I haven't seen any posts saying a restaurant manager or employee cannot ask if a dog is a service animal and since I'm not inclined to read all 199 posts in this thread I'll leave that alone. I cannot imagine a situation where the restaurant owner or manager would not want to know if the dog in question is a service dog. That of course is one of the two questions which may be asked. I suspect that you believe that by asking what work or tasks a dog is trained to perform they can determine the handlers disability. That may be true in some cases but certainly not all, just as the disability of some handlers will be obvious but others are much more difficult to determine by observation.
What people seem to have a problem with is that the dog does not have to wear a tag or vest and the handler is not required to produce any documentation or certification for the dog. I think in most cases these would be moot points since often the handler would voluntarily show these documents.

There is a serious amount of training that goes on in the making of a service dog. Our dog has been through three obedience/socialization courses, but I can't imagine taking him, even at age 5, inside a restaurant without the proper guide dog training. Especially a golden retriever, which a lot of guide dogs are--they have to greet every single person on earth. Personally, and up close. Yes, they calm down eventually and will sit quietly, but those first couple of minutes would give them away. They wag their tails beginning at the hips. Actually, the tail wags the dog.

He does really well outside on restaurant porches, but in a confined indoor seating space... I/he couldn't pull off the scam.

I agree, there is no distinction. A dog is a dog and does not know whether or not it is a service dog.

Well said!! I'm glad I already bought my house because if I hadn't and read some of the posts on this forum, I would certainly be doubting the friendliness of TV.

:agree:
As Gracie would say, "Boy Howdy!" You are so correct. I would have thought this was a terrible place. Occasionally I "swear off" reading this site because it can bring so much negativity into my life. I love our Village Life.

Today....I just read a bunch of posts where again the theme was negativity. From bad food to bad developer to being lied to by salespeople.

I don't know why that always makes me want to react. AND DEFEND.


My mother told me don't say ALL when you mean SOME. And sometimes a closed mouth is better than repeating unverified gossip.

ABOUT food, my mother said.... noone wants to hear how you hate it, it just isn't interesting to other people.

When you attack someone for no reason, people wonder what your reason is.

I say to the same people over and over...just go ahead and color it ugly, for whatever reason you want to.

I, ME, Gracie, think this is a great place and I didn't just fall off the turnip truck and I don't blame other people for my own mistakes. If I eat somewhere and don't like it, I don't go back. If I can get a better deal financing, I go to another lending institution. If I didn't buy a big enough lot than I can't have the kick to my garage and unless and until someone comes on here and says they have met the developers and know them personally, I will not pay attention to what you have to say...negative or positive.

Boy Howdy.



The better I know some people, the better I like dogs.

Excellent point.

Do you think that should also apply to those who attack others.......just because they relate a less than perfect experience?

.

No, I wasn't kidding.

4/17/13 -- "BONITA SPRINGS — The doggy bag concept took on a whole new meaning during Wednesday’s Bonita Springs City Council meeting.

The council unanimously adopted an ordinance that will allow restaurants with outdoor seating to apply for permits that would let patrons bring their dogs to dinner.

The law reflects current practice at local outdoor establishments, council members agreed, but with a few new guidelines.

“We should have something about the disposal of doggy waste,” Councilwoman Martha Simons said. “Maybe add that waste should be wrapped in a Baggie and thrown in a Dumpster away from the service area. You want to avoid flies.”

Simons’ suggestion was added to the ordinance, which goes into effect in 30 days...."

Bone appetit: Bonita Springs to allow dogs at restaurants with outdoor tables » Naples Daily News

April 27, 2012
By Sandra Pedicini, Orlando Sentinel

WINTER PARK — For years, dog owners brought their furry friends to Hillstone in Winter Park, letting them hang out on the lawn and patio at the restaurant overlooking Lake Killarney.

But this month, Hillstone kicked out the dogs.

"The number of guests bringing dogs was increasing and increasing, and the complaints from our other guests were increasing as well," said Todd Martin, Hillstone's general manager.

Restaurants, hotels and shopping areas are making accommodations for pets, and in Florida more local governments are giving official blessing to "doggie dining." But welcoming Fido and Fluffy can become an expensive hassle that sometimes gets businesses in the doghouse with other customers.....

Some diners have a bone to pick with dogs at restaurants - Orlando Sentinel

Big difference between allow through permit and required!

I still think there are practical problems with it.... especially from the restauranteurs POV. Might fly in some establishments that lean more towards Bar + Food.

Let's face it, for most business people, decisions tend to be profit oriented. Will that situation increase profit? If so, is there any downside risk or will it increase problems and hassles?

I would expect successful establishments to "wait and see"!

Allowing pets will reduce the number of tables available because tables will need to be further apart. That has a direct effect on revenue and profit. Because what is the alternative.... being crammed up close to a dog taking a poop or pee (splatter spash). Hope your leg is not the substitute hydrant!

Then there is the insurance issue. The jerk that wants to take their pitbull with them!

Yep, this place is just overflowing with pit bulls.

First of all dogs don't go around peeing and pooing all the time and doubt that would be an issue at an outdoor patio restaurant.

Second, pit bulls aren't born bad they are made that way by bad owners!!!

Pitbull is just an obvious example of a potentially unruly dog. Pick the breed or even a mutt.

More of an example of how some people push the envelope!

What???

I wish they would shut this thread down. It's gotten ridiculous. They've shut other threads down for less.

The people who don't like dogs will imagine/suggest dogs going to restaurants and doing all sorts of unsavory things, from behavior to elimination, and have the restaurants losing patrons and profits by having to move tables farther apart. (Which doesn't happen in European countries--tables are much closer together than in US, and dogs either fit or stay away.)

The people who do like dogs will take the opposite view, as I just did. Each side wants the last word.

Time for the moderator to have the last word.