Dogs in Restaurants

[Lindy]

I have a beef with non service dogs allowed in restaurants.

Just thought I would share that nugget of info.

[Iggy]

Yep I have a beef with that too, as well as NON service dogs in grocery stores, hardware stores, the Post Office.

 

[Fether]

 

37 minutes ago, Lindy said:

I have a beef with non service dogs allowed in restaurants.

Just thought I would share that nugget of info.

Do the dogs eat your beef?

[Grunt]

I don't care who does what, usually.

[zil]

I have a beef with uncivilized creatures in restaurants.  (Some dogs are more civilized than some humans.  Just sayin'.)

[NeuroTypical]

There are two definitions of "service dogs"

1. Dogs who accompany humans in public, who have been trained to some sort of level of behavior, for some sort of socially acceptable reason, by some sort of real organization.
2. Dogs who accompany humans in public, who are wearing a "service dog" vest thing that someone bought off of Amazon or eBay.

Honestly, you'd think that #1 is somehow "better" or "more acceptable", but you can't really bet on that.

Me and my house tend to like animals more than humans, so we're usually ok with any reasonably-behaved animal anywhere.  We'd gladly switch airplane seats with you to sit next to someone and their pig or snake or whatever.

[Fether]

6 hours ago, zil said:

I have a beef with uncivilized creatures in restaurants.  (Some dogs are more civilized than some humans.  Just sayin'.)

Why in the world did you get reactions and not me!? 

[zil]

1 minute ago, Fether said:

Why in the world did you get reactions and not me!? 

Cuz some folks like dogs better than people? But there's two reactions just for you.

[Lindy]

21 hours ago, Fether said:

Do the dogs eat your beef?

Funny thought - but no haven't ran into that problem yet.

 

[seashmore]

Eh. As long as they aren't in the kitchen or barking, I don't see it as any different than eating outside, which people like to do. (Personally, I'd rather share a large dining space with a small, quiet dog than go on a picnic with flies and ants.)

[Lindy]

I have no problems with a service animal that has been trained for a specific problem. I would gladly leave for someone with a service dog. 

What really stinks is I love dogs, but I really am allergic to dogs and have a hard time around them in an enclosed area. I don't think that a lot of people know that there is no dog that is hypoallergenic, (even if someone told you there was). And just like those with food allergies-  I have to be very careful to avoid what will cause a reaction. 

It's always a little scary to feel your throat start constricting up. I really do enjoy breathing.

I just wish that people would leave their dogs at home when they go out to dinner. I have a friend who lost her husband last year, and has a little furry friend she takes everywhere with her, and she understood my distress about the amount of animals in public places. Yet, that won't stop her from taking her longhaired dog on a plane when traveling.

 

 

 

[Lindy]

17 hours ago, zil said:

I have a beef with uncivilized creatures in restaurants.  (Some dogs are more civilized than some humans.  Just sayin'.)

17 hours ago, NeuroTypical said:

There are two definitions of "service dogs"

1. Dogs who accompany humans in public, who have been trained to some sort of level of behavior, for some sort of socially acceptable reason, by some sort of real organization.
2. Dogs who accompany humans in public, who are wearing a "service dog" vest thing that someone bought off of Amazon or eBay.

Honestly, you'd think that #1 is somehow "better" or "more acceptable", but you can't really bet on that.

Me and my house tend to like animals more than humans, so we're usually ok with any reasonably-behaved animal anywhere.  We'd gladly switch airplane seats with you to sit next to someone and their pig or snake or whatever.

I agree that there are many uncivilized creatures that are allowed in public places, have sat next to my share of them through the years. UGH

IMHO Those service dog wannabe owners should be given a ticket for misrepresentation of a service animal. A service animal has been trained and certified to help in a certain area or problem. They should be commended.

The wannabe therapy, companion dogs may be cute, cuddly and provide some sort of emotional support that a BFF could provide...... BUT there is a line that has to be drawn.

What is going to stop someone from really bringing a pig or a snake into a restaurant or from boarding a plane with their "therapy" or "companion" animal? 

Edited September 17, 2017 by Lindy

[Lindy]

22 hours ago, Iggy said:

Yep I have a beef with that too, as well as NON service dogs in grocery stores, hardware stores, the Post Office.

 

Amen sister! 

[Guest LiterateParakeet]

18 hours ago, Grunt said:

I don't care who does what, usually.

 

18 hours ago, NeuroTypical said:

Me and my house tend to like animals more than humans, so we're usually ok with any reasonably-behaved animal anywhere.  We'd gladly switch airplane seats with you to sit next to someone and their pig or snake or whatever.

Honestly, it bugs me too, but I'm trying to change my attitude to one more like you both.  As my 18 yr old daughter says, "You do you."  Really what does it hurt me if the dog is "official" or not?  It doesn't make any difference.    In fact....I would much rather that people deal with their anxiety (or whatever) with a pet, rather than alcohol, drugs (opioids are epidemic right now), pornography or gambling.  I've never heard of companion dogs causing harm to any one, but alcohol, drugs, porn and gambling have destroyed many lives. 

For the record, I no longer have a problem with it.  Bring on the pets!

[JohnsonJones]

1 hour ago, Lindy said:

I agree that there are many uncivilized creatures that are allowed in public places, have sat next to my share of them through the years. UGH

IMHO Those service dog wannabe owners should be given a ticket for misrepresentation of a service animal. A service animal has been trained and certified to help in a certain area or problem. They should be commended.

The wannabe therapy, companion dogs may be cute, cuddly and provide some sort of emotional support that a BFF could provide...... BUT there is a line that has to be drawn.

What is going to stop someone from really bringing a pig or a snake into a restaurant or from boarding a plane with their "therapy" or "companion" animal? 

This.

I have dealt with veterans that truly need that service dog.  A service dog is an official medical item, trained for years, and certified by PAPERWORK.  These animals can help sense when their owners are in some sort of stress and having problems and help deal with it, or trained to help their owners avoid certain situations which could raise up conflicts.

The same goes with dogs that aid the blind, they are trained extensively and have PAPERWORK which shows what they are.

This entire thing of having "Comfort" animals, or buying some vest and claiming your pet is a service animal is a disgusting thing that hurts the reputation of REAL service animals out there.

There really should be something that lets airlines, stores, and others check to see if it is an official service animal, and if it is not, a VERY HEFTY fine levied against the individual.

My spouse ALSO has a huge amount of allergies to any animal which has pet dander.  Basically it can kill her within a few days (So not as fast acting or as dangerous as it is to some individuals, which have it worse and these are a much higher threat) if exposed to it constantly.  Seeing people who basically think they deserve the service animals, but really do not, and are not willing to pay for it because their insurance and medical providers do not deem it necessary...should not be claiming some animal they have is a service animal.

I should be more forgiving on this aspect...I need to learn to turn the other cheek, but when it involves my wife's safety...I tend to get a little defensive/offended...which is terrible and bad of me.  I admit I need to be more righteous on this front, but if you can't tell, I too am bothered on this action that many do these days.

On the otherhand, I understand the need for REAL service animals.  I would in no wise want to deny the blind a service/guide dog or a Veteran who really needs it a service dog...and if it became a problem me and my wife could go elsewhere.  I just dislike the pretenders out there.

[zil]

6 hours ago, seashmore said:

small, quiet dog

Is there such a thing?  As far as I can tell, small dogs are all yappy and hyper.  Give me a huge dog any day.  (Great Dane - there's a dog.  Lab-Great Dane mix - that's a handsome creature.)

[Guest Godless]

I'm pretty sure that having a non-service animal inside a restaurant is a health code violation in most states.

[seashmore]

1 hour ago, zil said:

Is there such a thing?  As far as I can tell, small dogs are all yappy and hyper.  Give me a huge dog any day.  (Great Dane - there's a dog.  Lab-Great Dane mix - that's a handsome creature.)

I have a friend who has what I call "old lady dogs." The kind with the short, curly hair you see embroidered on old lady sweatshirts. They're pretty quiet. My neighbor has the same kind of dog, and I hear it maybe once or twice a year. I'm a short person, and don't do well with dogs that are bigger than I am. 

[NeuroTypical]

6 hours ago, JohnsonJones said:

I have dealt with veterans that truly need that service dog.  A service dog is an official medical item, trained for years, and certified by PAPERWORK.  These animals can help sense when their owners are in some sort of stress and having problems and help deal with it, or trained to help their owners avoid certain situations which could raise up conflicts.

You are only about 82% right.  There are a plethora of organizations that certify/train/sell "real" service animals.  For a wide range of reasons.  Many/most put out a good product, the rest don't.  Consider the difference between a bishop's priesthood authority, and the "ordain you online fast for $9.95" websites.  When it comes to officiating in marriages, both are equal in the eyes of the law.  It's the same with "real" service dogs.

I'm pretty sure that having a non-service animal inside a restaurant is a health code violation in most states.

Yeah, think about that for a minute.  Consider the unwarranted assumptions that must go into such a thing.  You can't have a clean, disease-free, potty trained, well-behaved dog, unless some organization bestows credentials?  (For the record, you might be totally right.  My point is still valid.)

[Jeremy A]

12 hours ago, Lindy said:

What is going to stop someone from really bringing a pig or a snake into a restaurant or from boarding a plane with their "therapy" or "companion" animal? 

Actually, service animals are only horses and dogs. Cats aren't on the list. If there's a no pet policy, those therapy or companion animals do not matter. They will be considered pets, regardless. The owner can gripe all they want.

I work at a place that doesn't appear to have a no pet policy, but I've only seen dogs brought in, and most of them are quiet and well-behaved.

My previous job, however, does have a no pet policy. If anybody brings in a pet of any kind, we can ask them to take it outside. Dogs, however, is a different story. We can't force them to leave the store, but we can ask if the dog is trained for a task and what task that is. I didn't really say anything as long as the owner held the pet, including cats.

I had one person absolutely refuse to take his dog outside and explicitly say it was a therapy or companion animal. It almost caused a lawsuit. It was frustrating.

[mirkwood]

If I wanted to meet your dog I would come to your house.

[Guest MormonGator]

5 minutes ago, mirkwood said:

If I wanted to meet your dog I would come to your house.

The fact that you don't like dogs is another disturbing character flaw. 

[pam]

I have a problem with it.  Working at Hobby Lobby I've never seen so many people bring in their dogs as I have at that store.  I heard someone even say that HobLob is a pet friendly store?  Since when?

Especially the time someone brought this tiny little dog and let it run free.  The thing pooped under one of our racks.  While I went to get paper towels for the owner to clean it up, I turned around and almost squished that dang thing.  I didn't see it under my feet.  

Many people are allergic to pet dander.  It's one thing to have a service dog that is there providing a service to its owner.  It's another thing for every dog owner to think they can bring their dogs into any establishment they feel like it.  

 

 

[Lindy]

7 hours ago, Jeremy A said:

but we can ask if the dog is trained for a task and what task that is. I didn't really say anything as long as the owner held the pet, including cats.

By ADA law that's all you can ask the owner to determine if it's a service dog or not. That should be a clue to the animal owner that only real, certified service animals are allowed in that area.

7 hours ago, Jeremy A said:

service animals are only horses and dogs. Cats aren't on the list. If there's a no pet policy, those therapy or companion animals do not matter. They will be considered pets, regardless. The owner can gripe all they want.

And gripe they will! Interesting to know about only horses and dogs can be service animals..... I did not know that. Thanks for sharing.

[Lindy]

7 minutes ago, pam said:

Many people are allergic to pet dander.  It's one thing to have a service dog that is there providing a service to its owner.  It's another thing for every dog owner to think they can bring their dogs into any establishment they feel like it.  

That's what happens when they start giving in to the first cute little dog hanging out of a purse.....it most likely will escalate into chaos of one form or another.  It has happened to many other businesses.

Edited September 18, 2017 by Lindy