What’s the pet policy?:
”
I was at Kohl’s and there was a lady pushing a dog around in one
of the carts. It was not a seeing eye dog, by the way, or any type
of dog that would be allowed if you were handicapped.
What’s the pet policy?: “I was at Kohl’s and there was a lady pushing a dog around in one of the carts. It was not a seeing eye dog, by the way, or any type of dog that would be allowed if you were handicapped. I was wondering … I know there are laws against taking dogs into grocery stores, but how about other stores? Thank you. And Red Phone, you’re doing a great job.”
Thanks for the interesting question and for the compliment. Like a bloodhound, the Red Phone got on the trail and found out that stores create their own policies when it comes to allowing animals inside their buildings.
Red Phone contacted Sandy Tompkins, store manager for the Gilroy Kohl’s, to find out if the lady pushing the dog around in the cart was going against the store’s policy.
“The Gilroy Kohl’s policy on allowing non-service dogs inside the store, is that we follow the company guidelines,” Tompkins said. And the guidelines are such they do not prohibit non-service animals inside the store.
Tompkins said this is “provided that they do not pose a threat to our customers or our merchandise. As we are primarily a clothing retailer, we would hope that our customers would use discretion in their decision to bring their pet in the store.”
However caller, should you be concerned about an animal in the store or if you feel uncomfortable, you can tell employees.
“We do reserve the right to ask a customer to remove their dog from the premises if we do find that customer service and cleanliness are being threatened because of the animal,” Tompkins said. “We do not encourage animals in the building, but they are not prohibited. Providing a clean, friendly and convenient shopping experience for all of our customers is our goal.”
How dare you!: “I just read an article from someone who called in about the street vendors and it just bothered me and I had to call. I can’t believe you’re printing things so racist as, ‘what are we living in, a third world country?’ … These people are making an honest living and I don’t know why things have come to be so snobby that we can’t support people making a living. I work at a store that cuts down trees to be here. There’s worse things going on that we’re supporting that we have to try to pick on the little guy. Maybe you’ll print one of those.”
For those who missed it, this caller is referring to the Red Phone column on April 2, when another caller complained about fruit vendors selling in residential areas and commented that, “We don’t live in a third world country.”
The Red Phone likes to keep things fair, so caller, there’s your call and comments to balance things out.
Parents, wake up: “I’m sure by now most of Gilroy is aware of the recent vandalism and fire setting that’s been going on in our district. It’s not bad enough that the schools are suffering from lack of funds, but don’t they realize that schools have insurance carriers and when damage happens, claims are made and premiums go up? … Who bears the brunt of the increase in cost? The taxpayers.
“My question is to the people who live around the schools: Why aren’t you keeping an eye on things? If there’s something going on, call the police department. … Keep an eye on things. People, know where your kids are. And when I say kids, I mean 18, 19, 20-year-olds because that’s usually who’s causing all the grief.
“Parents are not raising their kids to respect other people’s property. If it doesn’t belong to you, don’t touch it, don’t wreck it. I’ve read how caring Gilroyans are, but for crying out loud, it’s these little things. … Tell your kids to keep their hands off.
“And another thing, I’m tired of hearing your kids speak those (bad) words. I hear them from kindergartners. If you don’t believe me, come volunteer at a school. You will be shocked.”
The Red Phone was shocked – at the length of your message. Thank goodness for editing and ellipses. You make a valid point, but take note faithful readers, your dutiful Red Phone has to sort through and transcribe your calls, so try to keep them pithy. Red Phone thanks you in advance.
