The picture of Maggie the dog is the poster for why pets should not be allowed in food establishments either inside or outside (“Going to the dogs?” Star- Advertiser, Jan. 7).

Note that Maggie’s paws are on the table. It is not a stretch of the imagination to predict that her tongue and/or drool also will make contact with the top of the table. Perhaps that surface will be wiped with a wet cloth or perhaps not, depending on wait staff training and availability before the next customer sits down.

And perhaps the next customers sit at the table with their small child, who now is exposed to some non- human germs. Love your pets, but insisting they are not a public health concern for a food establishment and its customers is not understanding the issues of cross-contamination.

Ben Gale

Hawaii Kai

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