Question for Dog Owners

[nicky]

Greetings all

I was out with our dog on the beach yesterday when I meet the chef of the Old Pier. While chatting he asked me what I thought of this idea.

He's a dog lover himself (but can't have one of his own) and he is thinking about serving "real" dog food, basically, a kind of stew for dogs just outside the pub. There would be a cost of course, not sure what that might be.

I thought it was a novel idea and said that I didn't know whether it would be a popular one. He's checking out issues re environmental health etc. He said he'd also put out water and make poop bags (prob just a carrier bags) availlable.

I told him about POL, which he's never heard of, and offered to try to find out what locals thought. We spent quite a while discussing the dog poo problem in Portobello. We are both tired of walking in the mess ourselves, or cleaning it from our young children's shoes.

Any views?

Nicky

[ecm]

It's a barking mad idea.

I doubt he'd get permission and I would think it would lead to more mess outside the pub than is currently there, and probably dog fights while the doggie diners fend off passing mutts, seagulls trying to neb in on the action and so on.

And you certainly wouldn't want to be ordering any kind of hotpot or stew type dish off their "human" menu, you know, just in case.

[nicky]

You see...this is exactly why asking you guys is such a good idea!!

I think it's a great idea in principle. I don't think the guy is planning on have a trough or anything outside the Pier. Prob just space for one or two dogs like ootside Scotmid.

I doubt he'll get permission from environmental health folk. But, I think it is a really kind thought and at the very least it would be good if there were watering bowls and a constant supply of poo bags!


Nicky

[ecm]

But, I think it is a really kind thought......

You're right there, Nicky, it is a nice thought, but the realities of it are, imo, unworkable.
I always feel sorry for dogs tied up outside pubs, it would be a far kinder act if owners left their dogs at home while they went for a drink.

[teddygirl]

As a dog owner myself I don't think it is a good idea but leaving water outside would be welcome, especially in the summer.
As for the poo bags,all responsible dog owners should be carrying their own, but if it encouraged or enlightened those who don't ,then it would be worthwhile.

Does the Old Pier allow dogs inside (non food area of course) at present ?
I've only ever had a drink outside in the garden at the old Bedford with the dog as it's the only place that I knew he was allowed in.

It can be very pleasant in the summer taking the dog for a walk in the evening and stopping off for a quick one before going home,and at least at the Bedford they didn't have to be tied up outside. Don't know if the new owners are dog friendly though.

[nicky]

Yup…feel sorry for any dog left for ages anywhere…whether it be at home, in the car, garden or outside a shop/pub. However, and in my defence, our dog is sometimes one outside a pub. Usually the Dalriada or Pier, but this is only after the lively cross collie that he is has been the full length of the prom running with me (usually on my bike), stopping to play frisbee on the beach and pick up poo or play with other dogs. Tired and happy we might stop for a drink for a while. Our dog gets his water (I carry my own to the Dalriada because I don’t know if they are dog friendly). At his check up our vet declared him one of the fittest, friendliest creatures he’s ever seen. I thank Porty prom and beach for that.

I love taking the dog out. Its one of the reasons we live in Porty. If you see my dog outside a pub its only after he’s had a really good run and needs a break and drink (both of us)!!

I would definitely like to see a watering space at the Pier and Dalriada as well as the option to nip in for a carrier bag if ever caught short.

The Pier will let dogs in after they've stopped serving food. Usually after 8pm and the chef is very dog friendly, as are some of the bar staff. Don't know about the Dalriada. I have taken the dog in when we've stopped for something outside but always keep him tied. The previous owners were dog friendly. Don't know about the current ones although there have been no complaints when we've been outside at the picnic tables with ours.


Nicky


Nicky

[Pal of Porty]

The idea of a 'dog restaurant' has been tried already in Edinburgh. I think it was a place in Broughton Street but I cannot remember exactly. It is not too long ago so I am sure someone else will remember.

[Sandra]

Nicky we always clean up after Bess but there are a lot of dog owners who let their dogs poo where they want and don't clean it up. Prime example was when Bearcub was out walking Bess and the girl in front of him let her dog poo at the foot of the steps to the swimming baths - classy - not. She wandered off without picking it up - small minority though I think.

I agree water outside would be welcome esp in summer.

[Sandra]

Does the Old Pier allow dogs inside (non food area of course) at present ?
I've only ever had a drink outside in the garden at the old Bedford with the dog as it's the only place that I knew he was allowed in.

The Old Pier is not dog friendly - unfortunately. Dalriada garden is good for dogs. I used to frequent Ormelie with my friend who had a dog - it is very dog friendly.

[Epykat]

We used to take the dog into the Ormelie quite a lot - she loved her crisps and I think water outside both the pubs and some of the shops in the summer would be a great idea. I also think the shops should have hooks for you to tie the dog up outside. Scotmid had them at first but then didn't bother replacing them when they broke. I used to hate having to tie her up to a lamp post which was right on the kerbside or tying her to a pole three shops away from the one you were in, in case somebody took off with her. Not sure I'd be happy about feeding my dog 'stew' though!

[janetfenton]

My dog likes the Old Pier and goes to the Thursday night session there quite often. He is always made welcome by staff and punters alike, and we both like it. I think the dog stew is not a great idea for various reasons already mentioned by others but a water supply and poop gear point would be great. Somethimes one can find oneself having used all the bags you brought out and the mutt just needs again, or we humans are human and can forget the bag, the ball, or even the dog - in repect of this, hooks to tie up the dog encourage leaving the dog outside when people are inside and doesn't find favour with me. I knew a couple who went to the pub, "What'll you have?" he asked, and then went to the bar to order, and met his mates. Quarter of an hour later she tapped him on the shoulder to ask where the wine spritzer was, and realized that he had forgotten she was with him...