearly afraid of the dog. Most people I know who are actually allergic will say so and just not touch the animal - they're not freaking out about being within 15 yards of it.

Ottensen said:

It could have been avoided sure, but just like humans dogs are living creatures and can't be entirely predicted. I'd say that any dog is worth the try until they've done something like what happened to Genesia, after that their life is forfeit, no excuses and no lameass shit about wearing a muzzle. They're DEAD. I would do the very same with Uzie, were she to bite somebody unprovoked (ie without somebody threatened me) she'd be put down. No negotiation, no changing my mind.
I very much doubt obedience training is mandatory anywhere, not to be elitist about it but I do talk loads with very experienced dog training people who travel a lot across Europe and I think something like that would have come up. I may very well be wrong though, I just don't think it's feasible on that large a scale. It's certainly a very good thing you only come across well behaved people though, most of the people here are ok too but there are a few dumbasses too. They've learned to take their dog and go somewhere else when Uzie and I come along though cause I will not shut up if their dog is misbehaving.
Now, to your question; It would be fucking awesome if ALL countries had mandatory obedience training, the US (or at least some states) have the thing called "Good Canine Citizen" or something like that and it's a great idea but like I said before, probably not feasible on a general scale. I do think, however, that a license to own a dog should be applied for BEFORE getting a dog. A license that costs some serious $$$, perhaps $500. per dog. That would make most people think before getting one.

applekisses said:

Just pray she's "allergic" enough to croak over and die when the dog comes up to her.

I tried. They won't let me. They let me bring my kids, but when I asked about the dog she said No.

TotalANXiousNESS said:

Don't they know that some dogs are more wellbehaved than kids? Besides, it's very important for kids to be around pets in a controlled environment, to learn what to do and not do with them. Tell the boss people again!
But seriously, I see why considering what you work with.