by Albert Aunchman

Created on: April 16, 2008

Absolutely! Dogs should be allowed in restaurants. It's children under the age of ten that should be banned. Allow me to explain.

Who is more likely to run around your table, grabbing utensils and acting as if the sun rises and sets on them, as mommy and daddy non-challantly sip wine and pick at their appetizer, all while discussing their hectic day on the road selling real estate, so that everyone within shouting distance can overhear and be impressed, or a dog who quietly lays at the foot of the table where he is retrained by a collar and leash.

When that prime rib you just ordered, at 27.95, arrives at your table overcooked and held together with gristle you at least can count on Fido to gobble it down in two gulps, leaving you to feel that at least it didn't go to waste. Can you do that with Little Lord Fauntleroy?

When that obnoxious diner sitting at the table across from you, chewing his food with his mouth open and coughing up a lung, really starts to turn your stomach, you can surreptitiously toss one of your meatballs under his table, then release Fido to scoff it up and look up at him for more goodies.
You can't do that with a kid.

Can you count on your little offspring to jump up and bark when he sees a rat run across the dining room to the kitchen, alerting you that maybe you should be making better choices in your dining venues. Kids are rarely that attentive.

When the bill comes and you discover that the it's costing you another $54 bucks to cover the appetizer, lobster entre, chocolate souffl, six Shirley Temples, and a BP&J (the only item with a bite out of it) that the little princess ordered, you'll appreciate Fido, who will only need a biscuit when you get back to the car.

Tie your kid and Fido to a table leg, with no food while you eat, and see which one will lick your hand when you get home?

Finally, can you sic your kid onto the waiter who approaches you in the parking lot because he felt you didn't tip him enough?

There is no question that dogs should be allowed in restaurants; they don't even block the aisles with those huge kiddie seats.

Learn more about this author, Albert Aunchman.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.