In the market for rugs for a client, I popped in this store while in the neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon. I was immediately greeted by the house poodle barking wildly at my feet. I wasnt bitten, but I was jumped on as I tried clearing the threshold, all the while with the crazed barking. I stood there scared and trapped in the doorway waiting to be rescued. A man eventually strolls by and gives a lazy command, ignoring me and having no effect on the dog. I inched my way into the showroom, the dog still barking and lunging. The female owner finally gets got up from behind the desk and meanders over, stuffing food in her mouth, and simply asks, Can I help you?still no attempt to settle the dog, nor apologize for its rudeness. (But, it is said that dogs will take on the personalities of their masters.) I responded No, bit my tongue, and exitedboth myself and my clients $40,000 rug budget still intact.