Dining alfresco was not an option when I was young - unless you were sitting at a picnic table in your backyard or at a state park. We picnicked, but we did not dine outside at restaurants. Today the options for dining on patios abound, especially in Broad Ripple. A seat along side the canal, 62nd Street or College Avenue, the Monon Trail or White River can complement dinner with any number of scenic views. Some are more romantic than others, and some can come with occasional revving of loud motorcycle engines.

When considering outdoor dining, I frequently first inquire, "Is the patio dog-friendly?" If so, a dog can sit with you. I have begun keeping a list of Broad Ripple's canine-accommodating patio dining places: Petite Chou (menu options include doggy ice cream with a donation going to the Humane Society), Plump's Last Shot, Mo and Johnny's, Taste Café @52nd, The Pawn Shop, and Zest on 54th (they take a drink order for the person and the dog), Yats, Oh Yum Bistro, and the 56th Street Emporium. I also checked and found out additional dining spots: Mug Shots Café, McDonald's picnic tables, Canal Point's front deck, Midtown Grill on the lounge side, and Qdoba Mexican Grill. Beyond this area, try Alibi's Bar and Grill on Shadeland or downtown there's Palomino's, which always offers your dog a bowl of water, and Creation Café at Buggs Temple.

Before you plan to dine out with your dog, always check that a patio is dog-friendly. Don't ever leave a dog in a hot car if your plans have to change. Some reminders when dining out with your dog:

• Always keep the dog on a leash
• Keep hold of the leash or tie it to a table or chair leg
• If you leave the table, do not leave the dog alone; give the leash to another person at the table
• Tuck your dog under the table and give the "down" and "stay" commands
• If other dogs are present, service dogs always have the right-of-way
• Don't let your dog sniff other dogs, and be aware that if dogs make locked eye contact, escalation of attitudes can happen (a dog fight can ruin everyone's evening and spoil access to future privileges)
• Bring along a plastic bag and paper towels in case the dog has an accident; clean up if necessary
• If your dog can't do a long (1 hour while you dine) "down/stay," don't bring it with you
• Never feed a dog from the table; if you have scraps to give the dog, save them for the car or in their food bowl at home
• Trainers at local obedience schools can help you and your dog become ready for this experience
• Caution: young puppies are susceptible to disease and should not be exposed to lots of dogs until their vaccinations are complete

A dog reflects the care and training the owner has given. Remember dogs are like children - they have to be taught how to behave, and they have to practice the social skill of dining out. If you know of other restaurants that have dog-friendly patios, e-mail me at brandt@broadripplegazette.com. I will follow with an update.