Why do people do this?
This cute little guy was tied to the patio railing outside a Starbucks. It's not the first time that I've seen him there, and it wasn't the last. But every time I see him there, I have to wonder about the owner - why do people take their dogs out and then leave them tied up outside a store?
It's not so bad in this case, but I frequently see dogs tied up in the middle of winter, while their owner goes in to get something. Or I'll see a dog tied up outside of a pub, waiting for his owner to have beer or something. Or dogs barking for their owners, tied up outside of a store. Dogs get cold too, you know.
If you're going to shop, if you're going somewhere for a beer, leave the dog at home - be nice to them. If you're going to take the dog out, focus on that. Remember - most dogs are companion animals - they feel better when they're with their human.