[Sandy and Ed]

Originally Posted by defrey12

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!

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.

[jparsoneau@aol.com]

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.

[mikeycereal]

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.

[Sandy and Ed]

Originally Posted by ThirdOfFive

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.

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

[Whitley]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy1

Yes, it IS the dogs owners choice but you are missing my point totally. I am asking WHY ….WHY do dog owners bring their dog to an event that thousands of people are going to be jammed into a small roped off area? Give me the reasons you do it…..seriously….WHY do you?

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.

[bragones]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy1

Yes, it IS the dogs owners choice but you are missing my point totally. I am asking WHY ….WHY do dog owners bring their dog to an event that thousands of people are going to be jammed into a small roped off area? Give me the reasons you do it…..seriously….WHY do you?

My previous dog used to turn the other way when I brought him to a square, so I stopped taking him. My current dog pipes up with excitement/wagging and practically pulls me into a square as we approach, so I take him there for a 1/2 hour or so. You asked why....because it makes us both happy. If its a packed event, I would stay on the outskirts though.

[Veiragirl]

Originally Posted by Sportsguy1

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?

Forget the big dogs issue it's gonna happen. My problem is the huge amount of PEOPLE. We have lived here for 10 years and have gone to this event every year...except this one. We tried to find a parking spot for the golfcart and did. In front of MVP gym. Needless to say we didnt stay. Ever since the Villages built across 44 , the crowds at everything are really bad.

[GmaLisaG]

Maybe just plainly that they want to bring them. No rule against it and maybe they just don't want to leave the dog alone at home. Their choice. I have dogs and love them dearly and choose not to bring them. My choice. ❤️

[Whitley]

I have no pets. Want to get that out there. I am amazed at people who get so upset over a dog at the outside square. You do not need to know why the owner brings the dog. You can be curious, and if you wish, ask someone when you see it, but no one really needs to give anyone a reason. I guessed at a few reasons. They meet others at the square with similar views on dogs, they feel more comfortable having the dog with them, they are socially awkward and the dog helps with their stress, having a dog with them leads to meeting more people. Whatever reason they have, it is their reason. Not worth stressing over.

[kendi]

If its that important for you to know then ask them directly. We brought our dog everywhere for the first 3 or 4 days after arriving at our rental. Gave her time to acclimate to the new house and environment before leaving her alone. She had been abandoned by previous owners so this was especially important to do. After that, no more to the squares.

[Daxdog]

Why do you bring kids, especially babies in strollers, they don’t care!

[airstreamingypsy]

Originally Posted by JSR22

Dog owners' choice. Not your business!

Exactly...... these people. <rolls eyes> Wah wah wah..... I saw dogs at the squares.

[mjr0773]

“why do you bring your dog to a jam packed people event?”

To the OP, why do you direct this towards everyone who reads this post. I was there that night too. The vast majority of participants did not have a dog with them.

[manaboutown]

My son who resides in the Panhandle area of Idaho has a wonderful (and smart) Terrier mix small dog which loves running and playing outdoors in nature. It loves to chase squirrels more than anything else. I doubt that dog would enjoy loud music and crowds at the squares.

[PugMom]

Originally Posted by airdote22

See my best friend or I just want to pi## off others

dittos. we bring them to the squares so you could have something to complain about online. if no dogs were present, it would be 1 less thing for you to 'discuss' , leaving only little white crosses & ladies with clipboards. if you don't like it, well, you could always stay home, as it is not your decision to make.