Reception Venue Help! What would you do?

MrsCoffee · July 2012

I was bitten (unprovoked) by a Jack Russell dog at the business office of my wedding reception venue right after paying a $2,000 non-refundable deposit! The bite didn't break skin, but it was painful and it left a nasty bruise on my upper thigh. The dog belongs to the owner of the venue. He apologized and offered to give me a gift card for the inconvenience, but refused to offer any kind of discount toward our reception, though we would be spending at least $7,500 more with them in the next year! I've taken the necessary steps to CYA, and I'm thinking about taking legal action against the owner who seems content to let his dogs (yes, there were at least 3 of them) roam around their business office... What should I do? What would you do?

Nebb · July 2012

Jack russels are little shits and I think youre over reacting.

anna.oskar · July 2012

Honestly, with no broken skin i'd have just taken the GC and apology and then carried on. But I'm not sue-happy.

NicoleSahara · July 2012

I'd probably take the gift card. There were no costs to you because of the bite, right? You said it didn't break the skin so I'm guessing you didn't go to the doctor. I'd probably also bring a stick with me next time I went to that office. I'm only half joking about the last part.

cheeseandrice · July 2012

I have a feeling there is more to this story....

Why are you taking legal action? As long as the dogs won't be roaming around your wedding, whogivesashit?

J&K10910 · July 2012

If it were me, and I was that upset about it, I would have kindly asked for my check back and taken my business elsewhere.

annie912 · July 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_reception-venue-help-what-would-you-do?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:f68a170f-dcfc-4cef-88e1-1357eaad7dcdPost:c85af8f7-7b4e-4053-ac8a-55717b012090">Re: Reception Venue Help! What would you do?</a>:
[QUOTE]If it were me, and I was that upset about it, I would have kindly asked for my check back and taken my business elsewhere.
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

This.

I get that you're upset, but it doesn't sound like you have grounds to take any type of legal action. The first thing a court would want to know is what are your damages? Since the bite didn't break the skin, did you even go to the doctor? It's not like you needed a rabies shot, stitches, etc. In other words, based on what you've told us, there are no damages, ie nothing to bring legal action over.

They offered you a gift card. That was a gesture of goodwill. Can the gift card be applied to your final bill? If so, there's your discount. If you didn't think it was enough, negotiating at the time probably would have been more successful than trying to address it now.

I see this is a bit of an over-reaction, and threatening legal action over a dog bite that didn't break the skin honestly makes me think that you might be looking at this not as some traumatic experience but as a way to get something out of a situation.

MrsCoffee · July 2012

I'm not sue-happy at all, but thanks for the additional judgement. I'm simply asking an opinion.

After I was bitten, I called my doctor and he advised by him to go to the emergency room AFTER I told him that it was only a bruise. Yes, I did report the dog to animal control because I don't want anyone else to be bitten. I saw the dogs were roaming the hallways right after I got off of the elevator. I was bitten by a dog as a child, so I tried my best not to show fear or look the dogs in the eye. A big stick may work for 1 dog, but 3-4 dogs would be a little too much for me to handle.

I don't have anything against dogs, but having 3-4 dogs at a business office where strangers will be stopping by is a little unprofessional in my opinion.

I will not be venturing to the business office ever again.

annie912 · July 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_reception-venue-help-what-would-you-do?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:f68a170f-dcfc-4cef-88e1-1357eaad7dcdPost:2c668ccb-23ec-499a-b14a-4906042b88cc">Re: Reception Venue Help! What would you do?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm not sue-happy at all, but thanks for the additional judgement. I'm simply asking an opinion. After I was bitten, I called my doctor and he advised by him to go to the emergency room AFTER I told him that it was only a bruise. Yes, I did report the dog to animal control because I don't want anyone else to be bitten. I saw the dogs were roaming the hallways right after I got off of the elevator. I was bitten by a dog as a child, so I tried my best not to show fear or look the dogs in the eye. A big stick may work for 1 dog, but 3-4 dogs would be a little too much for me to handle. I don't have anything against dogs, but having 3-4 dogs at a business office where strangers will be stopping by is a little unprofessional in my opinion. I will not be venturing to the business office ever again.
Posted by MrsCoffee[/QUOTE]

If you went to the ER, you'd be within your rights to ask the venue to cover the cost of the ER visit. Beyond that, I don't think there's much from a legal standpoint.

If you think they're unprofessional and don't want to do business with them, is it possible to get out of the contract and find another venue?

Short of that, there's no real advice to be given on this.

J&K10910 · July 2012

So what did the ER doctor say?

And if you think it's unprofessional to have dogs at the business office, why did you choose to work with them?

And I don't really understand what you hope to gain from this. Can you tell me what you hope to gain from this? Because then I might be able to better advise you.

whitsy · July 2012

Maybe I'm just weird, but I know tons of businesses that have their pets at the store. My hairdresser has a cat, my dentist has some little teacup thing, the guy where I buy my produce and we get our venison processed has a lab. I mean, it's crappy that the dog bit you, but it didn't break skin I don't know what kind of legal action you could take.

And reporting the dogs to animal control makes me sad because then I worry they could be removed and put down

kroot87 · July 2012

We're talking about a couple of Jack Russells here? I don't mean to downplay your concerns or your fear of dogs. OP, but you're totally overreacting. Take your GC and be happy with it, or find another venue.

ETA: What Whitsy said. There are dogs in businesses all over the place here. One of the big towns in the area even has "dog friendly business" window stickers on half the downtown businesses.

MrsCoffee · July 2012

Thanks for your opinions!

At this point, there isn't much for me to gain from taking any legal actions, so I don't think I'll go that route. Reading what you all had to say has made me realize that, so I thank you all again.

I had never been to the venue's business office before, but had I known there were dogs roaming, I would NOT have gone there! I still plan to do business with them. I just won't be venturing to the second floor...

J&K10910 · July 2012

I think it's completely unprofessional for people to take their pets to work. People are allergic, have phobias, etc. When you're at work, you're there to work, not watch your pets. And when you're not watching your pets, shiiit like this happens.

Then again, i also cannot understand people that think that their pets need to go everywhere with them. We had a friend not come over for the 4th of July because when he said he was bringing his dog (SAID, did not ask), we said "well, it's going to be hot, we have little shade in our yard, and we prefer him to not be in the house."

NicoleSahara · July 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_reception-venue-help-what-would-you-do?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:17Discussion:f68a170f-dcfc-4cef-88e1-1357eaad7dcdPost:bddb045e-3048-4a2a-b5a8-ddd36222a1b1">Re: Reception Venue Help! What would you do?</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it's completely unprofessional for people to take their pets to work. People are allergic, have phobias, etc. When you're at work, you're there to work, not watch your pets. And when you're not watching your pets, shiiit like this happens. Then again, i also cannot understand people that think that their pets need to go everywhere with them. <strong>We had a friend not come over for the 4th of July</strong> because when he said he was bringing his dog (SAID, did not ask), we said "well, it's going to be hot, we have little shade in our yard, and we prefer him to not be in the house."
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

I wouldn't let someone bring their dog in my house either and can't believe someone would just assume they could bring their dog into your house with them like that. Rude.

whitsy · July 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_reception-venue-help-what-would-you-do?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:f68a170f-dcfc-4cef-88e1-1357eaad7dcdPost:bddb045e-3048-4a2a-b5a8-ddd36222a1b1">Re: Reception Venue Help! What would you do?</a>:
[QUOTE]I think it's completely unprofessional for people to take their pets to work. People are allergic, have phobias, etc. When you're at work, you're there to work, not watch your pets. And when you're not watching your pets, shiiit like this happens. Then again, i also cannot understand people that think that their pets need to go everywhere with them. We had a friend not come over for the 4th of July because when he said he was bringing his dog (SAID, did not ask), we said "well, it's going to be hot, we have little shade in our yard, and we prefer him to not be in the house."
Posted by J&K10910[/QUOTE]

<div>Maybe it's just a small town thing? I don't know, it's just not that uncommon around here and I've never thought about it being unprofessional.</div>

pillsburyaj · July 2012

In Response to<strong> <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_reception-venue-help-what-would-you-do?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:f68a170f-dcfc-4cef-88e1-1357eaad7dcdPost:d20e2ad0-6747-4f47-b37e-ec6f94ef7fa2">Re: Reception Venue Help! What would you do?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Reception Venue Help! What would you do? : This. I get that you're upset, but it doesn't sound like you have grounds to take any type of legal action. The first thing a court would want to know is what are your damages? Since the bite didn't break the skin, did you even go to the doctor? It's not like you needed a rabies shot, stitches, etc. In other words, based on what you've told us, there are no damages, ie nothing to bring legal action over. They offered you a gift card. That was a gesture of goodwill. Can the gift card be applied to your final bill? If so, there's your discount. If you didn't think it was enough, negotiating at the time probably would have been more successful than trying to address it now. I see this is a bit of an over-reaction, and threatening legal action over a dog bite that didn't break the skin honestly makes me think that you might be looking at this not as some traumatic experience but as a way to get something out of a situation.</strong>
Posted by annie912[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>All of this.

</div>

J&K10910 · July 2012

Pillsbury, I'm thoroughly creeped out by your sig.

pillsburyaj · July 2012

J&K, not my intent! I just find that girl hysterical in a kinda sad way. I'll prob change it to my furbabies soon.

Nebb · July 2012

Pillsbury, make that shite smaller. Thats wicked obnoxious.

eureka30030 · July 2012

I don't think its unprofessional, so long as your animals are well behaved, and obviously, these were not. I work at a law firm in a small town & a few ladies here bring their dogs with them daily and weve never had any issues aside from a stray bark or two which is quickly corrected. Many of the small businesses around our town have residence dogs & cats also... My FI & I own a retail store and our pooch is there with him almost daily, BUT She stays on a leash when she's there in case anyone is not ok with dogs... But the shop next to us has a resident cat, next to them has a resident 2 dogs, and next to them is a resident toy dog... Depends on where you live, our county is VERY animal friendly

J&K10910 · July 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_reception-venue-help-what-would-you-do?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:f68a170f-dcfc-4cef-88e1-1357eaad7dcdPost:2d5c1d22-4f4f-424e-aa8a-43151373c901">Re: Reception Venue Help! What would you do?</a>:
[QUOTE]I don't think its unprofessional, so long as your animals are well behaved, and obviously, these were not. I work at a law firm in a small town & a few ladies here bring their dogs with them daily and weve never had any issues aside from a stray bark or two which is quickly corrected. Many of the small businesses around our town have residence dogs & cats also... My FI & I own a retail store and our pooch is there with him almost daily, BUT She stays on a leash when she's there in case anyone is not ok with dogs... But the shop next to us has a resident cat, next to them has a resident 2 dogs, and next to them is a resident toy dog... Depends on where you live, our county is VERY animal friendly
Posted by eureka30030[/QUOTE]

See, this is SO WEIRD to me. If I walked into a law firm to meet an attorney, and discovered dogs? I would find a different attorney. It baffles me. Apparently I'm sort of crazy though.

pillsburyaj · July 2012

I think it depends on the type of business. There is a bookstore near me that has a cat. The cat always just sleeps in the window and never bothers anyone. I'm cool with that. A law firm is a different story.

Nebb · July 2012

I love businesses with animals. My boss brings his dog to work sometimes and its always the best days when he is there.

freebread03 · July 2012

Jack Russels are like zombies. You might be able to take on one, but a mob of them? You're screwed.

Wiscisbliss · July 2012

Why all the hate on Jack Russels? We had a Jack Russel growing up and he was the best dog ever. (OK, he was a naughty little dog, but he had so much personality and was very good natured... so he was amazing!)

J&K10910 · July 2012

How is a dog biting someone AT A BUSINESS, hard enough to leave a "nasty bruise" frivolous? Yes, it didn't break the skin, he didn't rip her limb from limb, but he shouldn't have bit anyone AT ALL.

Do I think it's something for the dog to get put down over? No. Do I think she should sue? No. But it's certainly not frivolous, IMO.

Blueyed228 · July 2012

All i to have to add is that having dogs at places like the hair salon, dentist office, and meat processing plant may be a "small town" thing, but its also a "board of health" thing since its a violation.

[Deleted User] · July 2012

A dog that bites has no business being at a place of business.
I am a dog lover, but there is no way I would bring my dogs to work. You just never know what could happen.
Yes and kids/babies don't belong in the workplace either

whitsy · July 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_snarky-brides_reception-venue-help-what-would-you-do?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:17Discussion:f68a170f-dcfc-4cef-88e1-1357eaad7dcdPost:312a9e64-2fc6-4172-907a-49de6f9e7ad2">Re: Reception Venue Help! What would you do?</a>:
[QUOTE]All i to have to add is that having dogs at places like the hair salon, dentist office, and meat processing plant may be a "small town" thing, but its also a "board of health" thing since its a violation.
Posted by Blueyed228[/QUOTE]

<div>I don't know why the "board of health" hasn't gotten involved, but as far as I know, they haven't. I don't see posted inspection reports like they have at restaurants. Does the board of health inspect hair dressers and dentists?</div><div>
</div><div>And "meat processing plant" is a little grand haha. I suppose he has to follow regulations, but it's more just a little local place that a guy runs beside his home.</div>

J&K10910 · July 2012

I don't know about salons, but I'm sure the dentist's office is visited at least occasionally by the Board of Dentistry. The Board of Pharmacy inspects the stores my H works at at least once per year.

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