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Originally Posted by Cat Hunter  I wish the US was more accepting of dogs. I took my Yorkie when he was a 4 month old baby into Barnes and Noble bookstore. He was in his basket and I was carrying the basket (I did not want him to be alone) I was going to see if they had a grooming book. The manager came up to me and said " you can't bring a dog in here we serve coffee". How ridiculous is that? I can't see why that makes any difference at all. Its not like the dog was going to poop or pee and if he did he was in the basket. I can see why a store would not want badly supervised and badly behaved dogs walking around in there but why not a small (tiny) dog who is in its owners arms at all times and is not making a noise or disturbing anyone?
I love my dog so much, he is not only loved but necessary for my well being (brings me my meds, wakes me up to take them, and calms my anxiety attacks) I have not had him certified by anyone, I just don't go anywhere that might have a problem with a tiny dog like that I hate confrontation and I avoid it with a passion, also because I think those types of places don't deserve my business. I do need to take him on planes when I go for overnight trips but he needs to be on my lap, which has been fine, up till the last part of my last trip.
If anybody can help me understand what is so desperately dirty about dogs that they can't go into a place that sells food, or even just coffee. I think if the rules/laws were less draconian people would not feel inclined to call their dogs something they are not. In France and England dogs are welcome in far more establishments and we don't see people there dying of dog poisoning! |
This is a Health Department issue and I challenge this all the time with Lexie, but I have to admit I am sneaky with it. It is my opinion that this really came out from "old times" when dogs were kept outside and filthy because if you really step back and look at the issue on a purely scientific basis, dogs are cleaner than and carry less bacteria than their human counterpart.
Most restaurants fight to keep rodents at bay. Yes, rodents really do get into restaurants. Restaurants actually have to remind people to wash their hands after using the bathroom. Children and some adults have no issue touching food at salad bars, grabbing the utensils with contaminated hands. Coughing and Sneezing on the food (that's why we invented sneeze guards) and children are more often than not, disruptive in restaurants.
However despite all this, humans and their children are welcomed into most restaurants. (some are banning children
)
Because all dogs are grouped together, most restaurants ban them because though a little dog may fit in well, a great dane will not.
Therefore I sneak Lexie in and she will lay down on the seat next to me or on my lap and remain there - quietly, until I am done. This is how she was trained. She does not beg, she does not complain.
Some restaurants welcome me in with no problems. I can tell they are dog friendly when they come out to the motorcycle to meet her and set us up at a table with water for her.
Lexie has also been to the movies, mall, work, subway, bus and boat. Only two places ever told me no. One was a restaurant with outdoor dining (I don't sneak into those types of restaurants) but after a discussion with the manager I was allowed to sit and afterwords he commented on how remarkably well behaved she was. The other was an indoor "Motorcycle Expo" in which I gave the "security guard" a quick lesson in the legal way to approach a dog handler as he simply said "No Dogs" when the proper and legal question is "Is this a Service Animal" and if the answer is Yes, he can then ask "Does it provide a service to you"
By the way, if I am asked this question, the answer is No, but if you want my business - we are both welcomed in.