The Chicago Sun-Times reports that Chicago last night approved an ordinance that will allow doggie dining — allowing dogs to accompany their owners to sidewalk cafes.

The new doggie dining ordinance will take effect Jan. 1. Downtown Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd), who co-sponsored the ordinance, said doggie dining would "go a long way to restoring our prestige as one of the most dog-friendly cities in America."

He added that it "allows restaurant owners to decide for themselves if they wish to allow dogs at their sidewalk cafes. … The market will shift with consumers. Restaurants that find that dogs are not so popular will likely eliminate those options."

So no more being left in the backyard for some Chicago pups. I approve, as long as some very specific guidelines, like those practiced in Florida, are followed.