By Stacie Greene, PetSafe Supply Chain Specialist
Although Cooper comes to work with me every day, I still try to take him different places and give him different experiences. It helps to reinforce good socialization to get him out of his comfort zone regularly. We, of course, frequent stores that are geared for him like Petsmart and Petco, but I also like to take him places where he would not normally encounter isles of treats, toys and other doggie smells. 
Stacie and Cooper have been shopping together lately - and not just in pet stores. What new, fun things have you and your pets been doing?
Unfortunately, most establishments do not openly welcome our furry friends. We all know that they can’t go inside restaurants or into grocery stores, but there is a plethora of other stores that may, if asked politely welcome them in for a great shopping experience. I preface all of my shopping experiences with Cooper with the fact that he is a small dog. As prejudicial as it may seem, larger dogs may not always be as welcome as Cooper has been.
Some of mine and Cooper’s favorite shopping places are Home Depot, Lowes and Best Buy. I wasn’t surprised when the associates of both Home Depot and Lowes welcome Cooper with a huge welcoming smile and a pat on his head. They are always so nice to us, our local Lowe’s even keeps a box of doggie biscuits at the customer service desk and tells us to make sure and stop by and see them during our shopping trip. I decided to test our boundaries and see if he might be welcomed in at Best Buy. I always ask upon entering any store, even those that we frequent on a regular basis, if they mind if he comes in with me. So far every time we have gone to Best Buy, they too give him a huge welcome.
Cooper has been to the bank, a lawyer’s office when I took my mother for estate planning, and even the closing on refinancing my mother’s condo. I always ask if he can come in and I always made sure that he has had a potty break before we enter any establishment. There is no surer way to make sure that you will not be welcomed back than if your furry child has an unexpected accident. I encourage all of you doggie parents out there to venture out with your furry kids. It is great for socializing them and makes your shopping trips all the more fun.
Have you ever taken your pet into a store that wasn't traditionally "pet-friendly?"
ABOUT STACIE Stacie Greene is a Supply Chain Specialist for PetSafe, head quartered in Knoxville, TN. She works to manage part of a global supply chain to deliver the best possible products for our customers. She has a BS in Operations Management, and 14 years experience in procurement, supply chain management and strategic sourcing. Her Lhasa apso, Cooper, logs the same hours at the office as Stacie. She volunteers with the Most Pet Friendly Community initiative that has a mission of making Knoxville, Tennessee the most pet friendly community in America.
