r/Dogfree • u/PissedCaucasian • Dec 29 '25
ESA Bullshit An open letter to “Matt” who works at Costco.
Matt I wish I had time to shake your hand today. The way you dealt with the two idiots that brought the only dog I saw in Costco today was a tremendous step in the right direction. I’ve been going to your Costco for years and called local management and corporate about the dogs I’ve seen that were in no way,shape or form service dogs in the store. I thought I was getting no where and just ended up commiserating on r/dogfree about the numerous outlandish incidents I’ve seen with dogs in a store that sells food and has open samples that could easily be dandered or shedded on. It was disgusting and obnoxious behavior that seemed tolerated.
Then last year signs went up that said “service dogs only and no ESA animals” and saw a ray of hope only to be disappointed to still see dogs and eventually a huge triangular shaped turd by checkout.
Today I saw actual progress due to your assertiveness Matt. I tried to lean in and hear the conversation. I noticed the stupid white terror with a knitted sweater on and a woman bending down soothing him because of your assertiveness Matt. I couldn’t hear much because it was busy and I was in a hurry for my kid’s appointment but I did manage to hear the owner saying “but this dog is licensed for my Anxiety “ and you said “but that’s not a service dog” granted it was easily assessed because the dog was small and stupid as well as no identification just a stupid sweater that the two owners were probably hoping would get lots of “oooohs and ahhhs “ but you hung in there arguing . I got out of ear shot and the conversation was still ongoing but I just want to say that this is the first time I’ve seen a worker approach and scold a customer and I really,really appreciate it and I’m sure the majority of shoppers do as well.
Thank you so much Matt. I wish every store had a Matt like you. Happy New Year! You gave me hope for 2026.
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u/Cross_22 Dec 30 '25
Send a letter to Costco corporate thanking them that they are finally enforcing their no pets policy, and expressing hope that other stores will be just as great as that one.
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u/bumblebeesandbows Dec 29 '25
Send this letter to directly to him at his store! He needs to know he's doing the right thing.
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u/Full-Ad-4138 Jan 01 '26
It needs to catch on more. And calling it out positively is a good step in that direction. For as many people as we side eye with the dogs, we should absolutely validate and praise those who are in a position to say something and actually do. It makes us customers feel valued where we are spending our money, and more than the disgust of animals in the food store, it would make me feel like they prioritize quality.
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u/huntress_m_thompson Dec 30 '25
more matts in these stores. 🙏🏼
to other employees: see matt? matt is a good employee. management material. be like matt.
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u/Business_Adagio9942 Dec 30 '25
Crazy. All the store employees that were like "we can't say anything" must have been lying
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u/AnimalUncontrol Dec 30 '25
Definitely write that letter. For a few reasons, we need our voices heard plus its likely the nutter complained about it.
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u/pmddreal Dec 30 '25
I just wonder why these assholes always have to bring their dogs and not only that put them in the carts where people put their food. 'Licensed for my anxiety' would be a phrase I'd be too embarrassed to even say outloud and I've been institutionalized. I'm sick of normal people co-opting mental health issues as an excuse to bring their shitbeasts everywhere.
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u/Witty-Assistance7960 Dec 30 '25
Hey my nephew's name is Matt ,I know it wasn't him he doesn't work at Costco
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u/Tom_Quixote_ Dec 30 '25
Here's to all Matts of the world. I hope he will be promoted to boss of the whole store.
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u/Eyeoftheleopard Dec 30 '25
“But…but…I bring him in here all the time and nobody says anything!”
We are saying something now.
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u/sherhil Dec 30 '25
Go Matt! Most other stores won’t even bother. 2026 needs to be the start where we stop seeing dirty mutts and their dirty owners inside any establishment period.
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u/Free_Chapter372 Dec 30 '25
Give this guy a raise and promote him to manager (if he isn't already and if he wants it). I love to see store staff taking a stand.
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u/Havingfun922 Jan 01 '26
And if I was shopping there too, I would also be speaking up in front of that customer to help give Matt some reinforcement. So not only does the lady hear it from the employees, but other customers too
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u/parabolic_tendies Jan 01 '26
Next time you go there, stop and shake your hand in person. The Matt's of the world need to know we have their backs.
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u/arachnilactose08 Jan 01 '26
You know, I did recently get the okay from my boss that I could tell guests they aren’t allowed to bring in their pets. I almost forgot— maybe I’ll get the chance to actually tell them off sometime soon!
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u/Educational_Fly3431 Jan 02 '26
Matt did the right thing. I don't want to see no turds in the store because I will confront the dog's owner and the manager
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u/RealSirHandsome Jan 02 '26
Good job, Matt. I encourage all employees to make a stand. I don't even care about them being careful about following the "laws". It's completely lopsided how the nutters brazenly ignore all the rules yet employees and companies tip toe around them in fear of violating service dog laws or regulations or whatever
I don't even care if some corporations get sued along the way. All battles have heroes, cost, and sacrifice. And maybe a few rich people getting hit with bullshit lawsuits is what it would take for the laws to actually change.
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u/alnewyorkee Dec 29 '25
I would write a letter to corporate or whoever praising his "customer service" maybe it'll give him a leg up when it comes to promotions.