Don’t Leave Your Dog in Front of a Store
Over the 4th of July weekend, I stopped at a grocery store. The parking lot was full and there are many people around the entrance. Quite chaotic compared to an ordinary week day.
Then I heard a dog yelping.
It was a small terrier-looking dog tied to the outer part of a trash can in front of the store. He was desperately looking for his owner; staring at the crowded entrance, he probably couldn’t see a thing.
Small kids that didn’t seem to know how to approach a dog would come by and try to touch him. The poor little dog was trying so hard to be brave being surrounded by a bunch of kids.
The dog didn’t have any space around him.
Shopping carts are stored right in from of him. Lots of traffic.
And again, being tied to a trash can that is on the edge of a parking lot and where shopping carts are stored.
Do You Think This is Okay?
The saddest part is that the little dog would probably welcome his owner happily when they finally come back from the store, with no anger or frustration at all. The owner will have no idea what the dog just had to go through.
Am I being overprotective?
I hope everyone who is reading this is on the same page as me.
Think of these possibilities and consequences:
- If the dog bit someone (out of fear) –> The dog would be in danger of being euthanized.
- If the dog would get loose out –> The dog could be injured or killed by a car
- The dog could be taken by someone who simply wants a dog as a pet, who very well may end up abusing or neglecting the dog.
Or just imagine how scared and worried the dog feels being left alone in a place like that.
Exceptions? Maybe, But Most Likely Not
You may feel that your dog is well-trained and capable of waiting with no problem.
This may work in certain cases, such as being in a small store in your neighborhood that you and you dog are very familiar with, and there is space where your dog can comfortably wait for you.
But in the Bay Area where I live, I can’t think of any situation where a dog can be left alone safely.
Please Help Keep Pets Safe
If you didn’t think it was a big deal leaving your dog in public places, please give it some thought.
Or if you know of your friends or family who leave their dogs alone in public places, please try to convince them that it’s just not safe.
There are too many pets who are lost, stolen, and killed by cars.
Thank you all for spreading the word!
About Author
Eri Suzaki, CCMT – Canine Therapeutics
I've always wanted to do something related to animals but never knew what direction I wanted to go in. As I watched my dog Chuckie age, as well as struggling with my own arthritis, I finally got the answer to what I was looking for when I heard about canine massage. Since the beginning of Canine Therapeutics in 2010, I've had nothing but amazing experiences with each dog that I've worked with.
I look forward to meeting with you and making a positive difference in your dog's health!
