Doggy Dining: Netizens in Uproar Over a Hungry Little Doge

Beijing and Paris don't have too much in common, but how would you feel if this city became one where dogs are allowed to dine at the dinner table with humans? 

Recently, a photo of a dog dining at a restaurant in Sanlitun's the Opposite House spurred heated debate among netizens. The depicts a table on which lay a variety of dishes, a shiba with a bib is licking the food left in the bucket, (not a plate for humans) and two paws perched upon the table.

While cute, those who can afford to eat at such establishments have so far proven to be less than open-minded on the subject. You might even say that the scene drove some diners barking mad. One diner posted about the incident saying “I sincerely wish that this place could have at least warned me beforehand that it is a pet-friendly restaurant with bold characters before I entered.”

The manager at the restaurant responded and said that they would enhance the regulations and guided their customers to take their dogs to outside dining spaces. The hotel also posted a response claiming that the dog was feeling ill, so it needed special treatment.

But as a whole, Beijingers are divided on the matter. Some sympathized with the restaurant, saying, “If the restaurant provides pets-only bowls, I don't think it's that big of a deal.” Others call the act heartwarming, pointing the to the dog's illness.

But others chimed in with objections: “The restaurant is a public space. Pet-lovers can do whatever things they want at their houses, but you have to take other people's feelings into consideration.” And another, “What if a dog acts out and starts barking or knocking over the tables or chairs?”

There are also customers who have food allergies or who don’t like dogs. "Pet owners need to realize pet is just a pet. Can't someone take them to a pet store?” One netizen commented.

For pet lovers, to be able to eat alongside their furry friends sounds like a dream come true. But it appears that some Beijingers will never be open to the concept. Is it a cultural issue? A class divide? Common sense? Let us know what you think below.

READ:Pet Therapy: Where to Find Your Unlicensed Yet (Very) Competent Animal Therapists | the Beijinger

Images: Weibo