17 replies to this topic

[jaykay]

I recognize that there are subjects that people feel very strongly about. I have been here seven years, and used to read the posts before I joined myself. Some of the subjects that seem to get folks the most excited are (1) smoking in food places, (2) outrageously high prices for wine, (3) really loud music or any music at all, (4) folks who adopt and then leave their pets and go North, (5) the driving of new arrivals, I could probably go on, and I'm sure you have a few subjects I missed. To me, one of the strangest and one of the most contentious subject is "dogs in restaurants". My first reaction to this when it pops up is- Why post? Let's look at this logically. Group one does not want a dog anywhere near a food establishment. Group two wants Fido sitting at their feet. (or in extreme cases, sitting in a chair at the table) Group three could care less either way. Here is a news flash. Groups one and two together are MUCH smaller than group three. This is not true of "smoking in food places". In that case, sadly group three is fairly small. Now, this subject is very much like politics. Group one is not going to change Group twos mind, and vice versa. Group three is puzzled as to why it's important. (Group three tends to make their choice based on cost/quality issues.) I have lost count of the number of times a thread about food or the quality of the food/sevice, etc has gotten shut down over how hot the argument got, and how personal. because the place allows dogs. (usually outside or in a different area). OK, full disclosure. I have dogs. I don't take them to breakfast or lunch. They are Dobies and not all THAT friendly. I have some Mexican rescue dogs that are totally disobedient. They don't go either. Still, I am in Group three. If the owner doesn't care if you bring your dog, I don't either. I can almost promise you that the owner made his decision to allow dogs based on financial considerations. He is sure that Groups two and three are a lot larger than Group one. Simple economics. So, why take the post off topic and get it shut down when it will not change zip? There is some very heavy stuff going on around here that is more important. Treat it like the smoking thing. They allow dogs, you don't go there, but you are not going to change anyone's mind. I am in the service/cost/quality group but that's just me.

[bridie]

I love a practical thinker!

[Jeanette]

Why even bring this up again?????

[Mainecoons]

I first encountered dogs in restaurants/pubs in England. They were always kept very close to the owner and quiet and never in a chair or allowed to wander/sniff crotches or whatever of the other patrons and dogs. On that basis, it didn't bother me in the least even though I am not very fond of dogs at all. A little common sense and "live and let live" goes a long way here. If the dog is excitable and noisy it should not be brought into places, and never on the furniture, please! Otherwise, OK by me.

[bmh]

The subject is dogs not cats. Cats are territorial and do not like being out of their territories, dogs are social, pack animals and need to be with their pack.
I do not take my dogs with me everywhere but I can see why some people do. I feel that as long as the dogs are under total control, not allowed to bother other customers or dogs or keep under the table at restaurants , they are ok just about anywhere.
One of the problems is that the owners consider them as their children and expect everyone to put up with them.
Dogs need training and need to be under control at all time when in public or can be a nuisance.

[lakeheron]

Why even bring this up again?????

Yes, exactly. You pinned the tailed squarely on the dog, Jeanette.

[jaykay]

Well Jeanette,
I will be happy to explain why, even though my first reaction is to say "because I felt like it". There was a thread started a couple of days ago on the Score restaurant. I haven't been there for some time because it was such a disaster in it's previous form. Someone braver than me went in and really liked it. Several more folks went in and were very impressed, and went into detail about it. This continued without a single negative comment. Then, one person said at the end of their review that you could have your dog if you sat outside. Lord, you would have thought that they announced that they hoped the lake would go dry. Immediately, things got so ugly that the mod shut the thread down. I don't know what the anti-dog people thought they would accomplish, or for that matter the the pro dog people. What they DID manage was to shut down a useful thread. Nobody's mind got changed, but the rest of us got cut off from information. I have seen this happen on other threads. I do believe that someone (very organized) posted a list of the pro dog sites. Look at the list and decide if the dog thing is a deal breaker. With me, it's the quality of the food, and then the cost, but mostly the quality. The service is in there, but I care more about how good the food tastes. To each his own. If I was all that picky about who or what is sitting/laying at the next table, it wouldn't be the dogs that bothered me.

[Ginger]

Seems like it would make sense, as stated to not go to dog-friendly restaurants if you don't like dogs there. I've only brought a dog to one place one time & won't again but I, personally haven't seen any dogs misbehaving in the one I regularly frequent. It's not like there is only one restaurant lakeside. I wouldn't frequent Chuck E Cheese north because it's probably overrun with highly excited kids. Doesn't mean I would go on the internet & rant about it because I'm not that egocentric.

[Sailor]

Seems like it would make sense, as stated to not go to dog-friendly restaurants if you don't like dogs there. I've only brought a dog to one place one time & won't again but I, personally haven't seen any dogs misbehaving in the one I regularly frequent. It's not like there is only one restaurant lakeside. I wouldn't frequent Chuck E Cheese north because it's probably overrun with highly excited kids. Doesn't mean I would go on the internet & rant about it because I'm not that egocentric.

I totally agree, Ginger. If you don't like restaurants that allow dogs, don't go there. If you don't like bars and restaurants that allow smoking, don't go there There is not one place that will make everyone happy. Simple as that.

[slainte39]

Boy, do I agree with jaykay. Don't like dogs personally, but it would not stop me from going to a good restaurant, as long as the dog(s), didn't get in my face or under my feet.
Whether patrons object to dogs or wish to bring dogs into the establishment is a matter that should be discussed with the owner/manager, not on this board, because as jaykay says, it won't change any minds. The owner/manager is the mind you want to change anyway.
Many times I find the owners of dogs in restaurants more objectionable than the dogs themselves...you know, "I've imposed my will"...like dog rights are more important than human rights,,,but that's another topic
LET'S NOT GET THREADS SHUT DOWN OVER DOG TALK!!!

[camillenparadise]

BOW-WOW!!!

[bournemouth]

Why not have some one with "a dog in this fight", draw up a list of restaurants that will accept Fido and post it as a sticky, if the Mod would permit it. That way if you must take Fido along, you know where to go and if you don't want under any circumstances, to eat with Fido, you know where not to go.

I do not have a dog in this fight and don't care one way or the other but this idea might put an stop to the endless wrangling about dogs/no dogs.

[gringal]

I agree with Bournemouth. Besides, it isn't the dogs that are the problem.......it's the owners. Bringing your pup on a long leash and allowing it to get as far as the next table is just plain inconsiderate. Not everybody wants to deal with your animal on an up close basis, even if you think it's your baby darling and everyone should love it. It's yours, not mine.........so keep it close........to you.

As far as the policy affecting restaurant profits is concerned, please take note of the fact that two very popular restaurants around here are HIGHLY successful and do not allow either dogs or smoking: Tango and Mom's. There may be others. If the food and service are good, people will come, leaving their pets at home and their ciggies in their pockets.
Isn't that the point, after all?

[CocinaMod]

Why not have some one with "a dog in this fight", draw up a list of restaurants that will accept Fido and post it as a sticky, if the Mod would permit it. That way if you must take Fido along, you know where to go and if you don't want under any circumstances, to eat with Fido, you know where not to go.

I do not have a dog in this fight and don't care one way or the other but this idea might put an stop to the endless wrangling about dogs/no dogs.

This mod thinks that is a great idea. If someone does it, it will become a sticky. As it may need updating and editing from time to time, I would hope that it can remain open permanently.

[golden bead]

Well Jeanette,
I will be happy to explain why, even though my first reaction is to say "because I felt like it". There was a thread started a couple of days ago on the Score restaurant. I haven't been there for some time because it was such a disaster in it's previous form. Someone braver than me went in and really liked it. Several more folks went in and were very impressed, and went into detail about it. This continued without a single negative comment. Then, one person said at the end of their review that you could have your dog if you sat outside. Lord, you would have thought that they announced that they hoped the lake would go dry. Immediately, things got so ugly that the mod shut the thread down. I don't know what the anti-dog people thought they would accomplish, or for that matter the the pro dog people. What they DID manage was to shut down a useful thread. Nobody's mind got changed, but the rest of us got cut off from information. I have seen this happen on other threads. I do believe that someone (very organized) posted a list of the pro dog sites. Look at the list and decide if the dog thing is a deal breaker. With me, it's the quality of the food, and then the cost, but mostly the quality. The service is in there, but I care more about how good the food tastes. To each his own. If I was all that picky about who or what is sitting/laying at the next table, it wouldn't be the dogs that bothered me.

The new owner of Score has a dog . Very sweet but runs loose. Could be a problem with guest dogs!

[slainte39]

Has any of the presidential candidates of the three major parties come out for full civil rights for dogs yet?
It is illegal to discriminate. (aren't dogs people too?...corporations are)