I should probably keep my mouth shut on this because I know this is not going to be a favorable response. However, having only had a puppy a very short time, I can see the other side.
In my mind, when you take your puppy/dog into a restaurant against health regulations, you are imposing on the rights of others...quite like someone lighting up a cigarette in a no smoking area. Even now as a dog owner, I would not be pleased to go into a nice restaurant with the expectation of enjoying an "expensive" meal with someone's dog (albeit in a carrier/bag) at the next table.
I think there are certain responsibilities that come with being a dog owner and one of those is to not impose your animal on others. To me it is a mixture of both health regs and courtesy.
For you see, our Yorkies may be pampered and spoiled but the dog loyally following the homeless guy is no less loved. Some diners in nice restaurants would be appalled to see that man eating beside them not to mention his dog!
I just don't believe in all these double standards especially those rules we "bend" to suit our middle/high income status.
Undoubtedly many of you disagree but I find the sense of "entitlement" distasteful in any form or fashion and as much as I love our Yorkie, I hope I can always remember she is just a dog to the rest of the world. |