It’s usually the same old story… my four-legged counterparts go inside while I wait outside in the cold tied to a bike rack, fire hydrant, or worse, a garbage can. There’s nothing worse than waiting, not knowing when I’ll see a familiar face again, with the terrifying sounds of cars, bicycles and strangers whizzing by.
So you can imagine my anxiety when I was awaken from my Saturday nap and quickly transported over the Bay Bridge (past that pesky S-Curve) to San Francisco. Our destination, Union Square, for some serious day after Black Friday shopping.
The city was hectic, streets lined with shoppers, travelers, vendors galore. Not many places I could walk without being accidentally stepped on because of my diminutive size.
I was able to make it a couple blocks until I arrived at the front of Macy’s department store. SF/SPCA volunteers were in front selling $5 chocolate tins to raise money for the organization. Macy’s also donated prime window real estate for the SPCA to decorate and show off animals for adoption. “So”, my dad proclaimed, “does Macy’s actually allow dogs inside the store?” The volunteer replied, “I think so, I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a dog in there before.”
Riding up the elevators... well more like being carried up
A large group of people crowded the entrance, awaiting their turn to take the elevators up to the Cheesecake Factory. I, instead, scampered quickly through the doors, past the doorwoman without notice. No words of “hey you with the dog” or ” sorry no dogs allowed inside” were uttered, so first step accomplished. It still didn’t help my uneasiness, since sneaking in wouldn’t help with all the suits with Macy’s badges walking around. But this was at least better than many other failed attempts to sneak me into other places (i.e. Costco).
After heading up six or seven escalators, I arrived in the furniture department. Luckily, the floors were mostly made of tiles and hardwood, but the occasional carpet or decorative chair lined the showroom. I walked on-leash around all the furniture pieces which included sectional couches, beds, chairs and sofas.
A salesman saw me sniffing various furniture exhibits and mannequinns wearing red sweaters and Santa hats, and stopped to observe with a puzzled brow, “Can I help you with anything?” “Yes, we’re here to look at couches,” my dad responded. “Sure thing, right this way,” he said.
Taking a breather while I wait for mom to finish shopping
The salesman, John, proceeded to show us a dozen floor models. Each time my parents took a seat, I also got to sit, sniff and feel each piece. John looked up and smiled, “It’s good you’ve brought the most important person making the decision to buy today”, he said petting me on the head.
As we looked over piece by piece, John patiently observed and answered all the questions my dad had. “By the way John, do many people bring their dogs in here to shop, as I don’t see any in here today?”
“All the time”, he responded. “Most people are very good about bringing only well behaved and mild mannered dogs here, so we don’t normally have a problem and we welcome that.”
Check out time and applying for a Macy's card to get 15% off my first order.
After seeing a few more samples, I finally sniffed out the one that I liked. A leather sectional made of 6 pieces that is easy to clear of pet hair. “Would you like purchase the ‘worrynomore’ clean guarantee that protects against accidental damage or spills to your furniture?” John asked.
Q: “Does it cover if Obi scratches it up or happens to use it as a toilet?”
A: “Unfortunately, it won’t cover damage caused by scratching or tearing from a bird, cat or dog, but other soiled damage can be claimed in the event such an unfortunate instance occurs.”
After finalizing the purchase price, and declining the clean guarantee, John handed us our receipt and scheduled delivery of our new furniture within 5 business days. “Obi will be very happy with this purchase, I can tell”, John said as he opened his drawer to show us a picture of his English Bulldog.
After completing the transaction and thanking John for his friendly service, we headed to the 4th floor in the woman’s department where mom went off to look at dresses. I received a fair share of “oohs and aahs” and “look at that hot dog”, as well as a few puzzled stares from other shoppers probably confused why there was a dog inside. After about 30 minutes of waiting along side dad in the “waiting room chairs”, we found mom and headed for the exit, where I passed the same doorwoman who I snuck by earlier. She saw me this time and smiled. “Oh what a cute dog” she said as I walked back out onto the streets of San Francisco. It was a fitting end to my first adventure in the human world.
Macy’s – Union Square, 170 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA 94102
Sniff is full of fascinating bits of science and dog lore. It will deepen your appreciation for these extraordinary creatures. Playful and fun for the whole family – just the way the dogs would want it!