CHARLOTTE -- Gary Kelly has brought Birdie to Thomas Street Tavern since the dog was no bigger than a beer can.
Like a number of restaurants with outdoor seating, the Plaza Midwood tavern has welcomed dogs for years - even though state officials had interpreted an existing rule as banning pets from restaurants unless they were police dogs or service animals.
That changes Wednesday when a rule takes effect allowing restaurants to open outdoor areas to dogs - and even cats.
"She's my companion," Kelly said Saturday, sitting on a patio bar stool with his 6-pound Pomeranian pooch. "It's nice being able to go someplace with your dog"
Animals in restaurants are regulated as part of health inspections, said Larry Michael, head of the food protection branch of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Because of unclear language, the rule was reviewed. Health departments, restaurants and residents agreed restaurants should be able to choose whether they'll open their patios to pets.
On Wednesday, restaurants can welcome dogs and cats outdoors as long as they're leashed, don't come inside and don't come in contact with employees preparing food or food service items.
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A Wake County sheriff's deputy shot and killed a man Saturday morning after answering a call about a suicide threat and being confronted with a knife at a house on Live Oak Trail, officials said. 
Henny Penny the chicken lives in pseudo-secrecy, known by her neighbors but banned by the town of Cary. Visits from the meter reader and government employees bring the threat of fines and confiscation for Henny Penny and her coop-mate. 
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Prosecutors trying Jason Young on accusations that he murdered his pregnant wife spent much of this week highlighting how long Young waited to provide an account of his whereabouts at the time of the death. 
Under a new North Carolina law, state health officials have begun collecting data on infections that patients get while in the hospital, and plan to begin making it public this fall. Keep up with the latest stories with our free local news e-mail newsletters, delivered straight to your inbox!
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