by Kaitlyn Hamilton

Created on: July 11, 2008

Dogs can certainly be considered man's best friend and most people I know adore dogs, but they simply do not belong in a restaurant unless they are a service animal. Service animals are typically highly trained animals and their owners simply cannot get by without them, therefore, they should be the exception to the rule.

Even the quietest, most well behaved dogs draw attention in public buildings. They are a distraction. Many people want to pet and play with them and others want to avoid them completely. Some people have pet allergies and others are simply terrified of even the smallest of dogs. The average dog can only be still for so long without wanting to get up and move about, but when you add the temptation of a variety of food smells and so many interesting things for them to want to investigate, it becomes almost impossible for them to sit still.

Aside from dogs being a distraction, they can also be very unsanitary. Although many dogs are very clean, do not have fleas, and shed very little, this isn't always the case. If restaurants allow any dogs in, then they have to allow all dogs in and that simply is not acceptable. Too many people these days can't even control their children in restaurants, let alone their dogs. It just simply wouldn't work.

I can imagine the chaos that would eventually happen if dogs were allowed inside restaurants. There would be dog hair flying around, fleas, insects, muddy paw prints tracked about, and the health inspectors would have a jolly good time with it. The clean freak customers would complain non-stop and those who are afraid of dogs would be leaving half way through their appetizers. Children would constantly beg their parents to let them go pet the dogs and nobody would have any peace. You would also have to be concerned with dogs wanting to play or possibly fight with one another.

I personally have three small chihuahuas in the house with me, but I keep them away from my kitchen and dining area due to health concerns. As much as I love animals, I would never want to dine in a restaurant that allows dogs inside. They simply do not belong. People should be content with leaving their furry friends at home or with a sitter. If they want to treat their pet friends to a nice restaurant meal, then they should purchase an entree to go. I think that the dogs and the other restaurant guests will be much happier that way.

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