Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2162110)

You may want to (re)read the original post. The OP doesn't have an issue with bringing dogs to the squares. His question, as I read it, was why presumably caring owners would subject their pets to such a crowd. Assuming there is a reason for it, what is the reason?

"Beautiful dogs"? Definitely in the eye of the owner.

Originally Posted by JSR22 (Post 2161425)

How do you know they were not service dogs?

Originally Posted by Eg_cruz (Post 2162118)

At this age if the OP can’t tell the difference there’s big problem
ALL true service dogs are very clearly known

Originally Posted by JSR22 (Post 2162116)

The reason is the owner chose to bring the dog. I have never owned a dog that was intimidated by a crowd.

Originally Posted by Sportsguy1 (Post 2161423)

Saturday I was at the Brownwood Paddock Square with some family and friends for the Christmas tree lighting. The place was absolutely packed. Thousands of people were in the square. The bleacher seating area was full, the chairs were full, the dance floor was full, the blocked off area for vendors around the square was packed with people. So serious question….why do you insist on bringing your very large dog to this ‘packed with people’ event? Now before you accuse me of not liking dogs, I love dogs! I have a dog but would never take him to a crowed event like I was at Saturday and would love to know why you feel you have to bring your dog or dogs to this type of event. If it is a service dog that is one thing but I saw dogs there the size of goat or a small horse and they were not service dogs. I really don’t think dogs care one bit about the ‘lighting of a big Christmas tree’! I have discussed this with a number of people and for the life of us we can’t come up with why people do this. So please enlighten me….why do you bring your dog to a jam packed people event?

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2162121)

I'm intimidated by crowds, but I'm not a dog.

Originally Posted by JSR22 (Post 2162120)

Not true.

Originally Posted by Eg_cruz (Post 2162126)

Yes they are……true service dogs are. Not talking about these made up service dogs.

Originally Posted by Eg_cruz (Post 2162122)

I really wish the dog owners would stop this craziness of having take their dogs everywhere.

I went to Home Depot as I walked into the door with my 8 yr old grandchild, I lady stopped right in front of us trying to control her Dalmatian. There was another dog a large Poodle heading right towards all of us and the dog we’re wanting to go after each other. This dogs were 2 feet away from my grandchild. As I grabbed my little one the dog owners were pulling their dogs with all their might it was a bit crazy and my grandchild was pretty scared.
As the Poodle left the store the aggressive dog stay in the store……..smh I looked at the owner and said this is why you leave your pets at home. Not is a sorry. The Poodle owner did apologize as he walk by us.

Originally Posted by JSR22 (Post 2162116)

The reason is the owner chose to bring the dog. I have never owned a dog that was intimidated by a crowd.

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2161485)

Because they're selfish, and don't care that their dog is probably only behaving itself because it's overwhelmed and unable to do anything else.

They don't care that the loud music coming from multiple speakers from the square's nightly entertainment is likely painful to their VERY SENSITIVE ears. They don't care that the only thing their dog sees when he's being walked through the crowd are legs and feet and it's likely one of the last things it actually wants to be doing. They will insist that their dog loves the attention, loves being out with mommy and daddy, loves the crowd, loves the music.

No - they don't. Your dog doesn't love it. Your dog loves you, and to the detriment of its own health, will obey you willingly and with a wag on his tail. You are damaging your dog's hearing. This is cruel, not love.

I love dogs and I would never EVER subject a dog to large crowds with loud music, unless it was my service dog. And even then I'd probably do it minimally, out of respect to the dog.

I say this about large dogs and small dogs. Pets don't belong in large crowds with live music. Add to this for the small dogs - they endure all of the above, but they also run a greater risk of being stepped on, dragged around, and "hounded" by well-meaning people who don't know any better and insist on "oooooh looka how cuuuuuute!" grabbing and petting.

There's one lady who -literally- drags her dog around - this pooch is probably 15 years old, can barely see, is lame with one REALLY bad leg and three somewhat bad legs. And gets - I kid you not - dragged. She walks faster than the dog can walk, and it can't keep up with her and falls and she just tugs it over the concrete square. That's the worst of them.

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2162133)

I have never owned a dog that was afraid to sit on a car. However, choosing to allow my dog to sit in a car on a hot day is considered abuse. Your dog may not be intimidated by a crowd but as others have mentioned, crowds and loud sounds are not good for dogs - so why subject them to it?

I’ve seen a lot of “Because I Can!” answers but no explanation for why you would choose to put a loved pet in such a situation.

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2162133)

I have never owned a dog that was afraid to sit on a car. However, choosing to allow my dog to sit in a car on a hot day is considered abuse. Your dog may not be intimidated by a crowd but as others have mentioned, crowds and loud sounds are not good for dogs - so why subject them to it?

I’ve seen a lot of “Because I Can!” answers but no explanation for why you would choose to put a loved pet in such a situation.

Originally Posted by Laker14 (Post 2162157)

Did you just conflate "dog sitting in a car" with "dog sitting in a hot car"? Two different things. Dogs generally love cars. Windows open, in the shade, with a water dish, likely =dog heaven.
Dog in car, windows up, in sunshine, on a hot day with no water likely = dog death.

But why equate the two?

And you have been given reasons for why people would bring the dogs to the squares. I will repeat them for you.
1. Human enjoys being with dog
2. Dog enjoys being with human
3. Dog is OK with crowds
4. Dog is OK with loud noises.

Note: to repeat what I and others have posted, not all dogs are freaked out by crowds and noise.

And, #5, it is allowed.

No real mystery here.

Originally Posted by JSR22 (Post 2162103)

It is the owner's choice to bring their dog not yours. There are many communities that do not allow dogs. If the dogs upset, you that much you can move to one of those communities. We moved here because of the multitude of championship golf courses and that TV is dog friendly.

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2162163)

Dogs sitting in cars : dogs going to squares.

Dogs sitting in hot cars : dogs going to extremely crowded squares.

And another “Because I Can!” answer

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2162164)

And it's my choice to give you the stink-eye when I see you do it. MURIKA!

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2162097)

good for socialization?? Like taking them to a fireworks display gets them to loud explosions. Or putting them out in lightning stom gets them to appreciate the wonder and beauty of wild weather.
"who care"? I, and many others who have been attacked, are allergic, feel dogs don't belong at every human focused event or business.
"get involved in other peoples business". By bringing a dog to a crowded publick event, you are messing with other people's business and their right and ability to enjoy the public festivities.
I encourage folks to leave their pets at home for the benefit of all, pet and human.

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2162121)

I'm intimidated by crowds, but I'm not a dog.

Originally Posted by eg_cruz (Post 2162122)

i really wish the dog owners would stop this craziness of having take their dogs everywhere.

I went to home depot as i walked into the door with my 8 yr old grandchild, i lady stopped right in front of us trying to control her dalmatian. There was another dog a large poodle heading right towards all of us and the dog we’re wanting to go after each other. This dogs were 2 feet away from my grandchild. As i grabbed my little one the dog owners were pulling their dogs with all their might it was a bit crazy and my grandchild was pretty scared.
As the poodle left the store the aggressive dog stay in the store……..smh i looked at the owner and said this is why you leave your pets at home. Not is a sorry. The poodle owner did apologize as he walk by us.

Originally Posted by JSR22 (Post 2162124)

Stay away from the tree lighting ceremonies.

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2162133)

I have never owned a dog that was afraid to sit on a car. However, choosing to allow my dog to sit in a car on a hot day is considered abuse. Your dog may not be intimidated by a crowd but as others have mentioned, crowds and loud sounds are not good for dogs - so why subject them to it?

I’ve seen a lot of “Because I Can!” answers but no explanation for why you would choose to put a loved pet in such a situation.

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2162133)

I have never owned a dog that was afraid to sit on a car. However, choosing to allow my dog to sit in a car on a hot day is considered abuse.

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2162163)

Dogs sitting in cars : dogs going to squares.

Dogs sitting in hot cars : dogs going to extremely crowded squares.

And another “Because I Can!” answer

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 2162164)

And it's my choice to give you the stink-eye when I see you do it. MURIKA!

Originally Posted by JMintzer (Post 2162185)

Because loud sounds and crowds don't bother "all dogs"...

As I've said before, the few times we brought our dog to the squares when music was playing, she fell asleep in our lap...

So please explain, what horrors did we subject her to?

Originally Posted by Laker14 (Post 2162171)

OH God, NO!!!! Not the STINK EYE!!!

RUNAWAYYYYYY!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Worldseries27 (Post 2162183)

let's leave aside the issue of so-called service dogs in stores and restaurants . Let's concentrate on the issue of bringing them to the villages town squares while the music is playing and people are showing up to have a good time.
Would you bring your service dog to a party you had been invited to with say 20 to 30 guests mingling, drinking and having a good time maybe dancing. No it would be rude for you to be sitting in their living room all night with scooby do or poolside with your dog interfering in the party process. The same applies to the town squares. The people go there to dance ,drink ,co-mingle, not to sit next to someone's 130 lb dog . Does this make it clearer, it is rude. The party is for the people, not a dog show or for any other barnyard pet. Wish i owned a t-rex, think i could make my point better then, but no worries, he would have a leash on

Originally Posted by Laker14 (Post 2162189)

Boredom.

Originally Posted by JMintzer (Post 2162192)

She must be bored a lot. Any time she's on the couch, she falls asleep...

Wait a sec, so do I!

Originally Posted by jmintzer (Post 2162191)

not even close to the same thing. One is a private home, the other is a public square...

Should i be forced to sit next to mable, who douses herself in cheap perfume?

Or cleetus, who forgot to shower this week?

Oh, and my dog weighs 12-13 lbs...

Originally Posted by jmintzer (Post 2162191)

not even close to the same thing. One is a private home, the other is a public square...

Should i be forced to sit next to mable, who douses herself in cheap perfume?

Or cleetus, who forgot to shower this week?

Oh, and my dog weighs 12-13 lbs...

Originally Posted by JSR22 (Post 2162087)

You cannot determine if a dog is or is not by looking at them, unless they are lunging, barking or uncontrolled.

What is deffect?

Originally Posted by JSR22 (Post 2162103)

It is the owner's choice to bring their dog not yours. There are many communities that do not allow dogs. If the dogs upset, you that much you can move to one of those communities. We moved here because of the multitude of championship golf courses and that TV is dog friendly.

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2162340)

"Owner's choice". Indeed. I just think that bringing the dog/dogs along is not always the best or proper choice, depending on the venue.

Originally Posted by JSR22 (Post 2161426)

Lowes allows dogs. A number of restaurants allow dogs on the outdoor patios. Dogs are allowed at the squares.

Originally Posted by Worldseries27 (Post 2162199)

oh ok, i'll leave the t rex home and bring a velociraptor instead. Please look up the word " rude" in any source material you so choose. DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE THE CONCEPT OF RUDE IS THE WEIGHT OF YOUR PET. ARE YOU SAYING ITS POLITE FOR YOU TO BRING FIDO TO A HOUSE PARTY?

Originally Posted by Laker (Post 2162221)

…to admit in public that you are so emotionally needy that you can’t be without your dog for 3 hours. Wow…..

Originally Posted by Worldseries27 (Post 2162230)

you bring up a good point about being forced to sit next to "mable".
Let's do this. Section off an area of the town squares for those who bring their pets. You all sit together with your service animals. Surely your beloved pets will love this experience, or, would chaos reign, the same experience you would subject us to. Did you ever think your pets make non pet owners nervous? Especially in close quarters. Do you think its pleaseant to sit near an animal who may decide to snack on you. What would you do if it happened. Would you be the one to call 911 and inform them of the event and turn yourself in? Kind of think the pet owner would make apologies and get into the wind as fast as possible.