It was more the way in which you were addressing the topic that came across as hostile to me, and something I would rather avoid when it comes to dealing with my girls, they are the thing that calms me after a hard day, last thing I want is hostility and anger attached to that. And as such maybe I over reacted to the way you were explaining yourself, sort of removing myself from the situation before it became a situation, does that make any sense? For that I am sorry, I really should have stuck it out and allowed you to further explain yourself rather than just "shutting down" so to speak.
Now on topic, I guess it all boils down to personal preference, I personally don't mind my animals coming into the room where my girls are (2-3 feet away, I fear accidental plant breakage if the dog gets hyper for some reason), both inside and outside, the main reason is because an old grower friend of mine told me dogs are one of the best deterrents for most non-insect pests (i.e. mice, deer, rabbits, etc) and so far I haven't had a problem with mice attacking my girls (other than one failed grow when I did lock the dogs out of the room, mice ate the seedlings flush with the ground... little bastards). I tried setting traps but I think all I accomplished was advertising that there was food in that room, after allowing the dogs to come in and visit (when I'm in there) seems to have stopped the mice entirely.
I can't and won't say that this is the ideal solution for everyone, because obviously it isn't, but for me I would rather take a couple hairs here and there, then have my plants nipped off at the ground before they can even start to grow.
Hi all, I just want to add my 2 cents. Duttys' response did not in any way come off as hostile. I wont belabor the point but this is a public forum and we have many opinionated members who are passionate about this hobby. Perhaps you read a little bit too much into what was said.
Having pets in ones grow room is certainly a matter of choice, all he was saying is "This is NOT a good practice" and explained why.
If the facts/truth feels 'hostile' you always have the option of clicking off of the thread.
Hopefully my response wont be construed as 'hostile' to you, but simply another opinion.