Denver is the latest big city to pursue doggie dining.

In response to a petition on behalf of a local café, Denver Department of Environmental Health spokeswoman Ellen Dumm said the meeting was pushed back to Sept. 13 so the city can research possibilities for a variance or a rule change, "We would rather have a rule change. That would allow restaurants that are interested in doing it to pursue it."

We say, the evidence suggests that dogs can and should be allowed on restaurant patios — but only at the discretion of restaurant staff and only if staff and owners follow the Florida protocol.