Rant – WS Farmers Market

[Shibaguyz]

As much as we would LOVE to support the WS Farmers Market, we have STILL not been given a satisfactory answer from them about why we can not take our dogs with us to the market.

We have been attending the Ballard Farmers Market for over a year now and have taken two and sometimes three of our dogs with us. Not only are our dogs welcomed by the vendors, but they know us by our dogs and have treats and food set aside for them.

The two answers we have been given from the WS Farmers Market folks have been vague about the vendors not wanting dogs around then about the patrons not wanting dogs around. We know most of the vendors and they never attended a meeting or voted on or spoke out about not wanting dogs attending the market. We were there the first week that those offensive “no dogs” signs showed up and there was an outrage from the dog owners and from the other market patrons who asked why we were all standing around the edge of the market with our dogs.

So… if someone can finally give me an answer that is true and supportable by fact as to why we can not attend this market with our dogs, I will stop ranting about it. Until then, expect to see me here at every available opportunity protesting what seems to be one organizer’s anti-dog attitude.

Like what I’m saying or not. I’m gonna keep on until I get an answer this time.

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[Kayleigh]

I’m not defending the ban here and I love dogs. But maybe someone had an incident with a dog getting on/in/around the prepared food. It only takes one incident sometimes for people to overreact.

Soon we will have almost as many dog-related posts as we have Obama posts. ;-)

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[Erik]

The one time I went to the market as a looky lou, I had my big lab with me. Never being there before, I entered between a gap in tents and never saw the ‘no dogs allowed’ signs till I left. No one said anything to me. There were alot of dogs outside..hehe

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[Shibaguyz]

That is what we thought Kayleigh but there were no such incidences to be found when we asked around. In general, we have seen more children running out of control than the dogs at the market! LOL

Erik, we did the same thing once. We were walking from the pet supply to the car and walked, apparently, too close to the boundary line of the tent. Some woman with a name tag on and wild, curly hair started running toward us and telling us how we could either find another way to walk through the public parking lot the market sets on or we would be removed. Removed???

Again, everyone at the markets knows us because our pups are so unique so I think she saw us coming as “those guys” who keep asking her why we can’t bring out dogs into an outdoor public market.

Here’s an idea: what if we all walked in with our dogs… hhmmmm…

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[amrakx]

I’m not a fan of dogs and whether I’m in the minority or not, like the rule, peace.

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[Anonymous]

I’ve never had the opportunity to visit the Farmer’s Market, but I would assume they have to follow the same rules as any establishment that serves/sells food. I think it is a health code violation.

It’s possible that the other Farmer’s Market you patronized just didn’t enforce the rule. But that is inconsistent to you as the customer, which is extremely frustrating.

It must be frustrating to not be told a straight answer as well. Have you ever asked to speak with the person who runs the Market and ask them?

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[Sue]

Well, the West Seattle and the Ballard farmers markets are run by two different organizations, which might be why the rules are different.

For me personally, I can’t stand dogs. If I go to a business (like a coffee shop) and there is a dog there, I leave. So I welcome the rule about no dogs there. I go to enough outdoor events like street fairs where there are dogs that get under my feet, jump up on me, etc. Not everyone thinks they’re adorable and wonderful. I treat my cat like he’s part of the family and love him to death, but I don’t take him everywhere with me, nor I expect everyone to want to be around him all the time.

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[WSB]

I’ve e-mailed the folks who manage the West Seattle Farmers’ Market to ask for the exact wording of the rule, on behalf of those who are confused about the rationale behind it. Will post here (maybe main page too depending on how things are going) when a reply comes in.

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[Anonymous]

Not relevant to the topic, but I don’t understand people who *can’t stand* dogs or any other animals. Maybe you can’t stand something jumping on you or digging in your garden or barking when you walk by, etc. But how can you despise a creature? I can’t stand people who think that way.

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[Shibaguyz]

While I respect those of you who don’t like or “can’t stand” dogs, that’s not what this is about. And, no, there is nothing about health code violations at an open air farmers market… we already checked that out… we had the same thought…

Thanks for contacting them lowmanbeach. I’ve tried getting ahold of them and have asked specifically to talk to the manager of the market but the same woman is always there and says that he “just left a few minutes ago.” We leave our contact information and then never hear anything. We were also tipped off that the woman we keep meeting there is the manager and that she is avoiding this particular issue.

I, and other people who take their dogs with them everywhere, would just like an answer instead of the run around… so… thanks again lowmanbeach.

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[JoB]

There is a huge difference between well trained and well behaved dogs and those that jump on other people.

I will probably not be going to the farmers market this summer if the dog rule persists.. i will go to ballard.

i won’t leave my dogs in a hot car.. and i seldom leave them home.

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[Sue]

I can’t speak for others, but one of the reasons I “can’t stand” dogs is after I got attacked by a pack of them while walking down the street 20 years ago, having my leg ripped open while simply trying to go to work. So not only am I afraid of them, but almost every time I encounter someone’s pet dog, they are sniffing at me, jumping on me, drooling on me and breathing that disgusting doggy breath at me. And for the record, I don’t want anyone’s kid doing that to me either.

And JT, I find it kinda amusing that it’s not okay if I or others can’t stand dogs, but it’s okay if you “can’t stand” people who can’t stand something.

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[Shibaguyz]

Sue – I’m sorry that happened to you however, as I stated before, whether or not someone can stand dogs is not what this is about so I’m not going to get into that argument. It is a personal preference that you have and, again, as I stated before, I can respect how you feel about it.

I am not looking to bring inflammatory language and hostility into this discussion. I am simply looking for information from people who might have some to offer. I am also not looking for a debate about whether people do or don’t like dogs or whether they “feel” dogs should be allowed into the market. I’m looking for an answer from the market managers and for information regarding the law.

The point is about the laws and whether they can ban dogs from a public space where there is no violation of health codes.

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[Sue]

I agree with you, Shibaguyz – I work for lawyers, so it does seem odd that it’s okay in one market and not in the other, which tells me it’s most likely not a legal issue (in terms of health codes). I wonder if it may have something to do with it being designated as “private property” while the market is there (and not a public lot) and that they can do they want with their private property – just speculating here; I’ll be curious too as to what the actual law is on it.

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[Anonymous]

Sue, I purposefully used your language to make a point. Your fears are totally justified and I’m sorry you were hurt. The other reasons are just plain prejudice, kind of like what I would be If I seriously couldn’t stand you. I do understand fear and in your circumstances would not want to be exposed to dogs, but again to despise a living creature for its mere existence and natural behavior (breathing, drooling) is rather harsh.

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[Julie]

Shibaguys, I do understand that you’re asking a limited question about why dogs are banned from the WS Farmers’ Market, and what the law says about this.

But you’ve posted this question in a discussion forum, so, although I have no information as to why or whether dogs may be banned from the Market, I do feel entitled to express my opinion, as a customer, that I prefer people not bring dogs into the Market area.

I don’t object to dogs in general, and there are individual dogs I like. I appreciate the many courteous dog owners who take good care of their dogs, keep them leashed in areas where there are people or wildlife, train them well, clean up after them, do not treat them as living fashion accessories–and don’t insist on bringing them into shops, restaurants, and other areas where there are people who may, for various good reasons, prefer to avoid their presence.

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[amrakx]

I am not a fan of dogs. I live on Alki and have seen many people disregard leash law signs and leave their dog’s treats for others to clean up. I have been chased while jogging, jumped on by wet dogs while walking the beach. I respect those owners who obey the regulations of the park and beach area and observe posted signs. I realize this is not relevant to the topic but in Sue’s defense just as there are areas where dogs are allowed unleashed, there are areas where I feel dogs are inappropriate. Perhaps the Ballard market would be a more suitable market to visit if the West Seattle market continues its no dogs allowed policy. I for one like the policy.

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[Anonymous]

amrakx, I completely share your feelings about irresponsible dog owners. It’s rude and disgusting to leave treats and/or let your dog run free to disturb others. I try to be as conscientious as possible and I don’t feel my rights supersede or should infringe on those of others. In most cases I think there is room for all of us if we’re respectful. And sometimes because of the bad actions of others, rules have to be put into place that I might not necessarily like. I will respect that as well.

I still don’t understand, however, how people can flatly state a hatred for an animal. It seems the actions some don’t like lie at the fault of the humans.

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[charlabob]

Good grief, “You will be removed?” That is outrageous. No matter what the rules, that kind of attitude and pronouncement by people “in authority” is just flat out unacceptable and whoever said it needs to be called on it.

The only reason I can see for keeping dogs out of the market is that it is incredibly congested and crowded — but, I’d like to keep about half the people away (at least when I’m shopping) for the same reason. They really just need more space–for dogs and for people.

Welcome, Shibaguyz — and (Apollo, Atlas, Ares, and Hera.) All of your blogs are just too seductive and fun. :-)

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[amrakx]

JT, I agree with you, “blanket” hatred can be construed as prejudice and I don’t believe it has any place or serves any purpose on a shared planet.

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[Jerald]

I wish there was a way to differentiate between large and small dogs. I appreciate that large dogs might get too close to the food items, but I’d like to be able to carry my little dog unobtrusively around.

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[JoB]

i will admit that the ballard market has more room for both people and dogs and a nearby walking strip that is easily accessible most of the length of the market…

both West Seattle and University markets use an enclosed format and both ban dogs.. of course they may also be owned by the same people.

It may be tat is is easier for the ballard mkt to accomodate pets…

I don’t have a problem with there being places my pooches aren’t welcome. but it will mean i go.. and spend my dollars..more often where they are.

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[Anonymous]

JoB – Very well said. I don’t have a problem with businesses that choose to ban pets (or children), but I will not go there or spend my money there.

A little off topic, I had some friends in from out of town and we all went to the Matador. I had no idea that it was an “adults only” restaurant. I’ve actually never heard of that (a bar, of course, but not a restaurant). That is fine, it’s their business. However, they couldn’t have been more rude about my daughter having walked into the restaurant. Because of the way they handled the situation, we will never go back.

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[amrakx]

We can’t be expected to spend our hard earned dollars everywhere, unless you happen to be Mr. Bill Gates. Spend your money selectively where you’re well received and I will do the same. It’s capitalism 101.

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[Gina]

When the Market first started, there were a lot of people that brought dogs that were perfectly friendly with humans. But were very agressive towards other dogs. What a fun atmosphere with the snapping and snarling of teeth, foam flecking their lips. The smaller the dog, the more agressive. I would quickly pick up my summer berries, and get the heck out of there.

Figured after enough labs ended up with teacup poodles clamped on their throats, there would be some kind of dog ban. You just need one out of control dog to ruin a fun family outing. Keeping the dog by the side, and not 10 feet away on a retractable leash when in a crowd that size didn’t seem to be an option for many folks. After all, it’s their dog, and you should watch for that leash strung like fishing line across the lot.

My problem with pets in public places is the owners. Guide dogs go everywhere, and behave. Pets that people want to go everywhere should be held to the high level of behavior we expect from guide dogs.

My cat cannot achieve that level of behavior, so has to stay home, curled up on the sofa.

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