Where to walk your dog indoors?

[Ponycatraz]

My elderly mom got a rollator this spring and it’s been life changing for her. She went from needing her oxygen to sit and watch tv to taking her dog on 30 minute walks without needing her oxygen the whole trip. Walking the dog has been super motivating for her.

Problem is where she lives is about to get a hot spell of an estimated 101 with extreme humidity. Mom called me last night and was very sad that it might be two weeks until she can go again.

So options in places she can walk her dog indoors? She lives in a big city so she does have a few pet stores that are good for small walks. I did ask her to check Lowe’s and Home Depot as ours are pet friendly but I know that is often on a store by store basis.

Any other ideas? Other pet friendly places that are good to walk in?

Thanks!!

[BrendaJane]

tractor supply
the one here has some folks with their working dogs come in for training.

[Marla_100]

My son takes my German Shepherd to a local Mall- nicely air conditioned.
No problems yet but she does look like a service dog in her harness. So maybe that’s why no one’s said anything.

[Ponycatraz]

I keep thinking her mall would be perfect but I figured it wasn’t allowed. I’m not sure anyone would mistake a Boston terrier with a little old lady as a service dog.

[Marla_100]

I’d tell her to do it anyway as long as the dog is well behaved, just don’t go into any stores.

I doubt anyone would bother her.

[Ponycatraz]

The dog is a saint! She is so good walking with my mom. Never pulls on her and is very patient! Plus she loves walking so her excitement gets mom out the door on days she’s stay in front of the TV.

Thank you!

[Marla_100]

Let us know how it works out. Tell her my son takes my dog almost everywhere inside stores like
Walgreens, CVS, 7-11, and I’ve seen little dogs in my large Publix supermarkets.

[Ponycatraz]

Good points! Luckily they both have gotten a lot of experience at dog friendly events like the 4th of July parades or outdoor events. Lily sticks right at the walker, isn’t interested in anything else including other dogs, and patiently sits and waits while mom takes breaks. She really is a great dog.

[Angela_Freda]

My concern would be another dog coming at her, even if she’s close to the walker.

[BrendaJane]

true, but most places people don’t take their dogs for walks indoors.
If at all.
I mean, I just got back from the park, and I saw or heard several dogs besides my own, but nowhere near as many as I see driving past houses.

And if you sneak into the AC places, O bet there are fewer yet. Because the people taking their dogs there are usually ultra concerned that their pets behave.
Mine don’t so the pet store isn’t on the list of frequent outings.

And I doubt anybody would say something to a sweet little old lady and her pup even it it’s technically not allowed (I don’t care for dogs in the grocery stores. but they won’t hurt anything every place else.)

I hope Mum will have a nice outing with her pup!

[jonem004]

A few years ago I got a Dr’s note to bring my JRT on a plane. Would your moms Dr give her a note to bring her dog to the mall? I don’t like folks doing the fake service dog thin, but this accommodation could realistically improve your mother’s quality and possibly length of life. A Dr note would give any security guard a reason to leave them be.

[Ponycatraz]

Thank you! They love walking together and it has been life changing for her! Mom is doing so much better. Last spring she I don’t think she could do anything. We got her the rollator and she spent two weeks with us walking the dog every day, getting the mail on her own, and going to the park. My husband was so happy for her he cried.

Sorry I don’t know how to multi quote in my reply so forgive the stacked posts.

[Ponycatraz]

Yeah that has been my worry, but it’s a concern when she is just out walking down the sidewalk too.

Do you carry pepper spray or anything to help when you are out with your service dog? I’m just not sure what to send her out with.

[Ponycatraz]

Her dr would write her a note for sure. He is so happy with her progress… She couldn’t even complete her breathing test. She just had a breathing test and actually completed it without oxygen.

I hate the fake service dog thing too, but I have been wondering what it would take to make Lily a legit service dog so mom could take her legally everywhere. Lily has impeccable manners so I don’t worry about her misbehaving. She won’t even take treats from anyone other than mom.

[Ponycatraz]

Great idea on the positional queues. I really like the idea of having her switch sides or fall behind. I was also debating teaching her to jump onto the seat on command so she would be completely off the ground and mom could wheel her away.

She picks up commands very fast so we should be able to do that. I was planning on having mom come visit again (and maybe look at apartments here) once it cools down and I’m sure we could have positional queues solid.

It does look like there is a place near her that does medical alert training. That might be a good option with the bonus of catching when moms O2 levels are low and get her the emergency inhaler.

[Ponycatraz]

Thought I’d give an update. After not walking for a few days because of the heat mom decided today was the day and went to the mall. Lily was of course well behaved, and no one said anything.

The mall was pretty empty so not a lot of craziness going on. @BrendaJane I think you were right that no one wants to say anything to a sweet little old lady with a walker and obviously on oxygen.

She said she is going to try tomorrow too! If anyone asks her to leave she will and not try it again, but so far so good. She is so happy.