DEAR Jasminda,

What is your philosophy on pets at the table during mealtimes?

Mr Kevin P.

Dear Kevin,

This is a broad question.

There’s a big difference between a Labrador sitting patiently waiting for a bit of pork gristle and a Poodle yelping underfoot and making everyone agitated.

It really depends on how well-behaved the pet is.

My own dog has better table manners than some of my family members.

She doesn’t leave food on her plate, she doesn’t text at the table or argue about cleaning up after the meal, and she certainly doesn’t complain that we are eating chicken two nights in a row.

Instead, she sits quietly, usually at the feet of the weakest link, and receives furtive treats.

It’s lovely that you eat together as a family at the table instead of balancing your meals on your lap in front of the tele, so I’d suggest that your degustation manners are in fact superior to many others, with or without your furry companion.

Carpe diem, Jasminda