A medium sized branch of Tesco conveniently located across the road from the main station exit. Unfortunately it’s not my favourite branch, as my visits have been a little spoilt… First time I had my cat with me in her basket and was asked to take her outside. Which meant I left as there’s no way I’m going to leave her on her own out on the pavement. Now, I’m not sure exactly what the law is, but I’ve never been challenged elsewhere, and surely if she’s in her basket, and therefore can’t be coming into direct contact with stuff, there’s really no more danger of contamination than from a cat owner coming in without their cat. Besides, the signs actually say no dogs, and while she does respond to commands to sit, lie down, and give a paw, and has been known to fetch in her younger days, she’s still definitely not a dog.

I’d forgive them for that bit of jobsworthyness… but… More recently I visited and got the store detective following me round. Of course they are near to a football ground, so maybe they are used to drunken fans causing trouble? But it wasn’t a match day, and I’m not a football fan or a drunk. Maybe I was recognised and they thought I might have the cat hidden under my jacket…

In summary: well protected against thieves, and customers…