The Dogs of Beverly Hills

12/10/2012

Last week, you might have noticed that I had a very furry guest in my salon, accompanying bride-to-be Dana Hamm. As you might have already guessed from previous episodes, I am not exactly what you'd call "a dog person." In fact, I have a special name for dogs —farshtinkenuh hunts—which means "stinky dogs" in German! I don't like them one bit!

However, when you have a store in Beverly Hills, it's nearly impossible to avoid the farshtinkenuhs. In fact, in many stores in Beverly Hills, the only way to tell the staff from the customer is if the customer has a dog with them because everyone seems to always wear black!

When people do bring their farshtinkenuh hunts into the salon, I typically ask them to leave them by the door—which oftentimes does not go over well. I have actually had customers storm out of the salon when we have told them "no dogs allowed." One time someone stormed out yelling, "You have no idea how much business you just lost!"

But, what people don't realize when they bring in their farshtinkenuh hunts in is how troublesome, and stressful, it can be for my staff and me. First of all, it's inconsiderate of others who may have allergies (like me) or have a fear of animals. But, more than anything, it's hazardous for the merchandise. The bottom line is, the animals leave dander behind; which is unsanitary and inconsiderate of the expensive gowns we have. There's nothing more unromantic than trying on a bridal gown that smells like someone's dog, am I right?

But, tiny little farshtinkenuh hunts are accessories in Beverly Hills, no doubt about that. Rarely do women have big slobbery FHs, they usually have those tiny ones like you see on the show. Who knows why so many women insist on carrying these little things—maybe it's a maternal thing? After all, a teeny farshtinkenuh hunt never grows up and is always loyal, right?

Comments

[Tabitha]

I have a retail store in LA and totally agree with you. Several times the little darling dogs have pee'd on our very expensive clothing and when told that they need to purchase the $500 pair of pants their dog just ruined the owners get mad at us! I own a very well behaved Golden Retriever, so i LOVE dogs, but I do not take her with me to Neiman's (although i did just see a standard poodle there!) My point being, people need to be respectful of the shop owners, staff, and merchandise. It may be cute to them, but it may mean a dent in our already small profit margin!

[Daryl]

Renee.. I love you .. you are amazing, i watched Brides this past week for the first time and I applauded you for letting those over the top women know that dog was not welcome ...

[Wayne Scace]

Hello Renee,
First of all, I wish, as the owner of a service dog, to correct a misrepresentation made by the bride that came to your shop with her dog.
The bride claimed that the dog was a service dog that provided emotional support to her. Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) Emotional Support Dogs are NOT classed as a service dog with regards to the access rights granted to a service dog. Another case of someone abusing the law to keep their pet with them.
I certainly agree with your policy regarding pet dogs, however, under the A.D.A Service Dogs are allowed anywhere your customers are. Service Dogs are working dogs, not pets, that provide a service to their owners that mitigates a disability that their owner has. Asking the owner of a Service Dog to leave their dog at the door is an illegal policy. Please check with your legal counsel.
Have a great week!

[Kathy Wilmot]

I am a 65-year-old retiree and I LOVE your show Renee! Every time I watch I find myself smiling! Finally, a reality show that makes me feel happy. I love you Renee. What a great personality! You are a beautiful woman, don't let anyone tell you that you need a face lift or anything else. You are great just the way you are! I love how you and your staff help your brides find the right gown. I was especially amazed at the tattooed woman. That gown was perfect! It was made for her. Awesome! I can't wait to see the next episode. I record them all so I won't miss anything!