Chihuahuas Gone Wild

Right after I got Daisy the Dog of the Century, I joined a dog meet up group. Lots of big cities have meet ups. http://www.meetup.com/ They have anything you can dream of--let's say you did scrap booking, or you are all about guns, or you practice witchcraft...your comrades are out there. They have normal things too...

Daisy is only part Chihuahua, but they let me joinn since she is so little. Today I received this email from the Chihuahua Meet Up Group of Tampa Bay. I am proud to say Daisy and I were not part of the debauchery:

Dear All,

I find myself in a situation that I must address with the group.  We have had recent events that have taken place, in which did not show our group in the best of light or with the respect and pride that we hold high.

Please remember that when visiting a restaurant (or any other location) that your dog is YOUR responsibility and must be under your control at all times.

If you use an retrachable leash, you should keep it short especially while at a table or around others in a close area.  These leashes are sharp and can wrap around another dogs' leg or neck, and become tight when pulled on.  Some of our pups are still working on social skills and are sometimes scared from an approaching dog.  Do not leave it up to the other person to warn off your dog, please be there to assist with the socialization of the two engaging pups.   Dog parks are different than being at a restaurant or shop with our pups.

Please make sure your pup has ample potty breaks as not to relieve itself near or around others in the restaurant.  Any accidents should immediately be cleaned up by the owner of the pup!  This is unsanitary and will make it where we are not invited back.  If your male dog is not fixed, then you must watch him consistently to assure he will not invade another dogs' personal space (if you know what I mean) or mark any items in his way, a belly band works great here.

No dogs are allowed on table tops, to eat off of your plate directly touching the plate or utensils or never take your dog inside of any food establishment.  There are health laws and we need to respectful of those laws to avoid getting any visited establishment in jeopardy.  Just because a restaurant is "dog friendly" that only pertains to outside of the building.  As part of the larger doggie community, we are working to have Florida be as pup friendly as possible, but we must abide by the general guidelines and be respectful.

This group is very well respected and has a high reputation, not only for it's community service and events but how it presents itself.   The Organizers work hard to bring events your way and we love seeing all of you but we must ask for common courtesty and respect to be displayed and exercised at all times.

If you have any questions as a result of this email, you can email me directly and I will be glad to respond as soon as possible.  Thank you!