I understand everyones point of view but for me personally I don't worry about getting bit by someones dog but that's because I don't just reach out to pet them without asking and I generally just admire them from afar. I also catch people before they try and touch my dog(no matter where we are, ie park, store, etc) and tell them he'll bite*** if you do that and you need to let him sniff you first and if he wants to let you pet him he will kinda nuzzle you otherwise don't and it's never been a problem.
As for the "surprises" left behind that's just gross but I can also tell you of MANY things left behind by parents from their kids. Everything from 1/2 eaten Mcd's, snot filled kleenex to dirty diapers and vomit! (sorry to gross you all out ;)) but these are few and far between(thank goodness) just as I am sure it is with pet parents.
I have brought Harley into the bank with me when I have lets say just picked him up from the groomers or on my way there or to the vet. I just don't feel like driving 20-30 min out of the way to drop him off and then back home. I ALWAYS carry him and never let people just reach out and pet him cause it can startle him. Mind you the only time you have to worry about him lunging at you is if you have a hot dog in your hand ;) lol
***just needed to add he wouldn't bite unless you had a hot dog or something ;)Kidding. Really he wouldn't

