Once upon a time, I had a dog. I fed it and bathed it and loved it. When it died after many happy years, I cried. However, I never sat at my kitchen table with my dog, much less took him to a restaurant and imposed him on others.

This whole ridiculous proposal of "Paris in Port" is unsightly, unsanitary and potentially dangerous. What about the unsuspecting patron with severe allergies? (A problem even days later). What about the other unsuspecting patron who never dreamed he'd be sharing his seaside lunch with Fifi or Fido? I for one would not want to be caught between two "dining" doggies vying over the last ort.

I don't care how much of a cleanup must take place afterwards. Each and every person I've spoken to reached the same conclusion: It is disgusting and we won't eat there.

While it is sad that there are homeless dogs in town, their plight doesn't compare to that of some actual human beings in this very same town. Ten or more people huddled together in illegal apartments is a tragedy...not whether a dog might be allowed to dine with its owner, or not.

I believe that whoever the sponsor of this event was, as well as those participating eateries, would do better fostering their relationships with the human residents of Port Washington. Otherwise our local restaurants have gone to the dogs. From now on I only buy my coffee at Perks!