Letters: Dogs at restaurants? Let's try the middle ground.

The debate surrounding dogs in restaurants is very interesting to me. I’m a dog owner who takes our dog on road trips with us. I understand both sides. I do.

First of all, let me explain to people who do not own dogs, like dogs or don’t take their dogs in public: Business owners including shopkeepers and restaurant owners would not allow dogs if it wasn’t good for their bottom line. It’s just a fact of life.

Next, dogs have to be leashed and very well behaved. This typically means years of obedience training, and owners have to be beyond vigilant. Tether your dog as far from the flow of traffic as possible.

Finally, there are compromises. There is a restaurant chain called Lazy Dog. Locally, it has locations in Oak Brook, Vernon Hills, Naperville and in other suburbs. Here is what those