A View from the Stacks: Diners and Doggies and Beer

Oh my.

Politics here in the “other Washington” are oftentimes (dare I say it?) pretty amusing.  From a state senator who routinely calls for the splitting of the state right down the Cascade Mountain range [here and here] and creating two new states, to initiative sponsors who show up on the steps of the state capitol dressed as Darth Vader  [here], the local news does not go for wanting when it comes to quirky political stories.

And while each state has their own funny moments in political history, how many states can claim that they may soon pass legislation to allow dogs to go to restaurants and bars with their owners? [here] 

I was going to write about this legislation a while ago, seeing that it covers two of my most favorite things: beer and puppies.  But I figured this was a short-lived, will die in committee type of bill and that I shouldn’t get my hopes up that I will soon be able to bring my most trusted friend Fido to the bar.  On the face of it, the idea seems so nice.  Never have I heard about a dog getting drunk at a bar and starting a fight.  Gone would be the days that you take a book to your dining destination and pretend to read it so it does not look so blatantly obvious that you are dining alone.  Ever lament about the fact that you want to go out, but you have no one to go with?  Well, that tail-wagging companion of yours can now accompany you.

Of course, Washington State has many more serious problems facing it that make the topic of dogs going along with their owners to eating destinations seem downright ridiculous.  And I totally understand those people who do not want dogs in bars because of hair/poo/barking/teeth.  And I will not even broach the topic of kids vs. dogs but allow the Seattle P-I article and accompanying “Sound-Off” section to speak for itself.  What I will say, however, is that the law and legislature of this great state never seems to disappoint when it comes to the topic of “offbeat news.”

And if you were curious, if I had a dog, I would totally take it to the bar with me.  I just wish that they would serve doggy beer to go along with mine. [here]