6x this is what you need to know when you go shopping with your dog

So I have a dog. Suddenly. Well, we have been looking forward to it for months but now she is here. On the one hand, it feels like it has always been this way, while some things are totally different again. Shopping, for example.

1. Twice as long

Keep that in mind. Your chats double. People pet your dog, cheer, coo, and yes, you don't immediately pull on that leash and speed up. That's rude. And besides, you secretly enjoy it too.

2. New friends

So I suddenly know other dog owners. And dogs. I meet them in the park and then suddenly see them cycling past my house. Hey, there's Whisky's owner, my daughters and I say to each other. Also, my knowledge of the breed repertoire has increased tenfold, ha. And oh yes, your dog is also incredibly happy when she meets like-minded individuals. That happens in the woods but certainly also while shopping. Great fun, but see point 1; it takes time. A lot of time.

3. There's the door gap

Suddenly you're not welcome everywhere. I understand it. Hygiene is very important and if you have a nice delicatessen, you might not want damp snouts going past the artichokes. But what confuses me or rather irritates me, is that many places don't have a sticker on the door, but you still get kicked out. Then you really feel uncomfortable.

4. No, I won't tie her to a hook

Continuation of point 3. Then someone shows you the door and you (I) argue that there is nowhere indicated that dogs are not welcome. “But I have a hook next to the front door. You can tie her there.” Then I fall silent for a moment. And at the same time, I want to say a lot. What do you think? Is there one of those. Do you know how much that dog costs? I don't hang my Chanel bag on the hook by the door either? Do you know how unfriendly that is? I'm shopping with her, after all? Have you ever heard of together out, together home? Well, that's what I think then. And I puff that away.

5. “Can the dog have a cookie?”

Look, there are also places where you are welcome. Extremely welcome even. So welcome that when checking out, they ask if the dog can have a cookie. “Do you mean a dog cookie?” But that's not what they mean. A regular cookie then. Then I think all sorts of things again. But this is a baby. A báby. And also a dog baby. A dóg. She shouldn't have sugar, right?

6. The paradise

And then you arrive at a place where everything comes together. Where a bowl of water is ready, where responsible snacks are available, and where your puppy can't do any harm. Where is this paradise? The pet specialty store. It's going to be my new hangout. You get it, I get it.

Love from the overprotective, whiny dog mom. Looking forward to more dog stories. Then read the the big puppy checklist.