When Petco says “all leashed pets are welcome,” they truly mean all leashed pets. Texas rancher Vincent Browning put their policy to the ultimate test when he walked into a Houston-area store with an African Watusi steer named Oliver — on a leash, of course.
Even though the African Watusi steer has been described as docile, its imposing size, which could range from 1,000 to 1,600 pounds, can be a frightening sight. Petco employees would have been totally within their right to reconsider their whole “all leashed pets are welcome” policy. However, as the video taken by Shelly Lumpkin shows, Oliver was greeted by a staff member with a reassuring head rub. That couldn't be us.
"We decided to take a chance and call Petco 's bluff on the 'ALL LEASHED PETS ARE WELCOME' policy," Browning wrote on his Facebook page. "The awesome crew at Petco - Atascocita did not disappoint!! They welcomed Oliver the African Watusi with open arms. The staff members here are always super friendly and courteous to us. We really enjoy coming to this location...our favorite Petco BY FAR!!"
Browning's Facebook post is accompanied by photos of people in the store petting Oliver, as well as the video taken by Shelly when Vincent and his steer first enter the Petco in Atascocita. Oliver may have been greeted with open arms in Texas, but if he tried this stunt in a Petco in a state where steer aren't as prevalent, the reception may not have been as warm.
Still, you can't blame Petco for capitalizing on some good press.
