Mini-Rant - Service Dog Issue

[MoniqueU]

As someone who is legally blind people are morons. I can be out with my cane and get screamed at still for bumping into things. It doesn't seem people understnd what a service dog or a cane is. i can see a computer but have about an 85 percent peripheral loss. I always complain about bumping into things or mowing people over and feeling bad about it. My friends solution is just use the cane. I get cussed at either way. Little kids are running all over and don't know what cane is for and their parents aren't aware enough to help get them out of the way so that becomes a hazard. I am sorry that that woman was snotty to you OP, this probably isn't new for you? I have put up with the uniformed for years now even amongst friends.

 

[ChristmasElf]

To be honest, unless the dog has a vest on stating Service Animal or something similar, I too would be not too pleased to see a dog in PUBLIX.

I was in JoAnns a week or so ago and there was a girl (maybe 15 or so) that had a small dog in her oversized purse. Just wandering around the store shopping. When an employee told her that dogs weren't supposed to be in the store, she gets all upset saying that the dog is little and doesn't do well if left at home alone. Give me a break! Buy the darn dog a crate, toss in a favorite toy and a little blanket and Buster will be fine for the hour you go shopping.

If you don't want to disclose the make and model of your "service" dog, could you at least tell me which PUBLIX you shop at?

 

[EMom]

I'll get flamed for this, but here goes....

The "I need a service dog/cat/lizard/whatever to calm my nerves and keep me from being too anxious" is beyond the pale for me. Simply too freaking much. For every nerve of yours that the animal calms, it agitates the nerves of at least one other person, and possibly the nerves of many.

Having a service animal because you lack sight, etc. is one thing. But because you are too anxiety ridden? Come on! So you take Brutus out with you so you can stay nice and calm....Never mind that 3 kids and an old lady just had to leave the store because they're scared crapless of dogs?

There has to be a balance. The blind person's need for a service animal trumps and I can see that. But I don't think one person's anxiety should trump another's anxiety enough for them to be able to take an animal with them. Become friends with Xanax or something. Learn to breath deeply. I don't know.....It's all just a little too snowflakey to me. I fear a day not too far in the future when the mall will be full of nervous, shaking humans holding nervous, shaking Chihuahuas.

More and more people keep taking their non-service dogs EVERYWHERE with them. Add to that the many people who are hauling dogs around claiming they're service dogs when they're not. TRUE service dogs don't even stand out anymore. You can't spit without hitting a dog in public. I can see why children cannot understand that service dogs are to be left alone and respected as working dogs. True, they should be taught better by their parents, but it's confusing for them when everywhere they go they see dogs, dogs, dogs.

When I was a kid and we saw a dog in a store, you knew good and well it was a service dog and we left it alone. We were in awe of them. But for kids today, they don't stand out as such because of the sheer number of dogs they see in public.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I'll get flamed for this, but here goes....

The "I need a service dog/cat/lizard/whatever to calm my nerves and keep me from being too anxious" is beyond the pale for me. Simply too freaking much. For every nerve of yours that the animal calms, it agitates the nerves of at least one other person, and possibly the nerves of many.

Having a service animal because you lack sight, etc. is one thing. But because you are too anxiety ridden? Come on! So you take Brutus out with you so you can stay nice and calm....Never mind that 3 kids and an old lady just had to leave the store because they're scared crapless of dogs?

There has to be a balance. The blind person's need for a service animal trumps and I can see that. But I don't think one person's anxiety should trump another's anxiety enough for them to be able to take an animal with them. Become friends with Xanax or something. Learn to breath deeply. I don't know.....It's all just a little too snowflakey to me. I fear a day not too far in the future when the mall will be full of nervous, shaking humans holding nervous, shaking Chihuahuas.

More and more people keep taking their non-service dogs EVERYWHERE with them. Add to that the many people who are hauling dogs around claiming they're service dogs when they're not. TRUE service dogs don't even stand out anymore. You can't spit without hitting a dog in public. I can see why children cannot understand that service dogs are to be left alone and respected as working dogs. True, they should be taught better by their parents, but it's confusing for them when everywhere they go they see dogs, dogs, dogs.

When I was a kid and we saw a dog in a store, you knew good and well it was a service dog and we left it alone. We were in awe of them. But for kids today, they don't stand out as such because of the sheer number of dogs they see in public.

No flames here. I completely agree.

 

[Jennasis]

Many service dogs are trained to sense the onset of seizures, low blood sugar, assist with reaching things/opening doors etc, provide balance to mobility impaired, or to fetch help if the owner becomes lost or incapacitated. They aren't simply for the deaf or blind.

As far as the notion of using them for anxiety/panic...how exactly is their use of a dog problematic for you? These dogs aren't pooping or peeing on floors, jumping on people or slobbering all over. They don't bother anyone, and anyone with an allergy severe enough to be tiggered by the mere presence of an animal should consider getting a big old plastic bubble to live in or never leave home. If it's a fear problem...see my first post. The dogs aren't interested in YOU. I'm afraid of spiders and bees but I deal with it and go outdoors...DAILY even!

Anyway. As to what breed the dog was. It makes ZERO difference. I've seen service dogs of countless breeds (from small to large), even a seeing eye pony! Frankly, the OP could have had NO need for the dog, and the dog could have been in training. I grew up a few towns over from a large seeing eye dog foundation on Long Island and we would see dogs in training with their foster homes all the time, at the mall or grocery store.

Anywho. just tossing my tow cents in.

 

[sunnyday123]

I would love to know where everyone is bumping into these hundreds of faux service dogs, I've never seen anything other than a true service dog, and find it really hard to believe everyone is running into the same ill behaved yorkie standing on a table eating from it's owners plate.

And I'm training my dog to be a therapy dog, so anywhere she's allowed, I take her. I've received my share of dirty looks, but she's so big no one had ever approached us.

 

[Jazzybell]

I too am confused by the multiple faux service dog sightings. Actually, I hardly ever see true service dogs. The place I've seen most of the ones I've encountered is WDW.

I also haven't encountered pets in stores other than PetSmart, PetCo, etc.

 

[Mimi1965]

It is very obvious what a seeing eye dog is-by the special handled leash-that is the only type of service dog that should be in a store or restaurant.

I think this whole OTHER "service dog" craze has gotten ridiculous-there is no reason these other dogs need to be in a store.

There is one local man who has made headlines with his "service dog"=we saw him in a big Bass pro shop with his big dog. He says needs him with him in the store because he is deaf in one ear.
My DH is deaf in one ear and says that is pure bunk(that this man needs a dog with him)

 

[phorsenuf]

I don't think we'll find out what kind of dog it was.

 

[ginna74]

Why does it matter what kind of dog it is?

 

[EMom]

Many service dogs are trained to sense the onset of seizures, low blood sugar, assist with reaching things/opening doors etc, provide balance to mobility impaired, or to fetch help if the owner becomes lost or incapacitated. They aren't simply for the deaf or blind.

As far as the notion of using them for anxiety/panic...how exactly is their use of a dog problematic for you? These dogs aren't pooping or peeing on floors, jumping on people or slobbering all over. They don't bother anyone, and anyone with an allergy severe enough to be tiggered by the mere presence of an animal should consider getting a big old plastic bubble to live in or never leave home. If it's a fear problem...see my first post. The dogs aren't interested in YOU. I'm afraid of spiders and bees but I deal with it and go outdoors...DAILY even!

Anyway. As to what breed the dog was. It makes ZERO difference. I've seen service dogs of countless breeds (from small to large), even a seeing eye pony! Frankly, the OP could have had NO need for the dog, and the dog could have been in training. I grew up a few towns over from a large seeing eye dog foundation on Long Island and we would see dogs in training with their foster homes all the time, at the mall or grocery store.

Anywho. just tossing my tow cents in.

I have a young relative with a poodle who alerts when the girl's blood sugar drops, so I am well aware that they are used for things other than helping the blind. Hers is a physical need, much like someone who is sight impaired.

My point is that, as in most cases, a balancing of needs in is order. If a person's anxiety, fear or stress is calmed by having an animal with them.......That is offset by the people in public who have a fear of said animal. Meaning, it bothers people. THOSE people have a legitimate expectation that they should be able to shop, etc. without having their nerves shot just because another shopper needs THEIR nerves calmed by having Fluffy in tow. Someone has to trump. There are other ways to treat anxiety and fear. By your "allergy" logic, perhaps if a person is so fearful that they cannot leave home without an animal companion to calm their nerves, THEY should stay at home and leave the public outings to those who choose to associate with humans.

Fear of dogs is a very common fear among young children, not to mention those who have been traumatized in some way by them over the years. Most people with good sense take care to avoid dogs if they know they are with someone who has a fear of dogs, so as to make the outing more pleasant. But if it becomes common for the chronically uncalm to take Fido along to keep them on an even keel, then we'll all have to deal with the squeals of those who are petrified of dogs. No thanks.

True service dogs are few and far between. If a person who fears dogs runs into one of them, then it's on them to remove themselves from the situation. Big difference, IMHO.

 

[Robindianne]

I don't think we'll find out what kind of dog it was.

I'm hoping OP doesn't post the breed or the reason and here's why:
1 - not our business
2 - gives "legitimacy" to people needing an explanation, justification, proof, whatever for something they/we have no right to.

Rock on OP

In our city (not sure if state as well or county) store, restaurant, and business owners are allowed to ask "is that a therapy/guide dog?" and that's it. Don't get to ask for proof, ID, vest on dog/cat/whatever, what it's "for," nothing. As is how it should be

 

[wwithers]

IMO, that's an abuse of the system. Lots of people like to have their pets around and feel comforted by their presence, but "my dog makes me feel comfy when out in public" is not a legitimate medical issue. It's people like your friend who are ruining it for people with disabilities who NEED service animals in public places, like blind people and those with seizure disorders.

Okay, someone else may have already answered this however...

You really have a lot of nerve. Clearly you have never suffered from panic or anxiety issues or you would not be so judgemental. Some people with these disorders can barely function and if an animal can help that, kudos to them.

Contrary to what you stated, it is people like YOU who make people like the one in the OP's original story feel as though they and they alone are in a position to decide what is, and is not acceptable when in reality it is no one but the disabled person's business.

 

[poohlover]

And I'm training my dog to be a therapy dog, so anywhere she's allowed, I take her. I've received my share of dirty looks, but she's so big no one had ever approached us.

Please be aware that therapy dogs can not go everywhere that service dogs can. Other than going to the area they provide "therapy", there is no special exclusion for therapy dogs.

I have a Newfoundland that is certified with the Delta Society as a pet therapy dog. We visit a group home very week and bring smiles to pre teen girls. I frequently take my dogs to areas where there are lots of people so they are used to these situations, as long as dogs are allowed there; but I am very aware that not all people are comfortable with dogs, and I do not 'force' my dogs on anyone either.

I am also a nurse and understand that service dogs can be sued in many situations, low blood sugar, and seizures are some of the more common ones.

To the OP, one response to the uneducated person who questioned is that the training and temperament of any dog will determine what that certain dog is capable of! Best of luck to you in future situations. Hugs to your dog for the service it gives you.

 

[Magic Mom]

Okay, someone else may have already answered this however...

You really have a lot of nerve. Clearly you have never suffered from panic or anxiety issues or you would not be so judgemental. Some people with these disorders can barely function and if an animal can help that, kudos to them.
.

I have panic and anxiety issues and I agree with SN's post.

 

[wwithers]

Sheesh, I think a few people in this thread need to do a little research before they spout off. I hope to God that those of you quick to judge never have to walk a mile in the people whom you have judged's shoes. I am sure many of you also don't think that people with "invisible" disabilities should use handicapped parking.

I think a few people need a little training in the meaning of compassion and understanding because trust me, most people with disabilities requiring service dogs would do just about anything to be able to live the "normal" life that many seem to think is just a matter of sucking it up.

Shame.

 

[minkydog]

Okay, someone else may have already answered this however...

You really have a lot of nerve. Clearly you have never suffered from panic or anxiety issues or you would not be so judgemental. Some people with these disorders can barely function and if an animal can help that, kudos to them.

Contrary to what you stated, it is people like YOU who make people like the one in the OP's original story feel as though they and they alone are in a position to decide what is, and is not acceptable when in reality it is no one but the disabled person's business.

I agree. If someone has anxiety/panic disorders so bad it makes them not functional in public, but they can be helped by a service animal, why would anyone object? It may mean the difference in someone being able to work for a living rather than going on SSDI. I know people who are on SSDI for mental health issues. I'm sure they'd LOVE to have a service animal to help them in their daily life.

 

[JessicaR]

I don't think we'll find out what kind of dog it was.

I read the whole thread. I agree.

 

[sunnyday123]

Please be aware that therapy dogs can not go everywhere that service dogs can. Other than going to the area they provide "therapy", there is no special exclusion for therapy dogs.

I have a Newfoundland that is certified with the Delta Society as a pet therapy dog. We visit a group home very week and bring smiles to pre teen girls. I frequently take my dogs to areas where there are lots of people so they are used to these situations, as long as dogs are allowed there; but I am very aware that not all people are comfortable with dogs, and I do not 'force' my dogs on anyone either.

I am also a nurse and understand that service dogs can be sued in many situations, low blood sugar, and seizures are some of the more common ones.

To the OP, one response to the uneducated person who questioned is that the training and temperament of any dog will determine what that certain dog is capable of! Best of luck to you in future situations. Hugs to your dog for the service it gives you.

I don't understand why you quoted me; I never said I was "forcing" my dog on anyone, or taking her anywhere she isn't welcome. I call before hand to make sure the store we're visiting is dog friendly; I explain she won't fit in a shopping cart or purse; I don't force anyone to pet or approach her; she is also a Newf, so I'm sure you understand many individuals perception of large, black dogs and when someone does ask about her, I make sure I let them know all about her.

If someone has a true disability, whether it's physical or mental, if a service animal helps them, I don't see a problem.

 

[Spoodleink]

I have panic and anxiety issues and I agree with SN's post.

I've been treated for anxiety for the last 15 years.I've been to the point where I could barely leave my house. I've been treated with lots of therapy and medication but none of my doctors have ever suggested a dog to help. Dealing with a dog in certain triggering situations would make me more anxious not less.w