Letters to the Editor 12-11-14

Dog-friendly diners
Editor: Paula Eidsen’s anti-dog diatribe was almost amusing (letters, Dec. 4). My experience with dogs in Healdsburg has been quite different. I love that Healdsburg is such a dog friendly town. We often shop and eat with our small dog in tow, and people and businesses have been wonderful. Costeaux’s patio is a favorite place for breakfast or brunch. We have frequently eaten there with other dining dogs and have never seen a dog misbehave. Over the years, we’ve had far more meals disrupted by rowdy, inebriated diners or unruly children than by people’s furry companions.
Visitors have told us how much they enjoy traveling with their dogs and how impressed they are that there are water bowls in front of businesses and store owners who offer dog treats. Ms. Eidsen is free to leave her pets at home, but she shouldn’t be so judgmental of those of us who enjoy being out and about with our pets. Dogs make people smile and are often great conversation starters. In Europe dogs are welcome almost everywhere. Is Healdsburg going to the dogs? We could do worse.
Bretta Rambo
Healdsburg
Dogs don’t belong
Editor: We are very fond of dogs; we grew up with them and have always had dogs in our families.
But, like Paula Eidsen (Dining with Dogs, Dec. 4 letter), we just don’t think dogs belong in food stores and restaurants.
Come Jan. 1, a new California law goes into effect, and we hope Healdsburg restaurateurs will enforce it.
It states:
● In areas that are usually open for consumers, such as dining and sales areas, only officially-registered service animals, are allowed, controlled by a disabled person.
● Pet dogs are allowed in an outdoor dining area if all of the following conditions are satisfied:
● The owner of the food facility elects to allow pet dogs in its outdoor dining area;
● A separate outdoor entrance is present where pet dogs enter without going through the food establishment, to reach the outdoor dining area;
● Pet dogs must be on the ground, not on chairs, in arms or purses;
● Food and water is provided only in single-use disposable containers;
● Food employees are prohibited from having direct contact with pet dogs while on duty;
● The pet dog is on a leash or confined in a pet carrier and is under the control of the pet dog owner.
We would prefer to not have dogs anywhere food is served, but this law seems a good compromise, and we hope it will be respected. It is quite clear and unequivocal.
If we see this law violated, we will notify the restaurant manager, who we hope will immediately rectify the situation. If s/he does not, we will not patronize that restaurant again and will recommend that our friends avoid it too.
Dave and Kathryn Henderson
Healdsburg