I believe that if your dog is well behaved you can take them almost anywhere I have a 55 pound pitbull and an 8 pound Chihuahua and they go almost everywhere with me (except inside places that have food, of course, because they're not service dogs). I seldom carry the little one unless I think she might get stepped on or otherwise hurt. They're both very social and friendly and I get so tickled at how much fun they have going with me and the interactions they have with people. People are much friendlier, for the most part, when you have a dog with you - lol!
Also, I know how hard it is to leave your dogs at home in the care of someone else, but there are good people who are pet sitters who will come and stay in your home to take care of your pets while you're gone. Someone here said that pets are more comfortable in their own homes - I do believe that too, especially senior pets. Mary
<<happy.gif>>

