Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 861836)

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.

Originally Posted by Beechie (Post 861863)

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.

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 861871)

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.

Originally Posted by redwitch (Post 861237)

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.

Originally Posted by Bosoxfan (Post 861734)

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!!

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 861871)

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.

Originally Posted by Patty55 (Post 861949)

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.

Originally Posted by Patty55 (Post 861949)

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.

Originally Posted by Madelaine Amee (Post 861958)

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.