Emotional Support Animal

[Tom]

I also don't believe a emotional animal should be able to legally wear a service dog vest.

They can't legally. ESA animals do not have the same rights as service animals and cannot legally wear a "Service Dog" vest.

I love it when I see people with well behaved animals hanging out at restaurants or stores. I take my dogs into Home Depot and Lowes all the time now. I am a service dog trainer, so I regularly take a wide variety of dogs into restaurants and grocery stores. My vests must say "In Training", but no one has ever questioned it or had a problem with it, and I've never caused any problems, other than some people not seeming to like it, like you. We all have to tolerate each others idiosyncrasies. I tolerate smokers and people with horrid flatulence. I have to tolerate people with loud unruly dirty children. I think they can tolerate a quiet dog sitting still at my feet. Walk around Europe a bit and everyone takes their dogs everywhere. There is an etiquette to it, and ill behaved animals are not tolerated, but I like the trend here.The government here in CA won't let me carry a gun, but they don't seem to mind my malinois coming with me everywhere.

 

[Tom]

if its a proper trained service animal/ESA i dont see it it being a problem. but when the animal is a nuisance it’s definitely a problem

Agreed.

 

[TechnoCheese]

On another site I moderate, there was a girl claiming that her redfoot tortoise was a support animal.

I wouldn’t have had any problem with this, if she wasn’t using it as an excuse to keep it in absolutely horrid conditions.

She was constantly dressing it up in a hot dog costume, and would only feed it broccoli and kale. To make matters worse, she only lets it eat at the table with her, and it is constantly roaming her floor.

She had an enclosure, but it was 3x3 feet at most. When it was brought up to her, she tried saying it was bigger than 8x4 feet because “they couldn’t get it through their door”. It was definitely only 3x3 at most.

When people started mentioning this to her and trying to get her to change things, she would always reply with
“My Care is perfect because he’s a support animal!” And block everyone who spoke to her.

Since I’m blocked by her, the most I can do is disable her posts for bad care :/

This was an adult, fully grown redfoot.

 

[Minority2]

if its a proper trained service animal/ESA i dont see it it being a problem. but when the animal is a nuisance it’s definitely a problem

One reason why I would never put emotional support animals as the same category as service animals is because a well trained service animal is very costly. People that require service animals should also do their research before paying anyone that type of money without seeing their business operations, their level of care, and the results of their training. There are a lot of companies out there scamming people by giving them non trained animals and passing them off as trained and qualified.

 

[Tom]

George is well trained and well traveled. Piper is George’s pet and his entertainment when he can’t hang out with me

Ferrets are fantastic little animals. I've loved them since I first saw "Beastmaster" back in the 80s.

 

[Tom]

I'll also add a personal story on this subject matter.

Awhile back I was attending college and was in a class with a guy that always brought his dog to the course. This dog was loud, she misbehaved, and whined thorough the duration of the class. This kept going for another 2 weeks.

I spoke to the lecturer and he told me he didn't want to risk any repercussions. Other students were visibly annoyed. I did the necessary research on campus rules and reported him to specific office that addresses these types of issues. He stopped bringing his dog to class. One week when the guy was absent, a woman in class told everyone how glad she was that the dog was gone because she was actually allergic to dogs. We all had a great laugh that day.

And I think this is a problem of an inconsiderate jack as$ ruining a good thing for everyone.

 

[Sandy Murrieta]

The problem is, people love their animals and do not realise that not everyone else does for one reason or another. Actually the person that brings them out, they don't care who they could be harming or bothering, it's their right. I loved my dog, I love my cats but they are safe and more comfortable in their own surroundings. My baby ferret was just that a baby. I had no-one to watch or take care of it. When she got bigger I took her to parks once in awhile but for her own safety she stayed home. A Year and a half later while on a road/camping trip with my boys our dog and cat and princess, my youngest son asked, can we stop at a pet store and get another ferret? I knew how expensive princess was and my son said he had money. Knowing they are illigal I really didn't think we'd see one. Guess what; Utah, They are legal, and petco had a mess of them 1/2 priced. So now, Nikki A racoon faced or Sable ferret Was the newest member of our family. She was full of spunk and energy. I miss my girls. Princess gone now 5 years and Nikki 3. They lived an eventful and mischievous life, always finding something to get into and hide for me to find later, I still find things. Just recently a piece of wrapped candy under my bed with tiny bit size holes. That was princess she liked wrapped things more than Nikki. I was blessed to have them, Each lived about 9 years. I miss them, but not that smell! Anyway, I got off tract, lol
People don't realize that really for their pets sake (diseases, sickness, weather and unforeseen circumstance) your beloved pet is safer at home. I've seen some tragedies because of an accident that could have been prevented had they been left at home. It's "us" that want them to go, dogs just want to be with you and please you. We are the selfish ones.
People, get your animals of your laps while driving! Sorry, had to throw that one in.
EllieMay, very cute! Almost makes me want to drive to Utah, lol

 

[south12_9]

Ferrets are fantastic little animals. I've loved them since I first saw "Beastmaster" back in the 80s.
View attachment 253444

I used to go out with a girl that used to call my turtle and walking useless Rock until I started calling her ferrets long A$$ Rat's

 

[EllieMay]

I used to go out with a girl that used to call my turtle and walking useless Rock until I started calling her ferrets long A$$ Rat's

My husband bought George for me.... but he does not like him at all.. he calls them extenda-rats..[emoji23]
I don’t make him suffer them, they are my joy and my responsibility. I even make sure that he doesn’t smell them because I love him too

 

[EllieMay]

Ferrets are fantastic little animals. I've loved them since I first saw "Beastmaster" back in the 80s.
View attachment 253444

Love that show!!!

 

[Melis]

Minority2, I was eating in a resteraunt and I looked over and saw a woman with her small dog in a baby stroller. It bugged me to be eating with someone's animal next to my food and table. I asked my waitress about this and she got her manager. They went to her table came back to me and said, we can not ask her to leave because of lawsuits, it's her right, she claims emotional support animal and they did not need proof. They did offer to move me. when we left, I began research and just couldn't believe the info on it. I'm good on service animals, but now you see everyone's dog with a vest now. Personally I do not believe restaurants, grocery stores, anything with food should be allowed to bring in your animals. I know a lot would disagree but I think animals should not be brought on daily errands. Most times it's too hot for animals to be left in cars so that means people with fears, allergies or just someone that didn't like animals has to be exposed with out choice, because you, (not You, lol) can't leave the house without your pet.
I also don't believe a emotional animal should be able to legally wear a service dog vest. Kind of like a handicap sign. I'm not hating, and don't want haters, just my opinion.

I personally would much rather sit next to a well behaved dog sitting in a stroller at a restaurant than a screaming bratty kid lol.

And not to be argumentative, just making conversation. But your first post talked about sneaking a ferret on a plane and then this post talked about how it’s not right to expose unwilling people to animals. What would have been your response if you sat next to someone on the plane who was allergic, or even the security person who confirmed they had an animal allergy?

 

[Sandy Murrieta]

Tom, that is so cool that you train service dogs. You must have great patience. My clients daughters service dog was just attached by a neighbor's dog and unfortunate he now has PTSD and has to be retrained. I couldn't believe how expensive those dogs are. And they each have different types of training to go through. The neighbor's dog got off with a warning, first offense. What I find most difficult with service dogs is that I can't pet or love on them. Funny, I'm hard to please because that was one thing I didn't like with my mini America Eskimo, he was a licker, drove me crazy, lol

 

[Sandy Murrieta]

Melis, no offense taken. I agree, the road trip I took was unplanned, the baby ferret was a surprise. Unfortunately I had no one that would or could have watched her. I had never dealt with someone that had animal allergies. I grew up with people with animals and I had animals, so it never occured to me until the lady started sneezing and still didn't occur to me until she asked me about cats. Had a family emergency not come up I would have never been on a plane or needed to get on one. The plan was for my friend to drive me home.
I left out, the lady with the dog in the stroller was feeding it at the table and it was wining and yipping for more scraps. Otherwise I would have never even noticed.

 

[KarenSoCal]

View attachment 253445 The problem is, people love their animals and do not realise that not everyone else does for one reason or another. Actually the person that brings them out, they don't care who they could be harming or bothering, it's their right. I loved my dog, I love my cats but they are safe and more comfortable in their own surroundings. My baby ferret was just that a baby. I had no-one to watch or take care of it. When she got bigger I took her to parks once in awhile but for her own safety she stayed home. A Year and a half later while on a road/camping trip with my boys our dog and cat and princess, my youngest son asked, can we stop at a pet store and get another ferret? I knew how expensive princess was and my son said he had money. Knowing they are illigal I really didn't think we'd see one. Guess what; Utah, They are legal, and petco had a mess of them 1/2 priced. So now, Nikki A racoon faced or Sable ferret Was the newest member of our family. She was full of spunk and energy. I miss my girls. Princess gone now 5 years and Nikki 3. They lived an eventful and mischievous life, always finding something to get into and hide for me to find later, I still find things. Just recently a piece of wrapped candy under my bed with tiny bit size holes. That was princess she liked wrapped things more than Nikki. I was blessed to have them, Each lived about 9 years. I miss them, but not that smell! Anyway, I got off tract, lol
People don't realize that really for their pets sake (diseases, sickness, weather and unforeseen circumstance) your beloved pet is safer at home. I've seen some tragedies because of an accident that could have been prevented had they been left at home. It's "us" that want them to go, dogs just want to be with you and please you. We are the selfish ones.
People, get your animals of your laps while driving! Sorry, had to throw that one in.
EllieMay, very cute! Almost makes me want to drive to Utah, lol

Sorry, Sandy... I have to disagree with you.

As you said, dogs want to be with us as much as possible. Most dogs love to ride in the car, and they don't want to be left behind when we leave the car (not factoring in weather conditions here).

As Tom said, in Europe dogs are taken everywhere, and they are very well behaved. They lay on the floor under a restaurant table, sit quietly on a bus or train, and meet other dogs without incident.

The reason they do so well is because they are well socialized, trained, and start doing these activities when still puppies.

I like Italy's approach...when out in public, dogs wear a comfortable muzzle. They can easily pant, and even drink while wearing one. That solves any reaction bite when a child ambushes the dog from behind, or a tail gets stepped on.

As for people having to put up with my dog at an outdoor restaurant or such...as Tom said, I have to tolerate screaming, filthy children everywhere I go. I have to tolerate horrible swearing at the table next to mine. I have to tolerate weird staring and even snide comments when I pray over my meal. I have to tolerate doors being allowed to slam into my face, being cut off in traffic, quads roaring up the wash behind my house filling it with ear splitting noise and clouds of dust. I have to tolerate any and all bad behavior because it's someone's "right" to do it, no matter how obnoxious.

If that someone doesn't like my dog being with me, I really don't care.

Off my soapbox...

 

[Sandy Murrieta]

My best friend and I have a meeting place, half way between our homes. It's called "Lazy Dog Restaurant" it caters to man's best friends. When you dine there, you expect to see dogs of all types and sizes. If I go to Denny's or a family style resteraunt I expect a screaming child or the room to be loud. That's all.

 

[Tom]

My best friend and I have a meeting place, half way between our homes. It's called "Lazy Dog Restaurant" it caters to man's best friends. When you dine there, you expect to see dogs of all types and sizes. If I go to Denny's or a family style resteraunt I expect a screaming child or the room to be loud. That's all.

This has been a great conversation. Very thought provoking. I've enjoyed reading each person's POV and sharing mine. Like so many issues in our country right now, so many people have a different take on things.

My opinion on this matter can only be seen as skewed due to my career and the experiences it has brought. I traveled here to Atlanta with my two malinois sitting in first class seats. Here is a whole new category to introduce into this discussion: "Celebrity Dogs". We traveled with the Target dog in first class for years with Delta. Someone must have complained to the FAA, so the FAA called Delta and said it wasn't allowed despite Deltas insistence that they wished to continue to allow it. The FAA lawyers, Delta Airlines lawyers, Target lawyers and my boss had to draft up guidelines and regulations for flying celebrity dogs around the country. FAA approved the new regs and we went back to business. This was years ago, but there are now guidelines for people in my business to fly with animals in the cabin on commercial flights. My buddy flew to NYC with a monkey last month. The response from most people is overwhelmingly positive. Lots of smiles and picture taking. But every once in a while I see a scowl.

I'm just trying to go about my business, but those scowls always stick with me. Makes me wonder... My philosophy is live and let live. I don't care what other people do as long as they are not hurting anyone. Animals are such a part of life every where on this planet, that I just can't conceive how anyone would try to legally dictate that I can't take them wherever I want to. Within reason, of course. My dogs are at home when groceries come home and when meals are prepared, as they are in most of the homes across the country, so why can't they be at the store too? Everyone has their hang ups, but our hang ups shouldn't dictate the lives of others, should they? More than anyone, I realize some people don't like dogs. So what. Stay away from them then. There are lots of things I don't like, but I don't get to go around telling everyone else what they can and can't do all the time. I resent it when people try to tell me what to do because of their own preferences, biases or politics. I believe in freedom for all, and that all should be responsible, courteous and careful with that freedom. My dogs bother no one in public. They don't bark unless I tell them to. They don't make a mess. They potty in appropriate areas and I clean up after them. Heck, I clean up after OTHER people's dogs so I don't get blamed for it. I thoroughly enjoy having my dogs with me everywhere I go. Its my job to do so. I buy vehicles for this purpose and outfit them appropriately. I see nothing wrong with it.

To the point of safety at home, I'd have to argue otherwise. Most pet accidents and injuries happen at home. Of course things can happen when outside the home too, but ask any vet where bad things happen to pets, and the answers will be all over the board. The happiest, most content and well-adjusted animals are working animals that go everywhere. Service dogs, police dogs, movie dogs. A life of traveling and working with your pack and pack leader is superior to a life spent at home in the back yard in every way. This does depend on each dog's individual temperament and personality, and I'll grant that there are exceptions, but my dogs love traveling with me, working for me, and being with me. Its apparent to everyone who sees them. Its my job to keep them safe and be responsible with them. So far so good with that.

 

[Minority2]

Personally I could care less about anyone's baby, child, and or pet as long as they're well behaved. Whatever they're doing is their business.

I only have a problem with people that refuse to acknowledge their responsibilities when their business becomes everyone's business. I also do not condone people that go out of their way to defend their lack of action when this occurs and permissive parents that do absolutely nothing to curb bad behavior.

 

[Sandy Murrieta]

I'm sorry...

I love animals, I grew up with animals. Dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, turtles, we even had a monkey, almost forgot the baby bobcats oh, and a billy goat. Had I grown up in Europe or any other County that people have them always at their side then I would probably agree. I work with a number of people now. Most are seniors, some are quiet sick. I wish I could say, we get healthier as we age. Unfortunately this is why I see the other side. They tell me their stories. My client with the service dog, 23 years old. When I first met that family I was asked not to eat peanuts the night before or wear lotions or perfume before I visit. I learned a long time ago when I started this business not to wear perfume because of allergies. Out of respect for the people I visit and not knowing who it may bother, that's just what I do.
I visit people with animals, kids and who smoke in their homes. I respect them, I've entered their home. If their child or grand child is screaming, again it's their home. If their dog is barking, jumping or licking me, again I've entered their home. I'm allergic to cigarette smoke, I get a migraine, never fails. I try and stay away from casinos, they still allow smoking. Since I know this, I can avoid it. I'll move if I'm at an event and someone is smoking, (if I'm able to) in some places it's still their right and I may not like it, but it's their right. Most of the time I'm asked by a new client if I don't mind that they smoke. At that time I've suggested we can meet outside, but unfortunately I still end up just by the lingering smell with a migraine. I believe it's because I grew up with a chain smoking grandmother who didn't believe in rolling down a window in the car, lol
I love my animals, I know you love your animals and I respect your opinion. Your right, there are so many elements around us that I don't like and I cringe when I hear people cuss and use foul language. When a child is screaming or crying, my first thought is, take them outside. That's what I did, I didn't believe in ruining others dinner. I've never seen anyone give me or my family odd looks when praying in a resteraunt but maybe I'm not looking or careing, it's one of the rights I still have. I don't have an issue with well behaved animals or kids, lol but, the issue is with others that are not. Maybe it's because no one I grew up with took their dog out to dinner. To be honest, even at home I never allowed the animals at the dinner table, on eating surfaces or in the kitchen while preparing or cooking food. Yes they may be cleaner then most people but that's just how I grew up and my feelings.
I worked with one lady that wouldn't try or eat food when someone offered it to her to try. I asked her about this when I was training her and she said, I don't know that person's cleanliness, and so didn't want to be exposed to something that she could avoid. That may be extream, but not to her. I remember someone else I was training, she asked a woman we had an appointment with to put away her dog. Actually I was offended and surprised that the lady did so. This gal had been bit and was deathly afraid of dogs. She also told me she was allergic to cats. I told her she will have a hard time in this business, because the majority of people have animals and not all will be as accommodating as this lady was. I had a young man ride with me to a few of my appointments, this one client I've had for years has two dogs, overly friendly, never a bark or grawl. Licking, jumping trying to climb into my lap even tried to mount my leg once. Anyway, as we were leaving the larger dog, bit this young man's leg. When we got into my car he told he this and showed me the puncture wound. I was actually shocked, luckily the guy didn't make an issue. I didn't know what to do? I bought some peroxide, Neosporin and bandaids. He told the story at our next office meeting, but I was fearful for my client. (I did give him a heads up just in case)
I use to have a wonderful sweet golden retriever, she was so gentle to everyone. When I met my husband and his friends they belonged to a group that during the holidays would go to retirement long term facilities and we brought our dogs and sang carols. Most loved it, some asked us to not come close. One year I brought my cat. The residents would just light up.
Enough... I just feel animals don't belong inside restaurants or places that serve food. With the Lazy dog restaurant the dog eating area is in the patio area, outside.

 

[Tom]

I'm sorry...

I love animals, I grew up with animals. Dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, turtles, we even had a monkey, almost forgot the baby bobcats oh, and a billy goat. Had I grown up in Europe or any other County that people have them always at their side then I would probably agree. I work with a number of people now. Most are seniors, some are quiet sick. I wish I could say, we get healthier as we age. Unfortunately this is why I see the other side. They tell me their stories. My client with the service dog, 23 years old. When I first met that family I was asked not to eat peanuts the night before or wear lotions or perfume before I visit. I learned a long time ago when I started this business not to wear perfume because of allergies. Out of respect for the people I visit and not knowing who it may bother, that's just what I do.
I visit people with animals, kids and who smoke in their homes. I respect them, I've entered their home. If their child or grand child is screaming, again it's their home. If their dog is barking, jumping or licking me, again I've entered their home. I'm allergic to cigarette smoke, I get a migraine, never fails. I try and stay away from casinos, they still allow smoking. Since I know this, I can avoid it. I'll move if I'm at an event and someone is smoking, (if I'm able to) in some places it's still their right and I may not like it, but it's their right. Most of the time I'm asked by a new client if I don't mind that they smoke. At that time I've suggested we can meet outside, but unfortunately I still end up just by the lingering smell with a migraine. I believe it's because I grew up with a chain smoking grandmother who didn't believe in rolling down a window in the car, lol
I love my animals, I know you love your animals and I respect your opinion. Your right, there are so many elements around us that I don't like and I cringe when I hear people cuss and use foul language. When a child is screaming or crying, my first thought is, take them outside. That's what I did, I didn't believe in ruining others dinner. I've never seen anyone give me or my family odd looks when praying in a resteraunt but maybe I'm not looking or careing, it's one of the rights I still have. I don't have an issue with well behaved animals or kids, lol but, the issue is with others that are not. Maybe it's because no one I grew up with took their dog out to dinner. To be honest, even at home I never allowed the animals at the dinner table, on eating surfaces or in the kitchen while preparing or cooking food. Yes they may be cleaner then most people but that's just how I grew up and my feelings.
I worked with one lady that wouldn't try or eat food when someone offered it to her to try. I asked her about this when I was training her and she said, I don't know that person's cleanliness, and so didn't want to be exposed to something that she could avoid. That may be extream, but not to her. I remember someone else I was training, she asked a woman we had an appointment with to put away her dog. Actually I was offended and surprised that the lady did so. This gal had been bit and was deathly afraid of dogs. She also told me she was allergic to cats. I told her she will have a hard time in this business, because the majority of people have animals and not all will be as accommodating as this lady was. I had a young man ride with me to a few of my appointments, this one client I've had for years has two dogs, overly friendly, never a bark or grawl. Licking, jumping trying to climb into my lap even tried to mount my leg once. Anyway, as we were leaving the larger dog, bit this young man's leg. When we got into my car he told he this and showed me the puncture wound. I was actually shocked, luckily the guy didn't make an issue. I didn't know what to do? I bought some peroxide, Neosporin and bandaids. He told the story at our next office meeting, but I was fearful for my client. (I did give him a heads up just in case)
I use to have a wonderful sweet golden retriever, she was so gentle to everyone. When I met my husband and his friends they belonged to a group that during the holidays would go to retirement long term facilities and we brought our dogs and sang carols. Most loved it, some asked us to not come close. One year I brought my cat. The residents would just light up.
Enough... I just feel animals don't belong inside restaurants or places that serve food. With the Lazy dog restaurant the dog eating area is in the patio area, outside.

No apology necessary. This is your opinion and feelings based on your life experiences. Thank you for sharing.

Now this is the point of human behavior that fascinates me: Now what do we do? You don't want dogs in restaurants and supermarkets. You have your reasons. I do want to take my dog out to eat and to the supermarket, and I have my reasons. At what point does one human's wishes win out over the others? We can't both have our way, so who wins? What does the loser do and how do they feel? If you force your will on me through legislation passed by elected leaders, I will feel trod upon, resentful and angry. Likely, you'll feel the same if the elected leaders go my way. We can both try to articulate our arguments and convince people to see it our way, but someone is not going to get their way and they are not going to be happy.

I don't have the answers. Its the discussion and people's varying views on matters like this that fascinate me. How on earth have we survived as a species for so long this way? One could study this conundrum for a lifetime and only scratch the surface.

 

[KarenSoCal]

I'm sorry...

I love animals, I grew up with animals. Dogs, cats, horses, ferrets, turtles, we even had a monkey, almost forgot the baby bobcats oh, and a billy goat. Had I grown up in Europe or any other County that people have them always at their side then I would probably agree. I work with a number of people now. Most are seniors, some are quiet sick. I wish I could say, we get healthier as we age. Unfortunately this is why I see the other side. They tell me their stories. My client with the service dog, 23 years old. When I first met that family I was asked not to eat peanuts the night before or wear lotions or perfume before I visit. I learned a long time ago when I started this business not to wear perfume because of allergies. Out of respect for the people I visit and not knowing who it may bother, that's just what I do.
I visit people with animals, kids and who smoke in their homes. I respect them, I've entered their home. If their child or grand child is screaming, again it's their home. If their dog is barking, jumping or licking me, again I've entered their home. I'm allergic to cigarette smoke, I get a migraine, never fails. I try and stay away from casinos, they still allow smoking. Since I know this, I can avoid it. I'll move if I'm at an event and someone is smoking, (if I'm able to) in some places it's still their right and I may not like it, but it's their right. Most of the time I'm asked by a new client if I don't mind that they smoke. At that time I've suggested we can meet outside, but unfortunately I still end up just by the lingering smell with a migraine. I believe it's because I grew up with a chain smoking grandmother who didn't believe in rolling down a window in the car, lol
I love my animals, I know you love your animals and I respect your opinion. Your right, there are so many elements around us that I don't like and I cringe when I hear people cuss and use foul language. When a child is screaming or crying, my first thought is, take them outside. That's what I did, I didn't believe in ruining others dinner. I've never seen anyone give me or my family odd looks when praying in a resteraunt but maybe I'm not looking or careing, it's one of the rights I still have. I don't have an issue with well behaved animals or kids, lol but, the issue is with others that are not. Maybe it's because no one I grew up with took their dog out to dinner. To be honest, even at home I never allowed the animals at the dinner table, on eating surfaces or in the kitchen while preparing or cooking food. Yes they may be cleaner then most people but that's just how I grew up and my feelings.
I worked with one lady that wouldn't try or eat food when someone offered it to her to try. I asked her about this when I was training her and she said, I don't know that person's cleanliness, and so didn't want to be exposed to something that she could avoid. That may be extream, but not to her. I remember someone else I was training, she asked a woman we had an appointment with to put away her dog. Actually I was offended and surprised that the lady did so. This gal had been bit and was deathly afraid of dogs. She also told me she was allergic to cats. I told her she will have a hard time in this business, because the majority of people have animals and not all will be as accommodating as this lady was. I had a young man ride with me to a few of my appointments, this one client I've had for years has two dogs, overly friendly, never a bark or grawl. Licking, jumping trying to climb into my lap even tried to mount my leg once. Anyway, as we were leaving the larger dog, bit this young man's leg. When we got into my car he told he this and showed me the puncture wound. I was actually shocked, luckily the guy didn't make an issue. I didn't know what to do? I bought some peroxide, Neosporin and bandaids. He told the story at our next office meeting, but I was fearful for my client. (I did give him a heads up just in case)
I use to have a wonderful sweet golden retriever, she was so gentle to everyone. When I met my husband and his friends they belonged to a group that during the holidays would go to retirement long term facilities and we brought our dogs and sang carols. Most loved it, some asked us to not come close. One year I brought my cat. The residents would just light up.
Enough... I just feel animals don't belong inside restaurants or places that serve food. With the Lazy dog restaurant the dog eating area is in the patio area, outside.

You have no reason to apologize! I respect your opinions and feelings.

Sandy, if you and I decided to get together for lunch some day, we'd have no problem at all. I can tell from your writing that you are willing to compromise, just as I am.

We'll just agree to disagree on this detail...overall, we'd get along just fine!