Wow - some of those commenters would looooove living in Paris. Things may have changed over the past 25 years, but I remember going to a cafe on the Champs Elysees and seeing a rather large long-haired dog dining with his master. The restaurant was rather narrow (and yes, it was indoors) with booths arranged on both sides of a single aisle. The dog sat in the aisle.

Back in those days, every restaurant had a pastry cart. After seeing it pushed past the dog, I opted for ice cream over pastry.

I've always believed that you just cannot trust people that hate dogs. How do you hate something so adorable that loves you without question?! I bet they hate rainbows and sunshine too!

Unless you are blind, if you need to eat with a dog, you are a weirdo.

I'm not a dog person, but I don't have a problem with them at restaurants as long as they stay outside and away from me and my food. Same with your children, btw.

But how about instead of crying about the economy and lack of dog owners at your establishment, you offer great food at a great value. No surprise that Shucker's allows it. It's an overpriced tourist trap that would otherwise never get any business from the locals.

You must not read the comments much if you're surprised by the level of outrage. Gay marriage, murder, drugs, politicians, a sunshine and rainbow parade... EVERYTHING outrages a lot of the wackos in the comments around here.

as long as it doesn't enrage the plus-sized women...right?

D@L thought for today: Any man who hates dogs and kids can't be all bad.

How about this? I don't hate dogs. However, and this is a big however. When I go out to eat I don't want someone's dog drolling nearby, having a bathroom accident, gagging on some food from its master or growling at another dog while I'm trying to enjoy a meal. I've had enough dinners spoiled by crying babies- and yes I am a parent, but I left my son home until he was old enough to understand the need to behave himself . Since most people think of their dogs as their children- I can only imagine what kind of ill will and ruined meals this proposed law would unleash- pardon the pun.

Sophie's Choice for the New Millennium:
I choose dogs over children.

Dogs in restaurants makes for one hairy experience.

I remember at Cafe Fanny in Berkeley, CA with outdoor seating on two levels a dog on the upper level taking a drink from a cup on a table on the lower level while the customer's back was turned. The dog's owner did see what happened but he didn't say a word.

Speaking of dogs and kids I have found these don't mix well. Especially little dogs and little kids. Perhaps restaurants will end up allowing one or the other.

I am glad that smoke already keeps me from opting for outdoor dining.

For all of you commenting on the perceived "danger" of something from the dog contaminating your food at a restaurant, you probably have not worked in a restaurant and seen what goes on in kitchens everywhere... There are things in (all) restaurant kitchens and procedures that are universally employed by servers that would keep you from ever dining out again if you knew about them. You should worry less about dogs that you can see and more about what is happening behind the door to the kitchen and in the waiter station. BTW, you could just stay home. That would be a treat for those of us who are realistic about dining out. My dog is probably cleaner than your kid or your home kitchen. And he has impeccable manners.

Dogs are wonderful, I've had several dogs over the years, and loved them all. Currently I have a Chocolate Lab, she's 10 years old, and behaves like Marley. The only restaurant (I use the term loosely) I take her to, is McDonalds on occasion. I get her a quarter pounder, minus the bun, and the fixins. She loves it, and the girl at the drive up window gives her a treat. Taking her to a regular restaurant would be a bit much. Her favorite pass time is counter surfing, I don't want to even think what she do at a restaurant.

I don't mind well behaved (which my Lab isn't) dogs at an outside seating area. We frequent a restaurant in Barryville, NY with outside seating that allows dogs. We enjoy them.

To each his own.

I've taken my dog to quite a few restaurants with outdoor seating over the years, but I wouldn't say I get a big kick out of eating with him. I don't wake up in the morning and say:"where would my dog like to eat today"....well not normally. More often than not it is because I'm out with him and eating at an outdoor table beats eating in the car, leaving him in the car or finding a kennel that would watch him for an hour.

I think the crux of this matter is that for many people these days dogs are substitute (or, for empty nesters) replacement children. No wonder emotions run high!

OMG, The Sophie's Choice comment is classic.

Dogs aren't the problem; owners are the problem. People who have poorly behaved dogs don't usually recognize that fact and don't understand how they spoil things for everyone.

I went to City Cafe once with a friend and his dog. Said dog was nearly mauled by another dog at the cafe whose owner didn't lift a finger to stop it from attacking ours. My friend had to stomp on the other dog's leash to hold it back (while trying to holding the leash of his own pet). Other owner said something to the effect of "oh, my dog is harmless." Sure, harmless --- because of my friend's swift feet.

@ dude

Couldn't have said it better myself. Unfortunately, there are all too many people like that, and yes they tend to ruin things for everyone else. Doubt that's going to change any time soon.

Was walking my Akida in the park one day when someone's dog made an attack on mine (this was in a park where dogs are not allowed off leash). That dog literally dove between my legs trying to get to my dog (which was on his leash as requiredd). The entire time I was yelling at the owner to call off his dog. He just whistled for "rex" to "come boy," and then walked away. He never looked back to see if his dog actually came (what a surprise; it didn't). I finally had to literally kick his dog off mine to get it to run away.

I have no idea what makes someone do something like that, but I do know that there are entirely too many irresponsible dog owners just like him. Tends to make it a bit difficult for me to be very sympathetic when I hear otehr dog owners complain about their "well mannered pups" not being allowed at a restaurant.

I like it when I see other people's well behaved dogs quietly laying at their feet while they dine al fresco. I am even highly jealous. Unfortunately, like Jack Ziegler, my 2 Labs (8 years and 1 year) would re-enact much of the Marley movie and alienate every other patron if they were in the same situation. If people have taken the time and effort to train their dogs, they should be allowed to show them off. The same thing holds for children!