Lots of service dogs this trip

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

Perfect candidate for a service miniature horse

This thread has gotten kind of silly...I'll play.. What about the peeps with phobias of wheelchairs?? And ECVs?? They can hurt when they go over a foot...

Disabled people have the right to be in a public place with their true service dog or their wheelchair/ecv etc. A service dog is an aid for a disabled person. Same as a wheelchair or ECV. If you are scared of a service dog (or allergic) walk the other way. If you are phobic of wheelchairs walk the other way. Peeps abusing the system with their ESAs, keep your pet at home. Get therapy or meds and live a happy life.

I'm stunned at the "get by" comment...my daughter will be the first to tell anyone how her guide dog has enhanced her life and allows her to function independently. She has no choice to go out and about without her dog...in a pinch she can use her white cane but she's not about to stifle her life because some people may have an irrational fear of or are allergic to her service dog.

I have never heard of that fear

 

[vanillagirl]

I have never heard of that fear

Somebody somewhere probably has it and needs an emotional support dog for it :-/

 

[Westcoastwild]

Peanut allergies are no joke, and very often fatal. Asthma also is no joke, and can be fatal. We have a family member who has been to the emergency room several time due to asthma, including once during a trip to Disney. Asthma killed almost 400,000 people in 2015, so folks shouldn't downplay its severity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asthma. By comparison, food allergies resulted in 150 deaths (though this may be US only). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peanut_allergy#Epidemiology. But I'm struggling to understand what this has to do with service animals at Disney.

Because someone was arguing that people are allergic to animals, and should a need for a service or ESA animal trump the allergic person's need to visit Disney or fly in an airplane without encountering their allergen. I said no, because like any other allergy, the allergic person has to assume they'll encounter it outside of their own home. Disney isn't about to ban people from being in peanut butter sandwiches either, and I think a chance of fatality is a lot higher their as no one has popped up to say dog fur can kill. Then someone said allergies can trigger asthma, asthma can be fatal- that's where that came from. But banning dogs would not prevent asthma attacks (which are scary, you're right) because lots of things can cause asthma attack!

 

[wilkeliza]

By definition, if a dog is trained to assist a person with a task or tasks, it is a service dog, regardless of the task or reason for the need for the service animal. It is not a PTSD dog at that point, it is a service dog. Just as a k9 that is trained to detect low blood sugar is not a diabetes dog, or one trained to detect an impending seizure is not an epilepsy dog, they are all service animals. Any ESA that supports the emotional state of someone who may suffer from PTSD or a physiological issue is not a service animal. The lines have been blurred to the point where anyone can claim their Emotional Support Animal is a service dog as in their minds the animal does provide a service to them. However, under ADA that animal is NOT a service dog.

A service dog can be a service dog for different things so I don't really get your semantics of if you call it *insert whatever disability here* dog it can't be a service dog. That is silly. Seeing eye dogs are called just that and they are service dogs. Putting whatere disability in front just lets people know what the dog is for like my Tommy Des Brisay calls his service dog his autism assistance dog. If someone with a disability choose to label their service dog that way it doesn't negate the fact it is a service dog.

 

[JerseyJanice]

"Get by" wasn't the best choice of words, I agree. But it's like all of a sudden, there are dogs doing things for people that they never did before, and now you have people who need a dog with them 24/7.

Let me state that nobody objects to seeing eye dogs. It's a traditional function for a service dog, and people are used to seeing them.

But there are people who can't be around dogs very much. Allergies, phobias, or just plain dislike. Animals being around effects other people. If someone takes a Xanax for a panic attack, they are affecting only themselves. If someone else needs a dog to quell his anxiety, that affects everyone around him.

 

[johnsgrl]

I'm not sure I understand your point.

Clarification of terms, can't help myself ...communications major!
a service dog may provide a legitimate service for a person suffering from PTSD or any number of issues, but a PTSD dog is not necessarily a service dog and interchanging the terms muddies the water.
The animal I encountered in the park wearing a PTSD vest was clearly not a service animal, but due to both the vest and the presumed sympathies for Veterans was allowed into the park when it shouldn't have been.
I have friends with legitimate service animals for PTSD, and when they are on leash in public they are the best behaved dogs I have ever seen and I would hate to see abuse of system lead to any problems for them.

 

[DVCcurious]

Me at the security line

Me: I want to take my dog into MK with me
Security: Is it a service dog?
Me: huh?.... uh....yeah.....

 

[vanillagirl]

"Get by" wasn't the best choice of words, I agree. But it's like all of a sudden, there are dogs doing things for people that they never did before, and now you have people who need a dog with them 24/7.

Let me state that nobody objects to seeing eye dogs. It's a traditional function for a service dog, and people are used to seeing them.

But there are people who can't be around dogs very much. Allergies, phobias, or just plain dislike. Animals being around effects other people. If someone takes a Xanax for a panic attack, they are affecting only themselves. If someone else needs a dog to quell his anxiety, that affects everyone around him.

I totally agree and that goes back to the ESA trend has become crazy out of control. ...it is those peeps that are the abusers with their pets posing as "service dogs" and taking them out on errands and vacations because they won't find more solid ways to cope with their anxiety..behavioral therapy or meds. Help is out there. They shouldn't need to drag a yorkie around everywhere. These poser dogs
are a potential menace to other peeps AND service dogs who are trying to focus and keep their handlers safe.

 

[johnsgrl]

A service dog can be a service dog for different things so I don't really get your semantics of if you call it *insert whatever disability here* dog it can't be a service dog. That is silly. Seeing eye dogs are called just that and they are service dogs. Putting whatere disability in front just lets people know what the dog is for like my Tommy Des Brisay calls his service dog his autism assistance dog. If someone with a disability choose to label their service dog that way it doesn't negate the fact it is a service dog.

A service dog is a legal term.
A person can always call their service animal whatever they wish, but when strictly speaking about the ADA and law, only those that are legitimate "service animals" are entitled to protections. I didn't in any way imply calling an animal *insert whatever disability here* dog makes it not a service dog, rather I stated that any dog that performs a legitimate service is indeed a service dog, regardless of what the service is.

 

[tinkerbellandeeyor]

But some schools have become peanut free and I have heard of peanut free flights

 

[JerseyJanice]

@vanillagirl Thank you for being so nice. I apologize if my poor choice of words offended you.

Most of the seeing eye dogs I've noticed were labs wearing a vest thing with a handle-like lead for the person they are guiding. The dogs have very stern expressions on their faces that say, "I'm working."

The last one I saw was a big black lab. I asked the owner if I could pet him, and she had sit him and relax so that I could. Beautiful animal.

 

[vanillagirl]

@vanillagirl Thank you for being so nice. I apologize if my poor choice of words offended you.

Most of the seeing eye dogs I've noticed were labs wearing a vest thing with a handle-like lead for the person they are guiding. The dogs have very stern expressions on their faces that say, "I'm working."

The last one I saw was a big black lab. I asked the owner if I could pet him, and she had sit him and relax so that I could. Beautiful animal.

Aw no worries I misunderstood you.

My daughter's dog is a yellow lab It is a treat for him to get to be petted and make new friends while they are out working and if people ask and it isn't inconvenient she will do the same, have him sit and stay and enjoy the attention That's neat you noticed the look they wear while working. While DDs dog is working he always has a very serious and concerned look on his face. People say things like "poor dog" or "he looks so unhappy" , which is sad to hear because he LOVES working and he is a proud worker that takes his job very seriously. Working can be stressful for him, as he has to make decisions and judgement calls while taking commands, but he loves my daughter (that is part of how they match a person to their dog) and wants to be with her and keep her safe. He is always excited to put on his harness (my daughter calls it his working clothes lol) They are a team and when he is done working he sure lets her know and she respects that and they call it a day as soon as possible. He is a little prince and so very loved and appreciated.

Shout out to another fantastic "charity" that raises and trains amazing unicorn guide dogs. Guiding Eyes for the Blind.

 

[wilkeliza]

A service dog is a legal term.
A person can always call their service animal whatever they wish, but when strictly speaking about the ADA and law, only those that are legitimate "service animals" are entitled to protections. I didn't in any way imply calling an animal *insert whatever disability here* dog makes it not a service dog, rather I stated that any dog that performs a legitimate service is indeed a service dog, regardless of what the service is.

Sorry I misinterpreted your statement then. No harm.

 

[JerseyJanice]

I think all dogs take their tasks seriously even if they are just plain pets. It's in their DNA to be workers. My dog takes her guard dog duties quite seriously and believes it's her responsibility is to keep rabbits, ground hogs and chipmunks off our property.

 

[johnsgrl]

I think all dogs take their tasks seriously even if they are just plain pets. It's in their DNA to be workers. My dog takes her guard dog duties quite seriously and believes it's her responsibility is to keep rabbits, ground hogs and chipmunks off our property.

Mine believes it is her solemn duty to warn me that a butterfly may have farted in Mexico by barking for 20 minutes non-stop!

 

[Disney_Alli]

Mine believes it is her solemn duty to warn me that a butterfly may have farted in Mexico by barking for 20 minutes non-stop!

I believe I know your dog's cousin - it's owners just bought the townhouse attached to ours!


But for anyone with a fear or allergy of dogs I suggest you steer clear of my home airport YYC - they recently indroduced their own ESA program where they bring the dogs into the airport every day to help air travelers who are stressed. My sister has some darling pictures of the ESA and my nephew standing at the window watching planes come in.

 

[johnsgrl]

I believe I know your dog's cousin - it's owners just bought the townhouse attached to ours!

I'm so sorry, my only consolation is that that I am quite far from my nearest neighbor, so they do not have to share in the joy of my pups vocal excitation!

 

[Disney_Alli]

I'm so sorry, my only consolation is that that I am quite far from my nearest neighbor, so they do not have to share in the joy of my pups vocal excitation!

Thanks. If I wasn't a shift worker on permanent overnights I probably wouldn't mind... but I am so I do!

 

[keishashadow]

Peanut allergies are no joke, and very often fatal. Asthma also is no joke, and can be fatal. We have a family member who has been to the emergency room several time due to asthma, including once during a trip to Disney. Asthma killed almost 400,000 people in 2015, so folks shouldn't downplay its severity. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asthma. By comparison, food allergies resulted in 150 deaths (though this may be US only). https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peanut_allergy#Epidemiology. But I'm struggling to understand what this has to do with service animals at Disney.

Explained below by another poster

That wasn't my question, but I agree that someone attacked by a dog certainly could have PTSD, and I'm not downplaying it. At the same time, I don't think someone who suffers from PTSD (for whatever reason) and has a service dog should be banned from going to Disney because they need the service dog.

Raises another question I meant to ask. We've been to Disney World/Disneyland about 8 times combined in the last 20 years, and I've literally never seen a service dog at any park. How many dogs did the OP actually encounter?

We've seen it ramp up over the last two years or so. Semi-retired, cheap flights from our market, we're fortunate enough to travel to 'the world' every couple of months. Have seen more service animals every trip, mostly at the resorts & MK. Same increase on planes, typically the MCO route but have seen them heading out to LAS too.

two ferrets on one flight, they freaked out the person who was sat between two people. Each were holding one on their lap. It was all settled, FAs did a good job there, and plane took off after a short delay.

Because someone was arguing that people are allergic to animals, and should a need for a service or ESA animal trump the allergic person's need to visit Disney or fly in an airplane without encountering their allergen. I said no, because like any other allergy, the allergic person has to assume they'll encounter it outside of their own home. Disney isn't about to ban people from being in peanut butter sandwiches either, and I think a chance of fatality is a lot higher their as no one has popped up to say dog fur can kill. Then someone said allergies can trigger asthma, asthma can be fatal- that's where that came from. But banning dogs would not prevent asthma attacks (which are scary, you're right) because lots of things can cause asthma attack!

You are certainly entitled to your opinion. No idea if you deal with severe allergies on a daily basis. If not, you likely never had to stick yourself or a child with an epipen. It tends to shape one's personal opinion on the subject.

when a plane has more than a few animals aboard, it becomes more difficult to find a seat away from them.

The traditional service dogs usually board with pre-boards. It's the littler ESA critters (like the ferrets) that can be hard to spot as they can fit in bags you stuff under the seat. They don't always board with pre-boards. Perhaps designate a fur zone or advise other passengers before they get settled in, IDK. I have moved our seats in the past, thankfully, people usually are very happy to switch to seats located in the front.

In the parks, there is fresh air, room to move to avoid what could be a problem, certainly one can compensate to accommodate those with service animals who have their share of struggles just to be in the park.

My concern is that when there are more dogs in parks, it's likely more dogs will be staying in the onsite resorts. Disney needs to automatically deep clean those rooms at checkout, both for allergies and hygiene. Especially with the room ready system/text messages, people shouldn't have to wait to see if their was an animal in the room before them & then wait for the cleaning to commence before taking possession of the room.

Some chains have 'pure' rooms, allergen friendly. Surprised disney resorts don't have some sort of similar program in place as they do tend to be very inclusive to guests.

 

[Westcoastwild]

Yes. I have a severe allergy. So I sympathize- but I just don't think it's practical to expect a business to ban everything a person might be severely allergic to. The pure rooms is a cool idea, one that I have yet to see, but you realize that there is no guarantee the room is pure? They can't refuse a service animal by law so one could always get stuck in a "pure" rooms. Then there is stuff that people carry in with their luggage. At best it's a clever marketing trick. But I do agree that hotels should clean rooms thoroughly after a dog stays there.

Are you saying sitting next to a ferret stowed under the seat will send your child or you into anaphylactic shock? Because that's a new one to me.

I have not been on many flights with animals, and very few with service dogs. I fly often. So I don't know how widespread the issue is, but airlines make money off people with pets, so they're not going to stop offering it. And the way I see it- it's like screaming children or smelly people or nervous travelers. If you don't want to encounter them, your only choice is to not to take public transportation.