Food for thought,

[perrjojo]

There are frequent doggie threads on TOTV. I must admit that I recently started one and there is another ongoing in the restaurant thread now.. I do not intend to be inflammatory nor do I intend to change anyone's mind. These are just honest thoughts that I have had while reading these threads.

First let me say that we have a very spoiled dog. I probably would not take him to a restaurant here but have sought out pet friendly restaurants when we travel. I have never seen more than one or two dogs in these restaurants at any given time. I have never seen a dog cause a problem at a restaurant. Not it saying it couldn't or hasn't happened...just saying that I have not seen it.

Now for my thoughts:
Our dog lives in our house. I imagine all dogs in TV live in the house with their owners. My dog loves to be near us at all times. If we watch Television he is nearby. If I go to the bathroom, he is there. If I go into the kitchen to prepare a meal he is there watching and waiting til I am finished. When we eat our meal he is close by waiting til we are finished. He is NOT allowed to sit at the table and beg. We have always entertained. When our guest arrive I have never had anyone say, oh, you have a dog here. I must leave. I have never had anyone ask, where was the dog when you prepared the meal? I have never had a guest sit down to dinner and notice the dog laying nearby and say., OMG...there is a dog here. I must leave because it is unsanitary. I have never had anyone refuse our hospitality because a dog lived in our home. So I guess what I am trying to say is, is the prescience of one or two dogs in an outdoor dining area really all that distressing? Any Restaurant that allows dogs on their patio area, whether in Florida or the many other states that allow the same, must abide by the state and local health rules. I guess I would like for you to just THINK ABOUT IT without prejudgment or emotion. Thanks for thinking about this with me. All opinions are welcome.

[tippyclubb]

Your post hit the nail on the head. Well said, and I agree.

[Cajulian]

Finally! Someone speaks words of wisdom.

[Barefoot]

Like! :clap2:

[DonH57]

As a dog lover. I agree . Well said.

[Bosoxfan]

I have friends that are allergic and spend more then a couple minutes in my home.What if we were to go out to eat with them? Should they not have the option of sitting outside on a beautiful evening because that area is pet friendly? Just a little more food for thought!!

[Barefoot]

Should they not have the option of sitting outside on a beautiful evening because that area is pet friendly?

There are over 80 restaurants in The Villages, and only a handful have dog-friendly patios.

[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.

[jrandall]

LIKE. Well said! Great point!

[Bosoxfan]

LIKE. Well said! Great point!

I have a dog & love her to death but would never think of bringing her to a restaurant!! Most the dogs you see in The Villages that are being treated like they'r human beings & not animals are little dogs. What if us big dog owners started bringing our dogs to these places? Could you imagine a great dane , a german shepherd , a rottweiler all outside a restaurant? No one but the owners & their dogs would be there! Please folks have some regard for the folks that don't like dogs or are allergic. Common sense says if you're going out to eat leave fido home!!

[ilovetv]

......Now for my thoughts:
Our dog lives in our house. I imagine all dogs in TV live in the house with their owners. My dog loves to be near us at all times. If we watch Television he is nearby. If I go to the bathroom, he is there. If I go into the kitchen to prepare a meal he is there watching and waiting til I am finished. When we eat our meal he is close by waiting til we are finished. He is NOT allowed to sit at the table and beg. We have always entertained. When our guest arrive I have never had anyone say, oh, you have a dog here. I must leave. I have never had anyone ask, where was the dog when you prepared the meal? I have never had a guest sit down to dinner and notice the dog laying nearby and say., OMG...there is a dog here. I must leave because it is unsanitary. I have never had anyone refuse our hospitality because a dog lived in our home. So I guess what I am trying to say is, is the prescience of one or two dogs in an outdoor dining area really all that distressing? Any Restaurant that allows dogs on their patio area, whether in Florida or the many other states that allow the same, must abide by the state and local health rules. I guess I would like for you to just THINK ABOUT IT without prejudgment or emotion. Thanks for thinking about this with me. All opinions are welcome.

I like seeing dogs at the squares and in public, but we don't know them as you know your dog(s) in your own house, and your guests know or get to know your dog(s) when they come to dine. Out in public, and in restaurant patios where there's lots of foot traffic in tight walkways, having various dogs of unknown training, background and varying levels of responsible ownership makes it a whole different ballgame than when they're in their/your own home.

I've seen some edgy situations at Lake Sumter Landing when a couple of dogs who don't know each other start growling and yelping in a crowd of people, and it's looked like a dogfight coming. Sometimes owners are not able to hold their frothing dog back, and because they don't have control they laugh it off (but it's not funny at all).

I also saw and posted last year that I saw a large dog on the sidewalk suddenly lunge under the rail of Johnny Rockets patio and under the table where a couple had their two small dogs sitting there and were bothering nobody. The big frothing dog was absolutely vicious, and the owners acted like this was no big deal, but it was. They had a hard time dragging the beast out of there on the leash. The dogs and people with their legs under the table could have been severely injured.

The problem is unpredictability of dogs having varying owners/training when mixing them into crowds or busy restaurant patio walkways. A well-trained dog can react suddenly and badly to certain dogs and not others, and strangers want to pet them but often strangers have no idea how to approach a dog they don't know. They have no idea about holding out a hand slowly for the dog to sniff and check out before accepting a hug or petting, etc.

This is an incident that illustrates a sudden attack on a waitress who put a dish of water down for a dog in the restaurant and the mauling to her face required 300 stitches (and I'd think she has PTSD for which her lawyers will also be suing):

Dog-mauling in Miami Beach sparks debate, caution | www.palmbeachpost.com (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional/dog-mauling-lincoln-road-sparks-debate-caution/nSDj2/)

[Beechie]

Great post ilovetv. I think perhaps you may have the most compelling argument to the pets-on-the-patio debate. Although dog bites would be somewhat rare, no one can deny the unpredictability of certain breeds. Although toddlers can be annoying at times, I can't remember the last time a toddler ripped the face off a waitress.

It will be interesting to see how the litigation goes. If the restaurant owner is found to be culpable in any way shape or form, will future pet friendly restaurant owners require an insurance rider to cover these potential lawsuits? If so, at what cost?

For the record, my wife sees the pet on the patio as a good thing but is also cognizant of the drawbacks. We do own a dog and we are trying to understand what might be best for all.

I did come across a California Restaurant's Pet Patio Rules and Regulations that I thought was pretty clear about the do's and don'ts. This would alleviate some of the previous posters concerns. However, whom among us can predict a dogs response?

The debate continues...perhaps some pet friendly restaurants with clear rules and regulations and lots of insurance.

[Parker]

Sometimes the PERSON sitting next to you in a restaurant goes off and hurts or kills someone there. Most don't. Just like most dogs don't.

A vicious/unreliable dog is the responsibility of the owner, and that owner should be held completely accountable, whether sitting at a restaurant or out for a walk. If those owners are willing to take the risk, so am I. It is wonderful to share a restaurant patio with gentle friendly dogs.

[CFrance]

I like seeing dogs at the squares and in public, but we don't know them as you know your dog(s) in your own house, and your guests know or get to know your dog(s) when they come to dine. Out in public, and in restaurant patios where there's lots of foot traffic in tight walkways, having various dogs of unknown training, background and varying levels of responsible ownership makes it a whole different ballgame than when they're in their/your own home.

I've seen some edgy situations at Lake Sumter Landing when a couple of dogs who don't know each other start growling and yelping in a crowd of people, and it's looked like a dogfight coming. Sometimes owners are not able to hold their frothing dog back, and because they don't have control they laugh it off (but it's not funny at all).

I also saw and posted last year that I saw a large dog on the sidewalk suddenly lunge under the rail of Johnny Rockets patio and under the table where a couple had their two small dogs sitting there and were bothering nobody. The big frothing dog was absolutely vicious, and the owners acted like this was no big deal, but it was. They had a hard time dragging the beast out of there on the leash. The dogs and people with their legs under the table could have been severely injured.

The problem is unpredictability of dogs having varying owners/training when mixing them into crowds or busy restaurant patio walkways. A well-trained dog can react suddenly and badly to certain dogs and not others, and strangers want to pet them but often strangers have no idea how to approach a dog they don't know. They have no idea about holding out a hand slowly for the dog to sniff and check out before accepting a hug or petting, etc.

This is an incident that illustrates a sudden attack on a waitress who put a dish of water down for a dog in the restaurant and the mauling to her face required 300 stitches (and I'd think she has PTSD for which her lawyers will also be suing):

Dog-mauling in Miami Beach sparks debate, caution | www.palmbeachpost.com (http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/news/state-regional/dog-mauling-lincoln-road-sparks-debate-caution/nSDj2/)
Oh, for Pete's sake. This is inflammatory. For one thing, dogs do not froth unless they're rabid. You're exaggerating. For another, you can come up with anecdotes to prove any point, whether it be dogs or humans. That waitress/water incident has been around the block many times. These incidents are not the norm.

[perrjojo]

So here is what I have learned. Those of us who love our dogs will continue to want our pets with us. Those who don't care for the dogs will continue to object. Viva la difference!

[Beechie]

Oh, for Pete's sake. This is inflammatory. For one thing, dogs do not froth unless they're rabid. You're exaggerating. For another, you can come up with anecdotes to prove any point, whether it be dogs or humans. That waitress/water incident has been around the block many times. These incidents are not the norm.

CFrance you are absolutely correct that these incidents are not the norm, but they are incidents. To flip off the waitress/water incident as old and tiresome news does little for the debate. The original blog was "food for thought" which I took for meaningful discussion. Too many of us have dug our heels in and will not consider the others concerns. These concerns are real.

I previously posted on another thread that I am a dog owner and would like to take her to the patio. But I for one would not want to have all patios dog friendly as some may suggest. I suppose there are those that feel all restaurants should be dog friendly and those who feel there should not be any. I do feel that if certain (strict) rules and regulations are adhered to perhaps we can have both in TV. I am truly trying to see both sides.

[Happydaz]

The solution to all this is to have restaurants for dogs. If they are well behaved, their owners would be allowed, but only on the patio outside. Dogs deserve the same rights as humans. Treating animals differently from us is just plain wrong. Arf! Arf! Arf!:mmmm:

[CFrance]

CFrance you are absolutely correct that these incidents are not the norm, but they are incidents. To flip off the waitress/water incident as old and tiresome news does little for the debate. The original blog was "food for thought" which I took for meaningful discussion. Too many of us have dug our heels in and will not consider the others concerns. These concerns are real.

I previously posted on another thread that I am a dog owner and would like to take her to the patio. But I for one would not want to have all patios dog friendly as some may suggest. I suppose there are those that feel all restaurants should be dog friendly and those who feel there should not be any. I do feel that if certain (strict) rules and regulations are adhered to perhaps we can have both in TV. I am truly trying to see both sides.

I understand what you're saying, but the incidents that are reported over and over are usually used by the dog bashers who wish to inflame. As is the use of the word "froth." And to say these dogs "almost got into a fight" is also inflammatory, because in fact, they were handled and didn't get into a fight. Somebody has to "fight back" against these kinds of statements and stick up for the responsible dog owners, who are in the majority.

We have a dog too, and have taken him to restaurants where it is permitted, both here and abroad. In the end, since he is a big dog, we feel it more convenient for both us and him to leave him at home. But that is the only reason. He has, moreover, never been snarled at by another dog wishing to do him harm, either inside or outside a restaurant, nor has he been snarled or frothed at while out and about. That's what I'm railing against--not that someone had an opposite opinion, but the way in which it was stated.

[Hawss]

Right on....

[Beechie]

I understand what you're saying, but the incidents that are reported over and over are usually used by the dog bashers who wish to inflame. As is the use of the word "froth." And to say these dogs "almost got into a fight" is also inflammatory, because in fact, they were handled and didn't get into a fight. Somebody has to "fight back" against these kinds of statements and stick up for the responsible dog owners, who are in the majority.

We have a dog too, and have taken him to restaurants where it is permitted, both here and abroad. In the end, since he is a big dog, we feel it more convenient for both us and him to leave him at home. But that is the only reason. He has, moreover, never been snarled at by another dog wishing to do him harm, either inside or outside a restaurant, nor has he been snarled or frothed at while out and about. That's what I'm railing against--not that someone had an opposite opinion, but the way in which it was stated.

Sounds reasonable to me CFrance.

[Suzi]

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.

Redwitch has a calm and relevant response as usual. It doesn't have to be "and/or". We have many restaurants around the squares. Just as the people who wish to bring a pet can be accommodated, so can those who do not care to be around a pet.
Enjoy reading the discussion and I like everyones opinion. Keep in mind, everyone is entitled to share how they feel - I don't believe there is a right or wrong opinion. Its educational to hear opinions on both sides.

[Cajulian]

I have a dog & love her to death but would never think of bringing her to a restaurant!! Most the dogs you see in The Villages that are being treated like they'r human beings & not animals are little dogs. What if us big dog owners started bringing our dogs to these places? Could you imagine a great dane , a german shepherd , a rottweiler all outside a restaurant? No one but the owners & their dogs would be there! Please folks have some regard for the folks that don't like dogs or are allergic. Common sense says if you're going out to eat leave fido home!!

We saw a 200 lb Mastif at Sonny's Sumter Landing a couple times now. The dog just laid under the table and never moved. So, your point on large dogs doesn't appear to be a problem.

If you have a bad behaving dog, you probably shouldn't bring it to a restaurant patio. For those that have well behaved dogs, they should be able to stay with their owners where they are much happier than being left alone.

[ilovetv]

I understand what you're saying, but the incidents that are reported over and over are usually used by the dog bashers who wish to inflame. As is the use of the word "froth." And to say these dogs "almost got into a fight" is also inflammatory, because in fact, they were handled and didn't get into a fight. Somebody has to "fight back" against these kinds of statements and stick up for the responsible dog owners, who are in the majority.

We have a dog too, and have taken him to restaurants where it is permitted, both here and abroad. In the end, since he is a big dog, we feel it more convenient for both us and him to leave him at home. But that is the only reason. He has, moreover, never been snarled at by another dog wishing to do him harm, either inside or outside a restaurant, nor has he been snarled or frothed at while out and about. That's what I'm railing against--not that someone had an opposite opinion, but the way in which it was stated.

Excuse me, but I think the "harmlessness" of unknown dogs with unknown predictability of behavior/safety in noisy crowds of people with other unknown dogs is "exaggerated", too!

And as for using the word "frothing", I have had dogs my entire life and honest people would admit that there is a certain, different type of growl a dog makes that is far more threatening and indicating the urge to bite and attack, than the low growling a dog does when for example he's got a little varmint sniffed out with his nose at the bottom of a panel fence or at a tiny gopher hole.

"Frothing" to me indicates the type of growl that has teeth bared and the saliva is heard sucking back with each breath and growl.

And instead of "almost got into a fight" at the square, I should have said "were seconds away from a fight" with the owners trying to pull them father apart but were having a hard time getting them far ENOUGH apart because of the crowd".

I saw this about 3 weeks ago (again) and marveled that people would bring their dogs into the spring break and Easter break crowds at the squares that we have here for the last 3-4 weeks and with 2 weeks to come.

[Patty55]

Here's MY bottom line...

If dogs are allowed at a restaurant and I choose to bring them THEY ARE GOING. As far as I know there are only several restaurants that allow this, so get over it.

I know it's covered on another thread (MANY TIMES), but if I choose to leave them home alone while I'm out and they bark-TOO BAD, get over it.

You all need to start worrying about yourselves and stop trying to control other people.

[rubicon]

Service dogs the exception I find it interesting that the same people who would be offended by crying kids, people smoking at the next table, people with perfume that arrives before they do would all be offended but because they can't bear to leave their pooch at home they take it upon themselves to bring them to a restaurant to the town square so the rest of us will have to suffer. Or in other words no one shuts my dog out, its family.



ilovetv's story was compelling and opens up some very interesting questions

Again this conversation has convinced me that an additional question to be asked bfore going to a restaurant is "What is your dog policy"

[Patty55]

You know what I saw the other day at Publix? A grandfather walking with a child, the child was going on and on with mindless drivel. Finally Grandpa says "OH shut up already". Made my day.

[perrjojo]

You know what I saw the other day at Publix? A grandfather walking with a child, the child was going on and on with mindless drivel. Finally Grandpa says "OH shut up already". Made my day.
Patty, I'm so glad you are back on TOTV. I missed your humor.

[Madelaine Amee]

You know what I saw the other day at Publix? A grandfather walking with a child, the child was going on and on with mindless drivel. Finally Grandpa says "OH shut up already". Made my day.

Oh you are going to get NAILED for that one Patty! You sure do have guts lady. But, I like your style. I think you may be my long lost sister.

[Patty55]

Oh you are going to get NAILED for that one Patty! You sure do have guts lady. But, I like your style. I think you may be my long lost sister.

Yeah, my dog was sitting in the shopping cart with a big smile on her face.:coolsmiley:

[ilovetv]

I like and missed Patty's humor too. Disagreeing about something while keeping a sense of humor is what reasonable people do.

Accusing other dog lovers (like me) of being "dog bashers", "dog haters" and "inflammatory" for presenting factual examples that affect a business's ability to stay operational and solvent is the opposite.

[Barefoot]

If you have a bad behaving dog, you probably shouldn't bring it to a restaurant patio. For those that have well behaved dogs, they should be able to stay with their owners where they are much happier than being left alone.

It is so simple, really.
The whole subject gets blown way out of proportion.
There are only a handful of restaurants that permit dogs on the patio.
With 80 restaurants in The Villages, there is lots of flexibility for people
to avoid dog-friendly patios.

Live and let live.

[mickey100]

Why are we just discussing dogs? Can I bring my cat to the restaurant too on a leash? Wouldn't that be a treat for the other diners - the cat lodged between a table with a rotweiller and a German shepherd. And don't tell me your dog would just sit there quietly and mind his own business. Obviously one problem with dogs in restaurants is the possibility of dog bites and fights. Not to mention if a server or person who handles food pets the dog or cat, then there is a possible health issue..We love dogs and have always had them, but we would never bring a dog to a restaurant where another diner might be bothered. I consider that a real discourtesy.

[gerryann]

It is so simple, really.
The whole subject gets blown way out of proportion.
There are only a handful of restaurants that permit dogs on the patio.
With 80 restaurants in The Villages, there is lots of flexibility for people
to avoid dog-friendly patios.

Live and let live.

So true Barefoot!

There are so few restaurants that will allows the pups that its really a conversation that need to be put to bed. If you are offended by a dog sitting on the patio than either 1)don't go to that particular restaurant, or 2)surely stay away from the patio!

My pup is too hyper so I can not possibly take her to a restaurant, but if she was a calmer dog, I would for sure!

[Patty55]

Why are we just discussing dogs? Can I bring my cat to the restaurant too on a leash? Wouldn't that be a treat for the other diners - the cat lodged between a table with a rotweiller and a German shepherd. And don't tell me your dog would just sit there quietly and mind his own business. Obviously one problem with dogs in restaurants is the possibility of dog bites and fights. Not to mention if a server or person who handles food pets the dog or cat, then there is a possible health issue..We love dogs and have always had them, but we would never bring a dog to a restaurant where another diner might be bothered. I consider that a real discourtesy.

Go ahead bring the cat, but first call the restaurant and ask if they are pussy friendly.

I think there are bigger health issues going on than petting a dog.

[perrjojo]

Go ahead bring the cat, but first call the restaurant and ask if they are pussy friendly.

I think there are bigger health issues going on than petting a dog.
Oh my! You have done it once again! Luv your sense of humor!

[CFrance]

froth (fr�th, frŏth)
n.
1. A mass of bubbles in or on a liquid; foam.
2. Salivary foam released as a result of disease or exhaustion.
3. Something unsubstantial or trivial.
4. A fit of resentment or vexation: was in a froth over the long delay.

[KeepingItReal]

Face it, dog owners are going to push the limits and the concerns of other people at least for most come secondary if at all.

If you see dogs on patios that concern you then follow the instructions below. Complaining on this site and even to the offenders does nothing but the health inspector will make a difference.

Even if they have the required permit there are many requirements they must meet which are outlined on the website link at the bottom and here.

www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0500-0599/0509/Sections/0509.233.html

Only Cody's has a permit
_______________________

Taken From Another Thread On This Subject:
_________________
The responsive official from the Sumter (no p) County Government answered my email asking if any restaurants had permits for non-service dogs to be allowed in the outdoor dining areas. Only Cody's in LSL has such a permit. Here is his email:

Presently, Cody’s Road House in Lake Sumter Landings in The Villages is the only restaurant in Sumter County permitted under Section 13-735 of the Land Development Code. If you have observed dogs being allowed into outdoor dining areas in unpermitted restaurants, please advise me and I will contact the restaurant to advise them of the permit requirements. If you have visited Cody’s Road House and believe they are not complying with the requirements of their permit, please also let me know and I will assign an inspector to review their compliance.

If you have any additional questions, please contact me.
Karl E. Holley, AICP
Director of Development Services
Sumter County Board of Commissioners
7375 Powell Road
Wildwood, Florida 34785
(352) 689-4463
Sumter County, FL - Official Website


So for those who are unhappy with dogs, or possible lack of compliance with all the sanitary rules, you have your contact information.


FLORIDA STATE Restaurant Requirements to allow dogs in outdoor areas.

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0500-0599/0509/Sections/0509.233.html)

[KeepingItReal]

[QUOTE=perrjojo;861128] I have never seen a dog cause a problem at a restaurant.



Dog Bites in Florida costs Owners Millions


www.abcactionnews.com/news/local-news/i-team-investigates/i-team-dog-bite-cases-in-fl-cost-owners-millions




Dog mauling on Lincoln Road worries pet owners and cafe servers


With a dog biting a waitress fresh on their minds, pet owners and servers weighed in on who is responsible when people take their canines to cafes on Lincoln Road.
Related Content
•
WEB VOTEDo you think the dog's owner should be held accountable?
Yes
BY AVA RIVERA
ARIVERA@MIAMIHERALD.COM
Tom Tabor and Ross Guedry were having lunch with their best pals, Harry and Beau, Tuesday at an outdoor cafe on Lincoln Road.
Everyone was well-behaved. Tabor and Guedry had salad. Their goldendoodle and cocker spaniel nibbled on some doggie treats.
It was just another day on one of South Florida’s most dog-friendly streets.
Still, an underlying tension filled the air as dog owners and cafe workers discussed a horrific scare that happened on Labor Day weekend when a dog mauled a 26-year-old waitress.
“It’s terrible what happened, but people are responsible for their own dog’s behavior. Some dogs are more gentle than others,” Tabor said. “Part of the reason we come down here is so we can walk the dogs and they enjoy it.”
Tabor, Guedry and their pets were lunching at the Cafe at Books & Books.
Alvyn Lopez, a waiter there who gave the dogs a treat, says he’s careful when he approaches dogs.
“You have to know how to treat dogs,” he said. “You can’t just approach a dog any which way you want. If you expect nothing to happen to you, you’re living a fantasy,” Lopez said.
“People want to blame it all on the dogs, but the owners have some responsibility.”
It’s unclear what set off the cane corso breed that ripped into waitress Amy Calandrella’s lip on Sept. 1. When the Van Dyke Cafe server bent down to give a dog a bowl of water, the dog bit her lip. She needed more than 300 stitches and underwent more than seven hours of surgery to repair the wound.
The dog was released to the owner and no citations were given, according to the report by Miami-Dade Animal Services.
The owner of the dog, Teri Guttman Valdes, did not answer her phone Tuesday. Valdes, who lives in Coral Gables, is an attorney who works in labor and employment law and has represented police officers.
Although Lopez, the Books & Books waiter, hasn’t seen any dog vs. server incidents, Books & Books waiter Dan Mitchell said he has been bitten twice.
When a Dalmatian bit Mitchell, the owners quickly left and didn’t apologize. The second time, another dog bit his pants and left a small hole.
“Stuff like that happens all the time.

[Moderator]

Please keep comments focused on the topic and not directed at other members.

Moderator