Belgium might not have had a fully elected government for over a year now, but it can boast a first, a restaurant with a menu for dogs - le toutou bar (the doggie bar) in brussels is serving up dishes destined to delight the palate of even the most discerning dog.
just take a look at what's on offer - there's a choice of dishes from pasta or rice to vegetables, beef or chicken - all of them are high in fiber and low in salt - if that's left you feeling hungry you can also tuck in because according to the website, "all dishes are also suitable for human consumption."
"the world's gone mad," wrote marc isabeaux on the belgian daily derniere heure's online forum - "in belgium, it's better to be a dog than to be poor," said another - "we're being americanized," added someone else.
the owner brushed off such criticism as "griping from the usual whingers," but did admit that clearing the tables once the animals had finished had its disadvantages, "people don't usually throw their plates on the ground," he said.
le toutou bar will remain open throughout the summer serving drinks and snacks to panting pooches and their equally owners.