Most of my posts are about two-footed New Yorkers, but this one concerns those traveling on four feet – actually, four paws. What do you make of this sign, painted on the window of a store specializing in wireless communication devices?
Does this mean that the phones are chew-resistant or taste like premium dog chow? That they transmit every nuance of “arf arf” with perfect clarity? That the keyboard letters are far enough apart for paw-typing? I pondered these questions as I stared at the window. My first theory was that the store allows dogs inside, perhaps handing out chew toys or meaty bones. I considered the fact that lots of stores brag about their welcoming attitude to customers’ dogs. But those signs are usually smaller and located near the doorknob or handle. This one takes up a good portion of the shop window. Letting Fido into the establishment would seem to merit a less prominent sign. I still don’t know why it’s there, and I’m too shy to go in and ask.
This one is much smaller and located in the usual spot for such notices, right on the door. But it’s still strange:
The sign suggests that employees’ pets are banned, but customers’ pets are “allowed in the store.” What do you think?
What do I think of the idea of banning employees’ pets or does the sign suggest that employees’ pets are banned? If it’s the former, I agree, based on the slippery slope argument. If management allows employees’ pets in the store, the next thing you know they’ll want to invite in their friends and relatives.