Like many replies, NOT a dog "hater", had many, treated them all very VERY well but.... I don't know if there has just been a huge "shift" in a very subtle area, but the lines have seemed to become more and more blurred (between human and pets, particularly dogs) in the last decade or so. I can't think of a better home than my parents provided for my dog(s)(had several growing up), mindful of their health, need to play, exercise, attention and touch (petting, ear rubbing), but (and this is difficult to adequately portray) never have I met so many people who seem to not even recognize a line between a human and an animal. I (sadly) will use an example of a dear relative. I want to make clear, no, this person absolutely is not in dementia or pre-dementia, but many reading this will think my family and I are just in denial, so be it. This relative just retired and is still actively teaching on a major campus, he retired about two years ago. The dog absolutely must go everywhere with them, everywhere. In our phone conversations and emails, she tell me " we want to go to ___ but ___ (the dog !) was just maddening, he pouted, he whined, he made us feel so guilty we just stayed home !" So if you are reading this, at this point you are saying, "she's demented of course". But it gets worse, since she is still teaching some classes, her husband is now in charge of the "play dates" for ___ (dog), driving him to and from the play dates with his friends. They are not in need of finances, but said they did "reschedule" a planned canal cruise in '23, until '24 because ___ (dog) dental bills were absolutely astronomical. It has just become a way of talking for here, "I am almost done with my Christmas shopping, such a relief, except for a few more things for ____(dog). He has way too many coats and sweaters now, but, he was shopping with me at ___ just to get his dog food and he kept going to this one "toy" and a sweatshirt that he just loved, and when I said, no, no treats today, he just got so stubborn I had to pick him up, NO easy task as you know, and literally carry him out."
This goes on all the time, taking about having to get his present to take to his friend's (other dog) birthday party ! These people don't even go out to dinner with friends and leave the dog home ! Amazing, they will eat at their local country club (not in Florida) on the patio because they don't want to deal with the dog's anger, upset, pouting, or punishing if they leave him. People in their social and professional circles would never dream they had such a "mental" problem (a dog who rules their life... they THINK !) And yes, they have three, grown, well adjusted, very successful children so they once KNEW the difference. The money they spend because (dog) must fly in coach or they can't go anywhere.... is it something in the water, they are not the only people like this. When we went from companion dogs for the disabled, to "emotional" support dogs, something happened in this world ! ? Saw one eating at a table from same dishes human customers eat at in a village restaurant... never went back... I know the dishes are sterilized, I know in my rational mind, but it's just too much to sit and have animals sitting like humans consuming from the same table. Oh will I get hate for that... oh well, won't change that I DO love animals and always have, but I know they differ from humans, that's all.

Yes! Many people anthropomorphize their dogs and cats, treating them like children. Very sad, even sick. Let's hope it does not extend to their goldfish next.

I have experienced dogs as pets since I was born. They are dogs, wonderful, delightful and lovable but they are not humans.

That IS the case with relatives I wrote about on this thread. The are lovely, educated, people who are not "slipping" mentally so to speak, but kids are raised, doing very well, and the dog now rules (actually rules !) their lives because they are able to cast HUMAN emotions onto the dog, and rationalize (I suppose) what they can and can't do, again projecting it on the dog.

So true, so true, double thumbs up.... Have relatives in which this condition (anthropomorphic, projecting) is getting worse month by month. Like you, had many, wonderful, loving, pets, treated them well, fed them well, took care of their basic health... but constant new clothes, throwing "fits" in stores when they don't get a new coat, buying them boots (rain and snow), new clothes for their Christmas picture ON Santa's lap, obsessing over find the perfect birthday gift for the dog's best friends.... it's like they are actually living IN "The secret life of Pets" movie. What ever makes people happy I guess... these relatives don't play golf, so underneath it all, I am sure they marvel that we could spend so much time and money trying to hit a little ball all over many acres and into a tiny hole. LOL !

I was in Home depot one day and a rather large discussion was taking place on the corner of a main isle. Customers & Employees.

It seems that down at the end of the Isle was a teenage girl who had brought her "support kangaroo" into the store.
I peeked and yep, there it was, bounding around on a yellow leash...

So, dogs or no dogs, at least we don't have "service/support" Kangaroos, Zebras, Camels, Aligators or Yeti's arriving in the squares....well not yet anyway!
:0000000000luvmyhors

Our Reasoning is Not typical
 

It simply is none of your business!
 

Why do you bring your wife or kids? If the dogs are permitted it simply is none or your business. Why so many old folk have to be so bossy?

Would you mind having your CAT peruse this week's scheduled entertainment at Sumter Landing Square, so I know which bands my DOG will like?

Your "dear relative" seems to have way more psychological issues than most dogs. If they're so "dear", perhaps you should arrange for them to get some professional help?

Who owns who
 

I love dogs they're good companions and they're loyal, but people do not own dogs. Dogs own people. My neighbor could not leave their dog home when they went out because when they got home there would be a surprise.

I agree with this post , pets should not be included in crowded situations , big dogs I agree could be seen but some unthinking pet owners bring small dogs on a leash to crowded venues which in my opinion is begging for your beloved pet to be injured. Most of all leave your dogs at home ! Nobody enjoys your dog.

never saw a class of people dragging their animals everywhere other humans are congregating. How bout a local farmer brings his herd to brownwood. This cry for narcissisic attention is beyond the pale. I think the next time any of these needy individuals are having say, open heart surgery, the whole medical team should bring their pets to watch daddy and mommy work with the room full of horses, pigs, chickens and cows
if its a dental treatment leave the chickens home bring the rest.
This did not happen in our society till the 90's.
There has to be a showdown in congress. These are people infringing on our rights to the pursuit of happiness. Some constitutional lawyer should get crackin on it. Science officer spock speaking at the academy stated " the needs of the many outweigh those of the few. The villages should build them their own village and stores
entitled dalamation village 1001 bexley bridge trail

Does not answer the responders question

Children grow up, so do some parents

Because dog make better companions than most people.

Is it good for the rest of the people on the square?

Wry well said

I think dogs do have sensitive ears, perhaps your dogs hearing is damaged from being subjected to loud music and crowds

Yes and no.
 

Yes, most service dogs will have a vest or some type of ID to show they are working dogs.
No. Some animals don’t go through the service animal program but act/service the same way.
Here is the thing, not all Special needs are visible and not everyone can afford to put their dog through such training.
We know someone that got a Jack Russel pup for their son (anyone with such dog knows how full of energy they are); long story short - our friends wife started getting some issues and that dog got on her side 24/7, he would let her know when an attack was about to happen. This dog had not special training and if you look at my friends wife you see nothing wrong with her.
“Large dog” or small dog, if someone has one with them who are we to judge on why they have it? If the animal is well behaved, the owner has total control and feels like having them there, great.

And they never judge you for your choices or lecture or admonish you when they don't agree with your actions. We could all learn a lot from dogs.

WHY? WHY? The simple answer is that some people are stupid and inconsiderate, either to their pets or to other folks around them. It's called, being selfish. I too love dogs, or actually just about any animal but keep it out of my yard and leave it at home when you go where there are a multitude of people. Need it as a service dog? Maybe you should see a professional or stay home where YOU are safe. No such thing as a "service dog" when I was growing up and folks still made it to a ripe old age.

Its because the owner is supposed to take his/her dog for the nightly walk, but the owner wants to go to the square. Problem solved, take the dog, both owner and pet will have a wonderful time.

You don’t need to have an awakening from a previous life, my friend. A little education goes a long way. This should answer all your above questiond

National Geographic Kids Everything Dogs: All the Canine Facts, Photos, and Fun You Can readGet Your Paws On! https://a.co/d/6HTJmP0

Another vote for Americas friendliest hometown

No dogs at public events or place
 

Then walk them around the block, take them to the dog park, take them on a nature trail. Your beloved dog will enjoy that alot more than being stuck on a leash surrounded by strangers. Did you ever consider the stress this causes an animal? Be real it's all about you not at all about the poor over stressed dog.

An honest question deserves an honest answer - because they spent A LOT of money for these dogs and:
1-want to show them off
2-maybe get business for the breeder
3-conversation starters

Not legally required

Service dogs do not need a vest to be a service dog. The owner would have an ID in their pocket so don’t assume they are not service dogs.

Maybe you should have asked those people with the dogs at the time. Since you are not satisfied with random people who may or may not have a dog, who may or may not bring their dog somewhere.

You created a troll post

THIS IS THE NOT QUESTION! The question is WHY do YOU bring them to 1) a place it DOES NOT WANT TO BE and 2) a place where others are NOT appreciative of YOUR animals! Why on earth these places allow animals is another discussion…a dog in a stroller? The World has gone bat*^%# crazy!

What??
 

If you are seriously comparing your wife and kids with your dogs you sir need professional help and I don't mean a support dog.

Yes. I wonder why some folks make such a fuss over those establishments and venues that allow pets on the premises. Almost like talking politics and religion sometimes. .

Troll post? Dunno about that. It is a timely topic especially with the larg(er) crowds at the squares and other places now that the snowbirds are flooding in.

I have no problems with the people and their dogs that I've encountered thus far in TV. The dogs have all been well-mannered and obedient to their owners when I've encountered them in public places. But there is a dynamic here that so far has been ignored, and deserves discussion. TV may be "America's friendliest hometown" but it can also be an awfully lonely place, especially if you've just lost your spouse or have suffered other significant emotional setbacks. All of a sudden the person or situation you've depended on for social and emotional support is no longer there. All you have is your dog. Never (yet) having been in that situation myself this is only conjecture, but in my opinion it is entirely possible, if you're going out of your house shopping, to the squares or whatever, you take Fido along rather than being completely alone surrounded by crowds of strangers. Fido will love you and stay by your side no matter what.

It is hard to be old and alone.

No brains

You can lock your wife and your dog in the trunk of your car, and come back 4 hours later. Only the dog will be glad to see you!

Many residents live in houses without a fenced yard so outings with a pooch is necessary (besides the daily walk around the block). It also helps to better socialize the pet to come in contact with other folks. Finally with so many activities not many would like to leave the dog cooped up in the house all day. NOW, having said all this I agree with the OP that bring a dog to the square for this kind of event makes zero sense. Bad for the dog. Also extremely loud amped music can’t be enjoyable for the dog - maybe walking around the square - but probably not in the square. Just my opinion.

Here we go about the dogs again. First of dogs are allowed at the squares. And no I would not take my dog to a large crowd or a large event and no I do not take my dog everywhere with me, but I do take my dog out with me sometimes. And all of who do not like dogs and like to complain about dogs. why did you move here to The Villages that is pet friendly?
And not every pet owner is a good pet owner. We all know that. But there are people who like the wine hear about pets, no matter what they are good or bad or welcome or not. My suggestion is you should move out of the villages if you’re not pet friendly, or maybe go start your own village. But to move into a place that is pet friendly and bitch about pets is stupid. But I can only imagine that’s not the only thing you guys complain about.

I too wonder if all the excitement is too much for the dog. The large b&w border collie I saw at Brownwood that night was just chilling lying down by the owners. Didn't look overwhelmed or if it was it somehow knew how to behave.

So I'll use an example of a friend and how she is with her dogs. Loves them to pieces and so do I since I love and enjoy animals. So when I visit them the dogs get positive attention when they aren't lying down chilling around us. I jokingly call them spoiled but they really are having a good doggie life. Friends tell her if they themselves ever came back as a dog they would want her for their owner.

So on taking them out of the house she may take them for a cart ride (making sure they're secure for the ride) and says her dogs love it. Takes them outside but not for long walks as they get plenty of exercise. Takes them to work (she's the owner) and her employees love them. Leaves them with dog sitters when out of state; they only fly if going to their alt homes.

But she would never ever take them to the store, a restaurant, or to one of the squares. Why, because it's a short trip (store) or her time with friends or family. The 2 dogs stay home in their enclosure and don't leave surprises because she makes sure to take them out to pee etc before. So when I watch how she handles her pets I notice that she enjoys time with them at home and enjoys time without them when she goes out to have fun and that's what I see as the right way to handle pets. Not ignoring them but not overdoing, just in the middle somewhere but giving dogs the benefit if they seem to want something like attention or food. Friends and family are welcome to come over and enjoy the dogs there when visiting.

I jokingly call her the dog whisperer because she knows how to connect with them. Was with her at a relative's house and the subject came up about their dog and how to get it to do certain things. She calmly goes over to the dog and connects with it and actually teaches it to roll over and it responds. We were amazed as she had only just met it.

Everyone has their own methods and dogs behaviors are different. Tell you what though I never saw a dog get fussy over not buying them something in a store like a kid... I would think owner is cuckoo. :loco:

AMEN. Well said. Grow a little more empathy folks!!! Dogs fill voids in peoples lives. Children, grandchildren, spouses, whomever. Just ignore the pets. Turn away if they offend your eyes. Go back to whatever it is you do and leave the pet owner enjoy their interest

Because they want to. They will meet like minded people there also with a dog. They want to give some stimulation to the dog (I'd imagine staying inside all day with a few brief trips to the yard can be boring). Perhaps they are socially awkward and the dog gives them confidence, having a dog with them leads to meeting new people who come up and ask about the dog.
Lots of reasons I can come up with. Ultimately it is their business, as long as they are not breaking any law or violating a private entities rules for its property. While we are on the topic, are dogs permitted in Publix? I would think not, yet I see store managers petting dogs in grocery carts inside the store.