They want in
These two little guys look lonely. Dogs are no longer allowed in The Bookstore. Due to the food that is served at the cafe area, it's a no no.What are your feelings about this? Did the dogs inside the store ever bother you? Did you feel they got under foot or were they unsanitary?
I don't see a difference in the amount of people there. I think people understand and they don't mind keeping the dogs outside, after all, they have to do that most places and now The Bookstore is just one of those places.
I did complain that one time about the large dogs, but I wasn't complaining about them being near the food or being inside The Bookstore particularly, I was just saying that dogs that are the size of horses could scare someone, which they were doing.
Added 6/6: The comments are turning into attacks on me. First off, I am against the new policy, I think the dogs in The Bookstore was a charming part of our village. I think they should be allowed in. The only reason I mentioned the big dogs, is because a few years ago, I showed a photo of a guy with two dogs the size of horses and I asked, "Is this normal to bring into a business?" It had nothing to do with health codes, The Bookstore, food or anything. It was jut an observation. And it has nothing to do with this situation, to say that big dogs are the problem here makes no sense.
As for the new policy, I personally had nothing to do with this. Someone reported them to the Health Department and this is how it came about. But again. I am in favor of letting them back inside. I didn't see it as a problem, like most of you.
posted by Tom Falco at 11:11 AM
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13 Comments:
It is a health code violation I am sure if they serve food and have animals in the same location.
It seems pretty apparent that the writer knows very little about how dog owners feel about their pets and is probably not a regular at The Bookstore. The store is still a very pleasant place but it has definitely lost a huge deal of charm without its furry patrons, large and small. Many dog owners either don’t go there anymore or can’t hang out like they used to because their dogs are tied up outside by themselves.
I believe most people know about the health code, but as I far as I know nobody seemed to mind and there had been no complaints. And as for the implication that large dog owners are compensating for “something,” if you are scared of large dogs, maybe it’s you who should look under your pants to see if you’re missing something.
One of the reasons I chose to live in the Grove is for the great communal spirit and evolved attitude that exists here towards four-legged friends. It's a shame that something that makes this place special is threatened.
Health code violation or not, turning a blind eye to something that brings significantly more joy than harm seems the more civilized way to go.
It is sad that the warm, welcoming Bookstore can no longer allow customers the pleasure of mingling with adorable dogs such as those in the photo. No, animal lovers are not compensating for some undefined "something", they just have an added quality in their lives. Moreover, the only complaint cited is that of the author, who believes that people are afraid of big dogs,who are generally lovable and gentle. Please bring back the Bookstore dogs. They give pleasure to customers as well as their owners.
Part of the bohemian charm of Coconut Grove is its dog friendly atmosphere. The dogs I've seen in the book store are better maintained than some of its patrons and employees. It's a shame that a few inconsiderate cowards have to ruin it for the residents of this village by complaining about mans best friend
The progressive orientation to dogs in the Grove is a clear and important part of local culture and is a part of what sets our neighborhood apart from the rest of Miami. That dogs are no longer allowed with their human companions in the bookstore is a loss to the spirit of our community. That this loss was articulated through a critique of dog *size* is mind-boggling.
I had to pass up the Bookstore last night because I had my dogs with me, and this isn't the first time that's happened since their new rule has been in place. They're definitely losing some of my business since I can only go there when I'm walking without my dogs (which is rare).
Since it is a health code violation to bring an animal into a place where food is served the Bookstore has two choices... Sell food OR allow dogs into the Bookstore
The Bookstore has obviously decided that they can be more profitable by selling food. Their business... their choice.
As for the ridiculous comment about large dog owners. It is actually comical. Large dogs generally mind their own business. Small dogs growl, bark and are often over aggressive.
Food and dogs don't mix.
There's a reason it's a health code violation.
It's not something you say "gee, this is a small town and a cute place, so let's just ignore the law."
I have a 5ft boa who is so docile and sweet. He never makes a sound, never bit anyone and loves to hang around on my shoulders. He's the perfect pet and he fits perfectly with the alternative vibe of The Grove.
I have many friends who love my snake, but whenever I walk around with him draped over my shoulders a lot of people feel really uneasy around him. A lot of times, I'm not even allowed to sit outside at a cafe because it makes other feel uneasy.
With the canine owners commentary and logic I've read...everyone should love my snake as much as I do. He adds charm and a unique flavor to any setting. Based on love, cuteness and setting, my snake and I should have the right to go wherever we want. All others be damned including the law!
So i guess my comment was too anti-dog to be published? I tried to be as nice as i could. Maybe you didn't receive it as I can't believe you would be so one sided. I include it below in case you did not receive, if you did and chose not to publish it I know where you stand.
As written 6/5/12:
Ok, this issue has me way reved up. I'm a pet owner, yet I don't wish to impose my pet on every person who comes to a restaurant or bookstore or whatever public place there may be. I am sick and tired of being in my local bar, when one person's dog doesn't like another's (oh suprise!) and you have to deal with barking and agression. I don't want to sit near that.
I may like your pet at your house, where I must like or put up with it, but that doesn't mean I want to sit next to it at a restaurant or bookstore. When I'm at your house, I am in your territory, I play by your rules. When I am in public, I don't want to know about your pet, I want to eat, drink, or read with out any pet distractions. I don't want your dog comming up to me, or growling at me if I don't seem to agree with it. Pets aren't children, they don't NEED to come with you, unless they are a service dog, which 99.9% of the time are well behaved. Pets are great, just not in a closed in public space such as a restaurant,bar or bookstore with people who don't know them or really care to know them.
Would you like to sit next to my cat who hates you and wants nothing more than to eat your face off? I don't think so, but how do I know that your dog doesn't want to do the same? I like dogs, I just don't trust ALL of them. If cat's were as large as dogs and were on leashes do you think this policy would be allowed? Hell no, we'd probably all be dead!
Look, this isn't a cat/dog thing, it is an all pet thing. I don't want to deal with your pet in public spaces meant for humans ever! I will gladly meet them and play with them on the side walk, at the dog park, at your home, etc., just don't mess with my happy hour or meal time! It is rediculous.
Thanks,
Hector
Honestly, i do not see how it is a health issue here... maybe some people just dont like dogs and then maybe they should reconsider living in the Grove. I moved here because i love how almost every business allows them in and dont mind them at all. yea big dogs scare people but that does not mean it is an issue. Next to the bookstore is the Mayfair Hotel and spa and they allow pets. Does that mean that some people will choose not to stay because dogs are a health issue? where you sleep and where you eat should be just as clean for people. i never had an isse with any animal in front of a bakery or restaurant. now we all have to leave our dogs outside in the heat because SOMEONE might still believe in "Cooties" because i do not see a real health issue here.
americans have a very weird perspective of animals. in france where they are very fastidious about food, dogs are allowed in very nice restaurants. in america dogs can barely walk past a hot dog cart for fear of health codes. lighten up america!
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