What do you guys think of this?

[Jeni D]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13740984/

I didn't realize that governments were actually passing laws potentially allowing dogs to dine with people. What do you guys think? Do you think dogs should be allowed to accompany people everywhere?

[corgimom]

Jeni,

Michael had a thread on this awhile ago - he is all for it and I think New Zealand allows this already - not sure.

I will now read your link.

linda

[Fluffypants]

As long as they are not in the KITCHEN, I'm all for it.

[tandemgal]

I think as long as everyone (people and dogs) is well behaved and clean (again people and dogs ) I don't have a problem with it. There should be a sign it's a mixed spieces resturant incase people dont want to eat in mixed company.

There have been a few times I thought I was eatting with animals but turned out to be just Rug Rats running around without a responsible owner - oh did I say that out loud? Now I know what age I start sounding like my Mother....

[Jespah]

Hey T-Gal,

I bet no one has ever been hit in the head with a spoon thrown by a Corgi!
I agree on the behavior and cleanliness part. It depends on the city, in Paris your dog will be served a bowl of water before you get a glass of wine. I'd like to be able to go to a patio and have dinner with mine, but to a fancy restaurant or a store where I can't afford whatever Rupe wipes out, maybe not.
There's a very upscale shopping mall here in downtown Toronto that just this past winter went dog friendly. They have a daycare as well as welcome dogs in all of the stores - water bowls and tying posts provided.

[Chip's Mom]

I agree with T-Gal as long as they are well behaved and don't have food fights (it's the teenage thing) I think it would be great. It would help me out when I am on vacation or traveling.

[minnesotaCorgi]

Interesting question.

I think that restaurants or other recreational venues allowing humans and dogs to travel as a “pack” could be very positive. This is a natural social structure for dogs. Also, given that many dog owners work all day, being able to combine a dining experience and “pooch time” would allow humans their night out on the town without experiencing the guilt of leaving their canine companions at home. As long as humans and dogs aren’t “eating off the same plate,” and clear rules exist for everyone to follow, this sounds like a cool idea.

The concept of expanding the presence of dogs into more “human” activities reminded me of a “Leashes & Lovers” party I saw on “#1 Single”. Yes, I’ve been known to watch reality TV…I’m weak.

By the way—hilarious spoon comment by Jespah! Is there a post somewhere that expands on the spoon story?

[minnesotaCorgi]

One more comment.

Not everyone is a dog lover. I think that people who are fearful of dogs need the right to dine without dogs present; however, I think there’s a huge business idea out there for dog-friendly restaurants.

[Jeni D]

I agree that many times dogs are better behaved than children! Also, I think it would be a good idea for some, not all, restaurants. While I love taking Dudley everywhere with me, I do think that I would still like to go on humans-only outings occassionally.

[darci]

Lol @ T-gal.

It left your thought bubble didnt it.

I have to say I am one of the old fuddy duds that dont enjoy my meals with screaming or unruly kids. What ever happend to taking them outside for a good swat to make our children behave???

The shrill screams are so high pitched at times the hair on the back of my neck stands straight up. LOL

I would much rather sit around with well behaved dogs than the screamers.

Ofcourse I agree with above postings, I dont think it should be all eaterys not everyone loves dogs. And just as we have bad parents with screamers there will be bad dog owners as well.

[tandemgal]

removed by T-Gal

[Michael Romanos]

I'm all for allowing dogs of an acceptable standard of behaviour, almost anywhere.
Dog owners know if their dog is sufficiently well behaved to allow into restaurants, shopping malls, inner city parks and gardens, bars, cafes, buses, trains, trams, special rides, fairs, galas, shops etc etc.

New Zealand is not one of them - but it should be - countries that allow dogs accompanied with their owners access what I described in the last paragraph. There are a number of first world and second world countries which allow this kind of freedom - and some of these countries are more sophisicated than eiither NZ or the USA.

Great what that enterprise is doing in Toronto.

I can't see what's wrong with well mannered, well controlled dogs near food or in kitchens. It is hardly likely that these pooches are going to suddenly jump onto a plate of food or something or wee all over the floor.

[Chip's Mom]

I don't think they should be in the kitchen in a restaurant because of flying dog hair - People that are handling food are supposed to wear hair nets - not good finding hair in your food