14 Comments

My 3-lb. Yorkshire terrier Lucy is far better trained and behaved than so many children these days — and often, far better groomed. If we’re going to have laws against dogs in stores, can’t we have laws against children? Think about how much more pleasant your shopping experience would be if little howling Cody were tied on a leash to a parking meter just outside the store door.

P.S. I’m only sort of kidding. In France, I take my dog everywhere. She lies in my lap in restaurants and sleeps. She’s just happy to be out with me. And she’s a Yorkie, with hair, not fur, so she doesn’t provoke people’s allergies. (Thought about getting a breed like this because I travel with her.)

Patrick at Popehat had it just right: ” … spreading the right to sue over “no dogs allowed” beyond the generally accepted category of seeing-eye dogs doesn’t seem like a good idea.”

I think the so-called “health laws” against dogs in public places are stupid, and the product of nonthink. Why is it any unhealthier to bring a dog into a grocery store than a child? Your dog won’t stick its dirty paws into the candy and nut bins.

Amy Alkon: Keep going east. In Germany, many restaurants will welcome dogs while discouraging the presence of children. Even well-behaved and properly groomed children…

Children behave as well as they are treated.

Amy: We accept children as works in progress. True, some parent’s skills are possibly wanting, and any child will at some time have less than stellar conduct. And in a few years those children will be productive citizens, and you will still be a stuffy old bitch.

Perhaps shopkeepers unhappy with customers bringing in purse dogs should adopt the indirect approach, making comments such as: “What a handsome rat!”

“What a handsome rat!”

Wouldn’t they want to say something about the dog as well?

I’m sorry, but I do not want animals near food that I will be ingesting. That’s for the comfort of your own home, not a public resturaunt or food market. Pet dander is easily transferable onto objects and into the air, do you seriously want to be responsible for giving someone an allergic reaction?

Of course it is easier to have a yes/no switch: evil smokers must not be permitted anywhere near a restaurant, animals must be nowhere near food, unless they are necessary because you are so whacked-out that you can’t be on the street because you stress out at the sight of he pavement, etc.etc. What, however, would be so terrible if we left it up to the shop/restaurant owner? A PETS WELCOME or NO SMOKING sign? Can’t go into that restaurant because of dander allergies or because you need your ciggy? Your sacred rights to have everything your way at all times restricted.

Tough. Go some place else.

Bob

Humans carry far more communicable diseases than canines! Lets ban humans from restaurants and groceries!

I look forward to the day I can bring my pet rat, which I found in the back alley, to the finest of restaurants. I’m pretty sure he’s not rabid, and he has so few fleas you’ll barely notice them when he comes on your table to sample your steak tartare.

[Note to the humor-impaired: I don’t really have a pet rat. But the point is that if people are to have a right to bring their dogs into shops and restaurants, you can’t really deny them the right to bring other types of pets, like cats and rats].

haha! I see both sides but you really should look into restaurants that allow pets. However, most restaurants won’t let you take your dog out of your bag.

Most of the restaurants I go to charge corkage if you bring your own wine, and don’t want you to bring your own raw meat.