[Bonnevie]

I love dogs, too, but had the same thoughts last Saturday. It was so crowded..it was a horrible place to bring one's dogs. I don't mind dogs in the squares on normal days if they are well behaved, but they should not be brought to functions.

[kittygilchrist]

No Dogs Allowed - YouTube

[ROCKETMAN]

Tuesday night a lady had her dog on a leach dancing with the people when n tunes were playing at sumter. It was crowded and people had to watch so not to run into the dog. My opinion is people bring them to large crowded places just to have people stop them and say oh what a cute dog you have.

[Bonny]

I have had dogs and cats all of my life. It breaks my heart seeing these little guys at the square, hot pavement, panting, people almost stepping on them !! I see some dogs so scared in the big crowds. Please people, leave your little guys at home in the air conditioning where they can relax.
A woman used to bring her dog to Codys at the outside bar. The dog would be eating peanut shells and then she would tell them to lay down. The floor is filthy outside and full of peanut shells. It gets so crowded out there the dog couldn't even move. Thank goodness they have to stay on the outside now.

[Abster]

I agree the exhibits are over crowded. I would imagine some pet owners work and only have time for their pets on the weekend. Therefore they bring them along. I also see many vendors with their own pets. I sometimes even bring my own and put it on my husband's lap as he is in a wheelchair. I think it's fine for people to bring their dogs to the square. I enjoy seeing them and love their owner's enthusiasm. There are much bigger issues around.

[PaPaLarry]

Originally Posted by Bonny

I have had dogs and cats all of my life. It breaks my heart seeing these little guys at the square, hot pavement, panting, people almost stepping on them !! I see some dogs so scared in the big crowds. Please people, leave your little guys at home in the air conditioning where they can relax.
A woman used to bring her dog to Codys at the outside bar. The dog would be eating peanut shells and then she would tell them to lay down. The floor is filthy outside and full of peanut shells. It gets so crowded out there the dog couldn't even move. Thank goodness they have to stay on the outside now.

You got that right Bonnie!!!! We do our walk in morning, and walk by the outside of Cote's, and yes the floor is dirty. Not just peanut shells, but bird poop too! Yuk

[NotGolfer]

I'm going to jump in and add the Farmer's Market to this as well. I've nearly tripped over dogs or their leashes when not expecting that in my path. I've seen the owners stopped and chatting with friends while "poochie" is pulling (this is with the retractable leashes) the other way. I'm NOT a pet-hater! Loved my pets when we had them, love my friend's pets too (now) but think there's a time and place to take them out.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Abster

I agree the exhibits are over crowded. I would imagine some pet owners work and only have time for their pets on the weekend. Therefore they bring them along. I also see many vendors with their own pets. I sometimes even bring my own and put it on my husband's lap as he is in a wheelchair. I think it's fine for people to bring their dogs to the square. I enjoy seeing them and love their owner's enthusiasm. There are much bigger issues around.

All the opinions expressed here have nothing to do with much bigger issues.

No, most of these pet owners do not work, and even if they did, there are much better options for spending quality time with your dog. Vendors who bring their dog are in a booth and not walking among the crowds.

As a die-hard pet lover and owner, it is 100% wrong to bring a pet to these large functions. It is cruel and selfish. Most of the pets are confused and scared.

Bringing your dog to the Square is completely different to taking your dog to one of these large, CROWDED functions. It is wrong and irresponsible!

[justjim]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

All the opinions expressed here have nothing to do with much bigger issues.

No, most of these pet owners do not work, and even if they did, there are much better options for spending quality time with your dog. Vendors who bring their dog are in a booth and not walking among the crowds.

As a die-hard pet lover and owner, it is 100% wrong to bring a pet to these large functions. It is cruel and selfish. Most of the pets are confused and scared.

Bringing your dog to the Square is completely different to taking your dog to one of these large, CROWDED functions. It is wrong and irresponsible!

OP, good post. Unfortunately, when it comes to their pets some dont use any common sense. "It's my dog and it's legal for them to be there and I'll do as I please".

No real thought about the "well being" of their dog and certainly could care less about other people's comfort zone.

[KathieI]

• I have 2 schnauzers, a male and a female
  
• They are the 2 happiest dogs I have ever owned
• The are inseparable - totally. They both need to go to the groomer at the same time, to the vet at the same time, I cannot leave one home without the other.
• they play ALLLLLLL day long!!!!!

If I were to take them to the square or any event, they would be jumping around and playing with each other constantly and get in everyone's way, especially me. I love them so much, I could never leave one home and take the other, it would be unfair and I love them too much.


Therefore, they both stay home and have fun playing!!! Works for me!!!

The one on the left is Sam, and on the right, the terror Maggie Mae..

[Abster]

These are all personal opinions and of course, we're all entitled to do what we please. I have no problem with others bringing their dogs to the square and I will continue to bring mine when I so choose. I've never been accused of being an irresponsible pet owner and am also very much involved with my local SPCA. The dogs wouldn't be such an issue if more thought were put in to limiting the number of vendors. The square was far too crowded to fully enjoy the event - dogs or no dogs.

[Bonanza]

Originally Posted by Abster

These are all personal opinions and of course, we're all entitled to do what we please. I have no problem with others bringing their dogs to the square and I will continue to bring mine when I so choose. I've never been accused of being an irresponsible pet owner and am also very much involved with my local SPCA. The dogs wouldn't be such an issue if more thought were put in to limiting the number of vendors. The square was far too crowded to fully enjoy the event - dogs or no dogs.

It's nice that you are active in the SPCA but that has no meaning insofar as taking dogs to these large Village Square functions.

There is no reason to limit the number of vendors who participate in these events.
Furthermore, they all pay over $200 for their space and if less attended, there wouldn't be any event at all.
If that was the case, vendors wouldn't participate and the residents and others wouldn't attend.

If you would read all the comments from others, practically all of whom ARE dog lovers,
you will see that 99% agree that these large functions are for people,
not dogs -- that they should be left at home. Period!

Isn't that a wake-up call for you???

[KathieI]

Originally Posted by Bonanza

It's nice that you are active in the SPCA but that has no meaning insofar as taking dogs to these large Village Square functions.

There is no reason to limit the number of vendors who participate in these events.
Furthermore, they all pay over $200 for their space and if less attended, there wouldn't be any event at all.
If that was the case, vendors wouldn't participate and the residents and others wouldn't attend.

If you would read all the comments from others, practically all of whom ARE dog lovers,
you will see that 99% agree that these large functions are for people,
not dogs -- that they should be left at home. Period!

Isn't that a wake-up call for you???

Well, like it or not,,, Abster is entitled to his/her opinion and can do whatever he/she likes... we are all just voicing our opinions.

[tippyclubb]

Originally Posted by KathieI

• I have 2 schnauzers, a male and a female
  
• They are the 2 happiest dogs I have ever owned
• The are inseparable - totally. They both need to go to the groomer at the same time, to the vet at the same time, I cannot leave one home without the other.
• they play ALLLLLLL day long!!!!!

If I were to take them to the square or any event, they would be jumping around and playing with each other constantly and get in everyone's way, especially me. I love them so much, I could never leave one home and take the other, it would be unfair and I love them too much.


Therefore, they both stay home and have fun playing!!! Works for me!!!

The one on the left is Sam, and on the right, the terror Maggie Mae..

Sam & Maggie are so cute! One of my customers has a Schnauzer and I fell in love with her. When we get to TV we plan on getting 2 Schnauzers and they will not be going to the squares or any other crowded place. When we had dogs we use to try and take them places but they were nervous around a lot of people so we started leaving them home. It was best for them.

[schroeder3]

I would love a ban on all dogs for any of these large busy events!