Pasta with the Kiddos

Admittedly, togging two dogs along to restaurants can be a tad cumbersome, especially when Ryo is much bigger and tougher to hide under the chairs and tables. With his anxiety of the outdoors, it's also tougher to sit through a meal in peace for the humans.

We eat out a lot, and often these outings are taken as socialization opportunities for the dogs. Going out reminds them how it's like outside and in different environments. We remind ourselves that we chose to take both Choya and Ryo out, so we've got to ensure that they're comfortable. 

My dear Smol BarFly knows what to do and what is expected of her, regardless of which restaurant or bar we are at. Ryo now understands it, but he has to manage his own fears. Indoor bars and restaurants are the best for him. But that's a rarity in Singapore — so we try to find somewhere that isn't bustling and he can have a corner to feel safer. 

Needed an easy dinner that night. Found a quiet Italian restaurant tucked away on a side street. Italian restaurants are always so lovely and mostly casual. I'm not into fancy Italian restaurants. Glad that the restaurant didn't mind two dogs hanging out. We took the farthest table away from the other diners. Our dogs are generally quiet, but Ryo can be unsettled and fearful, so as much as I don't want the other diners to be bothered much, my actual motive is to keep him away from extra human triggers. 

This restaurant's have ceilings fans circulating the air at the outdoor tables — always appreciated, and frankly, a must in the humidity. Tonight wasn't too warm. A baked snapper and an easy spaghetti alla bolognese made a super decent dinner. We're proud of the kiddos — they did all right.