I think it depends on the personality of the dog. We could take our golden to restaurants in Europe but rarely did so, unless it was outside. Most did not have a lot of room, and he struggled a bit to fit himself in. Even though the restaurants allowed it, we mostly left him at home, with a couple of exceptions. (He liked sitting outside for after-dinner wine.) We wouldn't take him into big crowds for his own safety.

Our rescue beagle mix is skittish around noises. So no go to any outdoor gathering with her. Walks and dog parks.
Most people know their dogs. If I saw a big dog in a crowded situation, I would assume the owner knows the dog is good in that situation, knows how he will act. Was that big dog the OP saw jumping up on people? Truly freaking out? Really, I've never seen a dog jump up on strangers in outdoor markets or other venues. I can't think of one time I've seen that. I give people credit.

As for anthropomorphizing pets, I have to mention this: we anthropomorphize many things, God included. So what. Does that mean we're crazy or something?

Finally... I may not always have a husband, but I WILL always have a dog. (Although at 52 years together, husband is pretty safe.)

I sense a trend in your post..."Some"...

Some idiots want to turn "some" into "all"...

Yes, just seeing a dog at a crowded event will cause someone to go into anaphylactic shock...

Difference between cats and dogs:
Dogs have masters and cats have staff.

But the question is why would you bring a dog to such a large event? You did not answer the question posed by the OP.

People bring dogs to events because the events are dog friendly. It is the owner's decision to bring their pet.

And multiple people have answered his question.

You may not like the answers given, and that's fine...

Why?Honest Question
 

Because dogs are allowed and the owner can bring them if they want to. There does not need to be any other reason than they want to. The Villages is a very dog friendly place, that is one of the appeals of living here. A couple of reasons that might answer your question: "I love my dog and want to be with him"; "I love my dog and my dog loves me and she wants to be with me"; or one more.... "I want to annoy some people by bringing my dog." Any of these answers are reason enough to bring a dog to an event.

Your dog liked wine?

Had a German Shepherd once who liked beer...

Most dogs are very social and if trained to behave, they have just as much a right to be there as you. So why don’t you just stay home if this bothers you so much. I currently don’t have a dog and I LOVE getting to greet and pet them all💗🤣

Just saying…
1. Dogs don’t get drunk at events
2. Dogs don’t drive the golf carts into walls
3. Dogs are more handsome than most Villagers
4. Dogs are more behaved than certain Villagers
5. Dogs don’t save “spots” in the bleachers for their friends.
Just kidding….. happy holidays to all!

Woof
 

waiting for the article where someone gets bit, sues the owner for his village home and/ or the venue/ store for millions in pyschological damages. You'll really need your service dog then

Don't have a dog (been there done that many times, but wanted a retirement dog free life, selfish but, want to be able come and go with out so much responsibility. Since so many seem to give such, well, rather nasty type replies, I'll try to give you an honest answer. Have a cousin who takes her dog everywhere, and I mean everywhere, if you invite her to lunch at your home (and I have), you also get the dog. It goes to all the stores, she does take a pad she puts in the shopping buggy, and she constantly tells us how "even at stores that tend to discourage you from bringing your dog inside, just fall in love with our Hunter, they just flock to him everywhere we go". I have never understood why people would just flock to this dog as she always relates they do... it's not a small dog, medium mixed breed from a shelter, not "snippy", seems friendly enough when we're around him, but he's quite a load for a shopping cart or in a restaurant, etc. She claims HE will not allow her to go anywhere, even on a quick errand, without HIM or he pouts and is angry with her for several days ???? I gave up trying to figure it out. Apart from this odd behavior, she has NO other odd behaviors or talk ! ? All I can say is, from what we have observed in our home, in her home, and out at public events, she just firmly believes the dog IS AN ACTUAL HUMAN PERSON with the same range of emotions, desires, and demands ! ?

:agree: Not much that's for sure, well, they do seem to know how to spend other people's money very very well... both parties...LOL !

Nice to know there are are animal/dog loves here who are also able to view pets in a rational way, and realize that while we should always treat animals with kindness and respect, they are not "equal to" human beings. You expressed some rational thinking, nice to see !