[redwitch]

If restaurants were to cater to every allergy and sensitivity, there would be few foods to eat -- peanut allergies, shellfish allergies, strawberries and so on and so forth. If restaurants were to ban people who cause allergies, I'd guess that 95% of Villagers would not be allowed to eat in restaurants since the vast majority are well-scented. And let's not forget the smell of tobacco on clothing.

I am very sensitive to scents. A strong perfume or aftershave can guarantee that I will have a migraine. A light scent is at the very least a mild headache. There are many of us with this sensitivity.

I love dogs. Give me a choice between eating on a patio with a dog or inside with the screaming toddler, the dog will win every time. Heck, the dog would probably win without the toddler (outdoors does dissipate scents to a degree). I don't see what the big brouhaha is about dogs on patios. Never have, never will.

I have never seen dog urinate while the owners ate. I have seen dogs jump up when someone comes over to pet them but never just randomly jump on someone walking by. I have never seen a dog be ill-mannered in a restaurant. They seem to know the rules far better than their human counterparts.

Quite simply, if you don't want to sit by a dog, don't. Ask to be moved. That's what I do when someone is seated by me wearing a very strong scent. If I can't be accommodated, I find a restaurant that will accommodate me. Surely those that don't want to eat near a dog can do the same.