We have just come back from a short break in Amsterdam, one of the trips that is easier to take while we do not own a dog.  A few more trips are planned before the happy day when I can adopt another rescue dog!  One surprise on this trip was the fantastic relaxed dog friendly policy that applies over there.  Dog ownership seems to be quite high in Holland, and there were plenty of cute dogs shopping with their owners.  A big surprise for me came one evening when we were dining in a wine bar/restaurant and I realised that the couple at a nearby table had their Pug dog sitting beside them while they ate.  The Pug, named Betty, was only six months old and she was very well behaved. Nobody was bothered by her presence, in fact they probably didn’t notice she was there.  I, of course, went over to meet her and she graciously accepted some chips as a small treat.

I wish we had more restaurants in the UK where dogs are welcom: at present dog owners eating out are made to feel like pariahs as the staff barcode scanner cannot cope with welcoming a dog on the premises.