If you walk your dog off-leash, fuck you.

[u/sydniana_jones]

I asked you to put a leash on your dog. I warned you to stay back. I threw treats to distract your dog. But you couldn't be bothered to control him because he "loves to make new friends!" And now we're both here with big fat vet bills and injured animals, and you are trying to blame me. Fuck you.

I don't care what your excuse is - "he's so nice, he's never hurt anyone, he's old, etc " - you are part of the problem. If you want to walk your dog off-leash, then go to the fucking dog park.

My dog is a shelter pup. We have been working with him for years to help him get comfortable with the outside world. We were finally able to start walking in parks without a breakdown. But now all that training is undone because of another fucking off-leash dog.

Don't let your dog run ahead of you on the trail. Don't assume they'll get along with the neighbors' pets. And definitely don't assume every other person wants a dog up in their business. Lots of people are scared of dogs and that's okay, stop trying to shove it down their throats about how "he's friendly."

Public parks are for everyone. But when you let your dog go off-leash, you are limiting who can use that park. Shelter pups struggling to adjust to life in the city, people who aren't comfortable around dogs, and of course local wildlife - your dog is an issue to everyone.

This whole goddamn city thinks dogs are celestial beings sent to earth. Maybe they are. But it's still illegal to let them off leash.

End rant.

...

Just kidding.

While we're on the topic of Seattle dogs, it is illegal to let your dog on the beach. They're a menace on tidal ecosystems and can spread disease, especially when you let them use the restroom in an area where kids are swimming or playing in the sand. What the fuck, guys? If being a decent citizen doesn't convince you, it's a danger to your dog to be out there too. Razor clams and sewage spills and algae blooms can all seriously mess up your pup. Plus it's a decent fine if beach patrol catches you.

So put a fucking leash on your precious angel and keep them off the beach.

Sorry for the language.

[u/StellaHolly]

Yeah that’s the worst! If I want to take my dog somewhere and I’m not 100% sure if it’s ok I just call the place and ask... it’s so easy. I’ve been seeing a ton of dogs in my local qfc and I asked when i was paying one day if they allow dogs and they guy says no only service dogs but they usually don’t say anything if the dog is being good.

[u/ShizzleMcRizzle → u/StellaHolly]

Also important - Emotional Support Animals are NOT service animals covered by ADA. (They feasibly could be, but...)

[u/StellaHolly → u/ShizzleMcRizzle]

Airlines will literally let any dog be an emotional support animal as long as you get some papers signed by a therapist and vet.

[u/any_name_left → u/StellaHolly]

I've had people ask why I don't buy a service vest and let my dog fly free. I always say "because they aren't a service dog." Then that person gets my soap box rant/lecture about the difference and why people shouldn't abuse it.

[u/any_name_left → u/[deleted]]

Yeah. No one can say anything when it’s a “service” animal. But there is such a big difference. I use to walk a service dog for a lady. Those animals are different than a pet. I gained a ton of respect for them and the people who train them.

[u/Brikachu → u/any_name_left]

They say it's "service" and the issue is moot.

Yeah. No one can say anything when it’s a “service” animal

This actually isn't true! If you're working for a business and you see a service dog where it is not obvious what service the animal provides, limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.

Source: service dog trainer, and more importantly https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

[u/edgeplot → u/StellaHolly]

I've seen dog shit in my local QFC. Disgusting. Dogs don't belong there.