[CarolSells]

I am happy to give a very big two-thumbs- up to one of my favorites, Toojay's.

I was at the Spanish Springs store seated on the patio, enjoying a lovely TV afternoon, when the hostess seated a party at the next table. Our tables were along the railing; I was facing in their direction the group was comprised of what appeared to be a mother, daughter, grandchild, and dog.

Before I could even explain to my lunch partner what was happening (he's not on TOTV- hence, no shorthand as in, "Gasp! dog! patio!") the hostess explained that the doggie could not be on the patio dining area. What was cool was that she also immediately offered a solution. She suggested that poochie could sit outside on the sidewalk on the other side of the railing from their table. They had a leash so this worked. It was a perfect temp day with a breeze so the dog enjoyed itself there. Probably not so much had it been very warm. BTW, I thanked the hostess as she passed by our table.

Grandson screamed throughout the entire meal Scheesh! (Fodder for another thread).

Please, just leave your poor dog at home if you're dining out! It will thank you for it!

[billethkid]

Choices! Choices...CHOICES!

[bkcunningham1]

Originally Posted by CarolSells

I am happy to give a very big two-thumbs- up to one of my favorites, Toojay's.

I was at the Spanish Springs store seated on the patio, enjoying a lovely TV afternoon, when the hostess seated a party at the next table. Our tables were along the railing; I was facing in their direction the group was comprised of what appeared to be a mother, daughter, grandchild, and dog.

Before I could even explain to my lunch partner what was happening (he's not on TOTV- hence, no shorthand as in, "Gasp! dog! patio!". The hostess explained that the doggie could not be on the patio dining area. What was cool was that she also immediately offered a solution. She suggested that poochie could sit outside on the sidewalk on the other side of the railing from their table. They had a leash so this worked. It was a perfect temp day with a breeze so the dog enjoyed itself there. Probably not so much had it been very warm. BTW, I thanked the hostess as she passed by our table.

Grandson screamed throughout the entire meal Scheesh! (Fodder for another thread).

Please, just leave your poor dog at home if you're dining out! It will thank you for it!

I agree with you 100 percent BUT just something to think about. A couple of years ago my stepdaughter, her husband and their 6 pound Yorkie drove down from King's Bay Naval Base in Georgia to spend a long weekend with us here in TV. They were packed and ready to head home and I knew I wouldn't see her for a long time and was very distraught. My husband suggested we all go to the square and have lunch and have one last goodbye before we sent them on their way.

We sat outside McCalls under the exact same scenario you just described. The waiter told her she could let the little Yorkie stay just outside the railing on his lease while we ate and said a tearful goodbye. I am not one to eat with dogs either, but the exception that day was a blessing. I am with you sista but just wanted to say that the longer I live, I'm learning that there's always a story in everything we see.

[getdul981]

I don't like the idea of having dogs in restaurants or around where I am eating. (My own dogs exempt at home) However, I would rather have a dog sitting quietly under the table near the owners feet than have a screaming kid anywheere near where I am trying to eat.

[CarolSells]

Originally Posted by bkcunningham1

I agree with you 100 percent BUT just something to think about. A couple of years ago my stepdaughter, her husband and their 6 pound Yorkie drove down from King's Bay Naval Base in Georgia to spend a long weekend with us here in TV. They were packed and ready to head home and I knew I wouldn't see her for a long time and was very distraught. My husband suggested we all go to the square and have lunch and have one last goodbye before we sent them on their way.

We sat outside McCalls under the exact same scenario you just described. The waiter told her she could let the little Yorkie stay just outside the railing on his lease while we ate and said a tearful goodbye. I am not one to eat with dogs either, but the exception that day was a blessing. I am with you sista but just wanted to say that the longer I live, I'm learning that there's always a story in everything we see.

Bk, I do understand exactly what you're saying about different scenarios and reasons and didn't mean to sound unsympathetic. I just think that your situation as you described it would probably fall into the exception rather than the rule category.

[Golfingnut]

Originally Posted by getdul981

I don't like the idea of having dogs in restaurants or around where I am eating. (My own dogs exempt at home) However, I would rather have a dog sitting quietly under the table near the owners feet than have a screaming kid anywheere near where I am trying to eat.

I agree. Children can ruin a meal.

[rubicon]

Why would anyone believe it is socially acceptable to bring a dog to a restaurant with the exception if dog is needed for disability reasons.

Why can't restaurants man up and post no dogs allowed exception service dogs.

[karostay]

Better yet leave the pet home
Unless it's a certified ADA service dog

[NottaVillager]

Unless this area is entirely different from anyplace else I'm aware of in the USA..dogs, cats, ferrets, pot-bellied pigs and so on are NOT allowed in stores, in restaurants and other such public venues by law. Health codes forbid it. Yet down here people think nothing of taking the dog to Lowe's or to the restaurant or the grocery store. I would love to see store/restuarant managers grow a pair and tell these people to take their pets OUT of the store.

Yes..if the animal is a true certified service animal that's different. But if that's not the case, please leave you animals AT HOME.

[memason]

I honestly don't understand all the anxiety over a dog being in a restaurant. If you're worried about the sanitation aspect, you should take a walk through the kitchen sometime.

After living some amount of time in Europe and visiting many times, it's common to see dogs in restaurants, as well as other public places. The only place I can remember that dogs are not allowed, are in grocery stores. At least, it's that way in Germany.

What you never see, however, is someone feeding their dog table scraps or the dog begging for food, while in the restaurant. Normally, the dogs lie on the floor next to the owner/table, quietly and obediently.

I have a feeling that if dogs were allowed in restaurants here, we'd see folks with little Fido on their laps, with the dog eating off the plate.

Just for the record, I do not have a dog.

[Lauren Sweeny]

Google "Service Animals Federal Laws" for exact info on what is a service dog and what (if any )paper work ,vests and collar tags are needed as proof. In a nutshell ; Businesses are only allowed to ask 2 questions and there does not need to be any identification such as tags, vests, collars worn by the animal.

Now, here is an excerpt from a blog written by Suzanne that is worth repeating. The biggest concern most people neglect to mention...

ALLERGIES. There are millions of children and adults with severe allergies to dogs. It poses a health risk for them to be in an establishment that has pet dander. Should these paying patrons, human beings, be subjected to itching, wheezing, coughing or WORSE just so that a dog can relax under the table? It is completely ludicrous to subject one human being to a dangerous health environment so that an animal can enjoy the outdoor seating. Its shocking that your article completely ignores perhaps the most important crux of this argument – the fact that dogs in dining establishments can cause a health risk for other patrons.

This is not just about the fact that dogs carry fleas, walk barefoot on the pavement, step in their own urine and excrement and then walk into a cafe or restaurant where FOOD is being served. This is not just about the fact that waiters who may pet the dog, or brush past and contaminate their apron with pet dander may get harmful bacteria in another diner’s FOOD. This is not just the fact that dogs may be rambunctious, jump on the table, or try to grab some of the food and destroy the dining experience of paying customers. Nor is it just about the fact that pet owners may pet their dog and then take their hands and touch glasses, cutlery, plates and napkins, contaminating the washing water for restaurant equipment that is used to serve FOOD. This is not just about the fact that, according to the written law, the FDA has banned live animals from establishments where food is served. It is ILLEGAL, however you may try to brush it off or explain it away, those regulations are there to protect people. Not just from salmonella and e-coli, but from the harmful pathogens that dogs naturally carry. It is not only for these reasons that dogs should be banned from establishments where food is served. It is also for the fact that the simple act of bringing your dog into a restaurant or dining patio can cause tremendous and severe health risks for those who are allergic to dogs. One paying patron’s infatuation with their animal should never supersede the health and safety of another PAYING PATRON, especially when food is involved.

[Indydealmaker]

Percentage of all U.S. households with detectable levels of dog and cat dander: 100%.

[Beechie]

Originally Posted by Indydealmaker

Percentage of all U.S. households with detectable levels of dog and cat dander: 100%.

The article does in fact say 100% of the households have detectable levels of dander. However, the concentrations of an allergen required to cause a reaction vary greatly by individual. Animal dander is easily spread and for those poor souls that have those allergies the symptoms are anywhere from upper and lower respiratory tracts which include congestion, sneezing, runny nose, chest tightness, wheezing, itching, and watery eyes.

Dander remains suspended in the air for a long time and they easily stick to surfaces.

[yabbadu]

Originally Posted by Golfingnut

I agree. Children can ruin a meal.

A child is a HUMAN and a dog is an ANIMAL...Big difference!