The Austin City Council had a lively debate on the pets on the patio proposal this week, but didn’t manage to make a final decision on rescinding the health department ban on having dogs on the patios at participating restaurants.

Instead, they scheduled a public hearing for March 2, at 6 p.m. so that all of us dog lovers could come and give our views as well as hear from the business owners that are interested.  This is a great opportunity for us to show our support for our four legged friends so try to make the meeting if you can.

Opal Devines has collected over 800 signatures in favor of allowing dogs, but I believe we need to give our full support though emails, phone calls, and best of all physical presence at the meeting on the 2nd.

For those of you who wish to be active in this regard here is the relevant contact information.  I urge you to make your thoughts known and to call their offices to voice support for the Pets on the Patio proposal.

Mayor Will Wynn:  ph. 974-2250

Mayor Pro Tem Danny Thomas: ph. 974-2266 

Coucnil Member Raul Alvarez: ph. 974-2264

Council Member Betty Dunkerley:  ph. 974-2258

Council Member Jennifer Kim:  ph. 974-2255

Council Member Lee Leffingwell:  ph. 974-2260

Council Member Brewster McCracken:  ph. 974-2256

You can also send email to all these members at this address. 

Give these good public servants a buzz to let them know we love our dogs and think that well behaved ones should be able to accomany us to as many places as possible.

Steve Haynes
Austin Dog Trainer
Fidelio Dog Works
www.fideliodogblog.com