I was thinking about the “Question of the Day” on MDOG’s Facebook page from the other day about where people bring their dogs. It was pretty interesting to find out that I am not the only crazy person who brings my dogs to places that are deemed “inappropriate” for dogs. So, I am going solely on common knowledge and completely of my own opinions and deductions today. In the words of the immortal Sarah Palin, “I’m going rogue.” Let it be known, I have done no (ok, maybe a little) research on this topic…
To me, my dogs are as close to having kids as I have right now. Like kids, I am happy at times that I can take them to the park for a couple hours and then put them in their crate while I go out. Actually, I probably have the advantage that way because I don’t think you can lock kids in a crate and get away with it long after they start learning how to speak. But there are many times, like normal human families, think to myself, “It’s too bad I couldn’t bring the dogs along. They would have loved doing this.”
Usually, the reason I can’t bring them isn’t because they couldn’t participate in the actual activity they would have loved but they couldn’t come on the errands afterward. If I go to the beach on a cooler day or on an outing then want to stop for lunch/dinner or do some shopping after, what would I do with them? I can’t leave them in the car unless it’s really cool outside (but then I would likely not be out gallivanting around anyway because I hate cold).
Truth is I’m not alone! In 2009, The Associated Press released a statistic that 50 percent of pet owners considered their pet as family members with equal status to that of human family members. In 2011, that number grew to 81 percent!!! PLUS, at least four people who follow the posts on the MDOG FB page. Because of this, there is a growing trend for pet friendly public places…or at least I am going to create one ;)
Locally, Evergreen Walk in South Windsor made a big deal a couple of years ago about becoming dog friendly. Now dog owners can clearly see which stores dogs are allowed into and what size dogs are allowed ( I would assume they would not want a bull in a china shop… literally). Landmark Café on Main Street in Manchester and Hartford Road Pizza (on Hartford Road, duh) allow outdoor dining with dogs too. Being a Townie, those are the only three locations that willingly allow your dogs. I snuck Gryphon into Walmarts for a couple of months when he was a puppy until I got caught one summer day by the manager. They allowed me to continue shopping that day because it was obviously too hot to leave a dog in the car and I SWORE I was just running a quick errand but I stopped the sneaking after that. I also recently brought him along to my appointment at my hairdresser. They fell in love with him and he is welcome back anytime.
So why don’t most places allow dogs inside? Well, for food places, I would guess it has to do with Health Code Regulations. Although, many places won’t even let you sit outside with your dog anymore. I cannot understand why this is because it’s not like the dogs are going to be in touch with any place the food is prepared and birds can poop on where it is served (which is 100 percent more unsanitary than dog spit). My brother lived in Germany for several years while he served in the Air Force. He said that people bring their dogs to a restaurant more often than they do their children. That could very well be because dogs mature at a faster rate than children and are, when trained properly, more well-behaved. While dogs do not always behave well, I have never seen one barking incessantly while jumping up and down on the chair of a bistro while the owner quietly and politely asked for 45 minutes that they not do that. I cannot say the same for children and parents. Maybe the Germans have it all right.
As for other stores, I’m guessing they are avoiding liability. Which is kind of ignorant, at least in CT, because rarely would someone win a lawsuit against a store for a dog that is with its owner causing an issue. Since dogs are property, they are treated as such in court. No one could sue Walmart if a little old lady started hitting people with her umbrella just because they let that umbrella through the door.
I will yield to the regulations against dogs in grocery stores or stores that carry groceries (Super Walmart, Target, etc.). My dogs can be sneaky and I would be devastated and completely embarrassed if they stole something. Although, if it were Zuzu, I would know right away because Gryphon would tell on her but I am not blind to his antics either and as innocent as he tends to be, he is not always. I’m done with sneaking my dogs in places they “don’t belong” - they’re too big for it anyway - but not with wishing I could.
I will also concede that people do not always make the best decisions when it comes to bringing their dogs out in public. I have seen some irresponsible things, not just at events, but in general when it comes to public behavior with dogs. As owners, we need to realize that not everyone thinks our dogs are sweet and cute and fuzzy and bad behaviors that we brush off as loving parents are not as endearing to strangers.
So today, I vow, I will talk to my State Representative (you know who you are or at least your wife will tell you) soon and see what he can do for us so the whole family can go on outings. I'm not implying at all that people should be forced to allow pet owners to bring their dogs along, simply that businesses that are doing so for precautionary reasons no longer need to be as concerned. I’m pretty sure it won’t be on the list of priorities but it could be one of those feel good things politicians do on occasion. Maybe, just maybe, I’ve sparked a little inspiration in my readers and you will do the same.
In the meantime, here are a few tips to make dog outings ok for everyone…
Tips for People Dining With Dogs
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If your pooch is not ready for prime time, don’t put him on the stage. Train and socialize your dog to behave like it is going to be a service dog, which is generally overlooked by everyone.
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Sit at a table where your dog can be out of the way, both of other customers and the waitstaff.
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Be alert for the comings and goings of others so you can anticipate issues before they occur.
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If your dog acts up, leave. No fuss, no muss. Apologize, if appropriate. Imagine yourself doing better the next time.
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Patronize dog friendly restaurants, even if you don’t have the fur kids with you, and personally thank management for their policy.
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And as a general tip for all pet owners, PICK UP AFTER YOUR DOG. This is the one common gripe shared by everyone. The thoughtlessness of some pet owners is extended to anyone and everyone holding a leash.
Tips for People Dining Near Dogs
- Ignore the dog. If you see me enjoying a relaxing meal, my dog lying peacefully at my feet, please don’t approach us asking if you can pet the pooch. In exchange, I won’t come over to your table and scratch behind the ears of your kid and get her all worked up.
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Ask for permission. If you simply can’t resist, please ask for permission to approach us before you stick your hand in my dog’s face. And don’t get hurt feelings if I say no.
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Be open minded. If you don’t like seeing dogs at restaurants, figure out what really has you bothered and see if it has any basis in fact.
Courtesy GoPetFriendly.com How Friendly are Dog Friendly Restaurants?
Part 2by rburkert.
Until next time... See you at the dog park!
businesses have "doggie bars" set up outside their shops for the visiting dogs (many take the Bridgeport Ferry over from CT with their owners) and one of our ice cream stands offers doggie cups. We even have a bed and breakfast in town that allows dog guests ( The Ransome Inn).
better behaved then many of the children I see in the stores. In fact, I watched a rather messy tantrum in the supermarket this afternoon. We carry baggies and clean up after her - and she is generally good about going before we enter a store. I don't think I've ever had to deal with her mess inside a store - including the pet stores. And these are places where dogs are very likely to want to leave their 'calling card'. Unfortunately, there aren't too many pet-friendly businesses around here. The Promenade Shops in South Windsor is largely pet-friendly (they have signs on the door telling you the degree of control they require). I have internet friends from the west coast that tell me that there a lot of pet-friendly businesses - including restaurants - out there. This is one west coast trend I wouldn't mind seeing migrate out here.
Comparing children to a dog is ridiculous. Why is it when dog-owners want to make a point, they often do it at the expense of children? Agreed, nothing is more annoying than a parent who allows a child's bad behavior to escalate. But before I pass judgement I try to give the child and parent the benefit of the fact that maybe the child is hungry or tired. Agreed that eating dinner in a nice restaurant with rowdy screaming kids is unappetizing but not as unappetizing as eating in a restaurant where dogs are about. I am going to surmise that you don't have grandchildren. Maybe migrating to the West coast would take the curmudgeon out of you.
In reference to referring to my dogs as children, I don't. :) I said they were the closest I have to children but I do compare the behaviors with children. I am not opposed to people calling their dogs their children buut I do call mine dogs. Thank you to everyone. I'm glad I was able to provoke some conversation. ;)
You make very good pints about not passing judgement on a situation with a child before taking some factors into consideration. I will say, yes I do become irritated when I see a child behaving badly in public. However, the ownership of the problem always boils down to the responsible person, whether parent or pet owner. I think it's safe to say that many dog owners are comparing what is acceptable behavior in the eyes of the responsible individual and very often pet owners are more criticized (sometimes rightly so) than parents. Unacceptable behavior is such whether it comes from a dog or a child.
Playing devil's advocate again, isn't if fair to say that there is no way every restaurant will become pet friendly. Wouldn't you be able to choose to go elsewhere if you do not wish to dine outdoors with a dog just as I choose never to eat at Chuckie Cheese, no matter how much I love my neices and nephews (all 7 of them)?
I read one of your earlier comments - maybe you are confused. I don't treat my dog like a human child - she is my dog. She is a well-behaved, affectionate, and important member of our family. She goes on vacations with us and has been trained in proper behavior in a variety of public places. I don't demand that all accommodations be open to pets, but I tend to frequent those that are pet-friendly. I like spending time with my dog and she likes 'adventures'. Frankly, it seems like you are the one who is running around calling the youn'uns 'whippersnappers' and acting in a curmudgeonly manner. Relax, M.
You need to re-read posts before commenting. The word 'whippersnappers' or "youn'uns" never appeared in ANY of my posts, You know that my objection to your comment was comparing the behavior of a child to that of a dog. There is no comparison. The line between caring for a child and caring for a pet has gotten a little too blurred these days. I love my kids and I love my pets but I keep it in perspective.
Satire M. Relax. Seems like you are the one who is ramped up on this non-issue. I would write more but I am taking my dog for a walk...
Can you please send me some information on the facelifts for pets. I would be very interested in writing about that. I've never heard of such a thing. I will say that pet insurance is a very good investment for people with pets though. While I do not have it currently, there have been a number of times when I wished I had. Because of their breed, both of my dogs suffer from occassional bouts of GI issues. My young dog became suddenly blind due to rapid onset of cataracts at 3 years old (who would have remained blind for another 17 years if we had chosen not to do the surgery & yes, people say they adjust but this dog was full of life one day and two weeks later, not). I vaccinate my dogs annually (or as required) with more than the state "required" vaccinations to keep them healthy. I also feed them a quality food to assist with any skin issues they have. With the rising cost of your healthcare, why would it be any different for pets. All these things are either completely or partially covered under Pet Care insurance policies. If I had it to do all over again, I would have spent the $70 a month (for both dogs) to save thousands on all the unpredictable stuff I never thought would happen. Pet Care Insurance is about quality of life, not just for the dog, but for the owners as well.
is a considered a nice establishment (Leunig's Bistro) in Burlington Vt. With their 5 medium to large size dogs and they were perfectly behaved! It was a marvelous sight. Enjoy your pups. : )
http://goo.gl/dhaJS
All in all it's important to know, do a thorough investigation on what is and isn't covered and under what conditions before purchasing a policy because maybe pet insurance isn't for you. In addition, if your insurance policy does not cover the entire expense, talk with your vet to see if they can help you with the rest (bring the cost down even just a little). It doesn't hurt to at least ask. Thanks again Beverly.