Flower Mound is a progressive, growing community in many ways, but is behind other towns and cities who already welcome dogs on outdoor patios. 70% of households own a pet and a large majority of those are dog owners. Dallas alone has 94 or more restaurants that welcome dogs. Lewisville, Grapevine, Southlake, Addison, Fort Worth, Austin and Plano do as well. Tierney's in Old Town Lewisville has a Yappy Hour. There is even a Cat Cafe opening soon in Old Town Lewisville where patrons can dine and drink while their felines have a play-date. http://dallas.eater.com/2015/7/30/9075539/charming-cat-cafe-lewisville-kickstarter Other trendy cities and towns such as San Francisco, Portland, Nashville, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boulder just to name a few, have dog friendly patios. It is common practice in Europe, where dogs are allowed nearly everywhere. So why not Flower Mound? http://www.bringfido.com/

The FDA prohibits bringing animals into any establishment where food is served. However, FDA rules are considered voluntary guidance rather than concrete, enforceable regulations.

As such, some state and local health departments choose to adopt the FDA guidelines, while others choose not to. And since enforcement is left up to local health inspectors, they ultimately are the ones with the final decision.

But dogs as pets are excluded even on outdoor patios, although the perceived health and allergy concerns are the same for a service dog or a pet.  According to Asthma.com only 5 to 10% of the population are allergic to animals, and are more than likely to already be taking physician prescribed treatment for them. A large number of those who are allergic  still own pets of their own. A dog is a dog with the health issues being the same. Service dogs are allowed everywhere their human companions go and dogs as pets should be allowed to accompany their human companions to willing restaurant outdoor patios.

Dogs are important life companions, catalysts for social interactions and members of the family. Dogs are military veterans, police K-9s, service and therapy dogs, and can sniff out cancer. They are man's best friend. They are ice breakers and conversation starters that bring people together. Two couples sitting side by side may never strike up a conversation, but if one or both have dogs - they will. We work all day and our dogs are left at home alone, waiting for our return.

The Riverwalk project has been compared to Trinity Grove in Dallas, a dog friendly 15-acre restaurant, retail, artist and entertainment destination located at the base of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in West Dallas. http://www.trinitygroves.com/about/ The Riverwalk will pull in people from Grapevine and surrounding areas because it is a unique social concept. Allowing restaurants located in the new Riverwalk to choose to apply for an amendment to the ban on dogs would be a big revenue boost for those restaurants willing to allow them. 

Mayor Tom Hayden said the Trinity Groves concept is intriguing, and he's optimistic about a similar plan in Flower Mound.

"I think it's outstanding," Hayden said. "You get over a dozen different varieties right there together. That creates a lot of activity and buzz in the area. It's a really neat experience, and I think it will fit in nicely at the River Walk, especially with a river walk as a backdrop."

http://starlocalmedia.com/theleader/developers-to-alter-restaurant-approach-at-the-river-walk/article_f79a47e6- cb2a-11e3-9a40-001a4bcf887a.html

Many local residents drive outside of Flower Mound to spend their money at dog friendly establishments. Pet owners spent over 60 billion last year on their pets. Those same people will spend their money at restaurants and businesses who are dog friendly. It is good business for Flower Mound. http://www.nbcnews.com/business/consumer/americans-will-spend-more-60-billion-their-pets-year-n390181

Willing businesses should be allowed to make the decision to accommodate their customers, increase revenue, expand new clientele and give local residents a broader selection of restaurants to choose from. Dogs do not pose a health risk when they walk onto a patio directly and do not enter the restaurant. With this amendment comes regulations to ensure sanitation and safety concerns. Dogs would be on leashes or in carriers and will be kept off of tables and chairs. Several local restaurants are all for this amendment.

Join us in trying to change our town policy on the ban of dogs on patios. No more doggie bags! It is time.

Bone-appetit!