Mini-Rant - Service Dog Issue

[Eeyores Butterfly]

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)

There is a difference between a therapy or anxiety dog and a true service dog. Under the law, therapy dogs and "anxiety" dogs are not considered service dogs and are therefore not afforded the same protective status under the law. A service dog must provide a specific service that mitigates a specific disability. Under the law, calming is not considered a specific service. There are however other service dogs than seeing eye dogs that are indeed legitimate. Some examples include:

-Hearing alert dogs that can alert a deaf owner to noises like sirens
-Dogs that are trained to assist persons with mobility challenges by doing things like opening doors or retrieving items
-Dogs who can alert to medical conditions like a sudden drop in blood sugar for a diabetic or seizures for an individual. Sometimes dogs may not be able to alert or may have the additional training to help an individual under distress such as retrieving a necessary item (like glucose tabs).

Any stores or restaurant has the right to ask a dog who is being disruptive to leave regardless of its service dog status (so in the case of the yappy yorkie, the restaurant would have had every right to ask that dog to leave.)

IMO, true service dogs should be allowed where their owners go. Medical alert dogs can be very valuable. Some people with diabetes have a condition called hypoglycemia unawareness. While I can feel when I go low and know to treat it, some people (particularly people with Type 1) may not know they are low and risk serious injury should they drop without realizing it. In this case, a dog can be invaluable because it can alert the owner to a potentially dangerous situation in time for them to remedy it. Why would you not want such a dog to go with the owner? It defeats the purpose if those dogs are left at home.

Having a service dog is not as easy as it sounds. I had a good friend in college who had a guide dog, and she always had to plan things around the dog. Sometimes she would leave Dixie home just because it was easier to travel without her.

 

[SaraJayne]

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.

There's no comparison between a therapy dog and a true service animal.

Therapy animals (typically dogs) can not go where service dogs are allowed. Technically, therapy dogs are just pets.

True service animals are more than pets.

I agree with those that say we won't find out the breed of the dog, or the service it provides for the OP.

 

[donaldduck352]

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.

Very well said!!
Service dogs play a great role with people that suffer from this condition.Anxiety and panic attacks is a justifible condition for a service dog hands down...

Tho's who say there not,don't understand.I feal sorry for them cuase they don't understad.

Put yourself in there shoes,or mine.Can't deal with close places,large crowds or function with conversatiouns with large groups.

The general public is blind to us that have to deal with this on a daily purpose. They wear blinders too us!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

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.

I have only "officially" encountered one and it was at WDW. I'm
sure the family meant well. The person using the dog clearly had a disability. The issue--the dog was more of a hinderance than a help. The intent was for the dog to assist with a physical impairment versus a psychological impairment (or a medical condition such as seizures).

It was actually rather sad.

The dog couldn't be controlled very well. I felt bad for the person whom was to be assisted. To me--it seemed to be a family pet that was sometimes helpful but didn't have the training.

I felt bad rather than mad at the owner. Assistance dogs should be able to obey a command and not tug their handler into a hazard. (bumping into people instead of helping the owner avoid people).

And sadly, I do know of one other faux assitance dog. A relative will be declaring their dog as an emotional support dog for an upcoming trip.

Other than that---people who are not following rules know that they aren't. If it keeps up..just like you need a placard for parking, it will be required that a dog be a "validated" service animal.

Me personally--I prefer service animals to be wearing something to indicated they are working. I thought that was a requirement. We have met several st community events meant to educate. If a dog is wearing something, then my family and I know not to even bother asking to pet the animal. If invited, we
would love to pet the animal--but we know not to do anything that may destract the dog (I.e. We won't even say..awwwww...how cute...just to keep Ot neutral.).

Just our preference and like the parking---the public isn't entitled
to know WHY...but it helps to know that the dog is indeed what it is claimed to be.

It takes a rather dishonest person to fake the animal's working status. I think most folks that opt to travel places with their dogs, aren't being dishonest while doing it. Just disobedient.

OP--that stinks what that customer said to you. I might consider coming up with a generic response that gets to the point without compromising what you wish to keep private.

A common misconception is that assistance dogs are for only what the public can see as obvious. I might simply say that the dog protects you from that which cannot be seen and that your well being depends on it.

Or if you are feeling exceptionally PMSy....you can say it detects
the evil in the world. See when she tilts her head like that...she is alerting that it is close by. *feel free to substitute any noun or adjective for evil that applies to the nosy person.

 

[EMom]

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

For that matter, I've had panic and anxiety issues and I am one of those saying people who have a fear of dogs trump those who need a dog with them in order to calm their anxiety. Yes, when I was beyond a Nervous Nellie I am sure having a kitty with me would have calmed my off the chart nerves. Purring has that effect. A dog might have worked. Don't know. But I had consideration for those with a fear of animals. So I sought other treatment. My needs did not outweigh those of the general public.

I've seen children CLIMB their mothers to get away from dogs. MIL had a terrible fear of dogs and although she got on my one last nerve many times, but I'd have never have subjected her to this. She was hurt by a dog as a child and never got over her fear. It was a legitimate fear.

I don't see this as a case of someone who is crippled by anxiety to the point of disability....Nope, I see a slippery slope, just like with the people who take their pets everywhere nowadays. First, the most needy will get their doctors to vouch for a therapy animal. Then those who find it relaxing to have one around.....even if they have to doctor shop. And they will. Before you know it, therapy dogs/cats/whatever for anxiety will be a dime a dozen. Hide and watch.

That's why people object to some of the "soft" uses of animals. What some are calling service animals, others call therapy animals. Again, someone's needs have to trump. I have nothing but the highest respect for service animals. If they weren't lumped in with the many pets people drag out today, perhaps they'd get the treatment they deserve.

 

[Maggi May]

There are reasons why many states and localities prohibit animals in the first place: sanitation, safety (slip and fall, dog bite, transmitted diseases), allergies etc.

The federal exception for service animals was essentially saying, "yes, we acknowledge that it most cases animals should not be in public places, but in very specific circumstances, the individual's needs for access will trump those prohibitions." Part of the trade-off was the notion that the animals were well trained and managed by their owners. They were trained not to bark, bite, or run away. They were trained to wait to go the bathroom only at certain times.

My DS can freak out at times if he suddenly sees a dog, especially a dog in a place that he normally considers "dog free." I am willing to help him deal with it (happened last week in Publix, as a matter of fact, when we saw a German Shepherd seeing eye dog), in part because I expect that a guide or service animal is trained and is "safe."

 

[MoniqueU]

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.

I agree with your thinking. I can't see well and have anxiety( that I developed after not being able to see) and I have never once dreamed that taking an animal with me to a store would calm my nerves or anxiety. Hell if I personally want a service animal from everything I have read the legitimate ones you have to go and get trained with them Some people can't understand why I don't have a service animal and the answer is the anxiety from being away from home is greater (right now) then being at home without one. Anxiety has a heck of alot of different cures and I have tried them all trust me. Never once would a service animal cross my mind to cure it.

 

[EMom]

I agree with your thinking. I can't see well and have anxiety( that I developed after not being able to see) and I have never once dreamed that taking an animal with me to a store would calm my nerves or anxiety. Hell if I personally want a service animal from everything I have read the legitimate ones you have to go and get trained with them Some people can't understand why I don't have a service animal and the answer is the anxiety from being away from home is greater (right now) then being at home without one. Anxiety has a heck of alot of different cures and I have tried them all trust me. Never once would a service animal cross my mind to cure it.

Well, I did suggest a Tribble to DH, but he didn't go for it. Back in the days when I was still screaming, "WE'RE GONNA DIE!" whenever a car got too close to our rear end, you'd have thought he'd have latched on to any solution.

BTW, I still think we're going to die.....I just don't say it.....Progress!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

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.

I don't mind. But invisible disabilities require a special tag or placard to use that designated parking space. They can't use it just because they determine they need it, even if that reason is legitamite...even id their doctor verbally agrees. They still must obtain the visible credentials on their car that validate the claim.

I have met therapy and service dogs. I have no doubts that what they provide is very real.

I do have my doubts on any unlabeled animal. Just like I have my doubts on any unlabeled car parked in a disabled parking spot.

This is why I am in favor in something as simple as a
tag on a dog. Something that clearly identifies the pet is legitimately in a public place that pets are not customarily permitted.

 

[donaldduck352]

You OP's just don't understand how bad severe anxiety can be.Joke all you want and make fun of tho's that have it.Your just blind about how much that it effects our lifes............

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Well, I did suggest a Tribble to DH, but he didn't go for it. Back in the days when I was still screaming, "WE'RE GONNA DIE!" whenever a car got too close to our rear end, you'd have thought he'd have latched on to any solution.

BTW, I still think we're going to die.....I just don't say it.....Progress!!!

I have anxiety---but not even close to that level. But your post had me laughing because I keep lots of my anxiety to myself. Well any strange thought for that matter. I won't even post some of the things that come up in my head. The "funnier" ones---only funny when I am NOWHERE near them....balconies and train/metro tracks without a barrier. I was
quite pleased with the monorail that now has gates on both the entrance and the exit. Though I had a therapy dog, it wouldn't help as o would
worry the dog would run into the track instead of my children or maybe with the children.

I don't mention it to hubby at all.

 

[Maggi May]

You OP's just don't understand how bad severe anxiety can be.Joke all you want and make fun of tho's that have it.Your just blind about how much that it effects our lifes............

I do understand, but that doesn't mean people should be able to bring untrained animals into a public place. It's not safe for anyone, nor the animal.

 

[Eeyores Butterfly]

I do understand, but that doesn't mean people should be able to bring untrained animals into a public place. It's not safe for anyone, nor the animal.

Again, anxiety dogs are not afforded any protections under the law. According to the law, anxiety dogs are not actually service dogs. If those with anxiety wish to take them in public, they need ot either limit them to those businesses that allow them, or petition for a change in the law. So all the arguments over anxiety dogs are a moot point, as once again, they do not have protection under the law.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

You OP's just don't understand how bad severe anxiety can be.Joke all you want and make fun of tho's that have it.Your just blind about how much that it effects our lifes............

Noone is making fun of you.

My anxiety is genuine as I am sure the other poster is. I and she can joke about ourselves as we wish. My husband just with my tribulations.

But I also know that I am allergic. So if you take an uncertified not-therapy dog and cause a physical reaction with me...it isn't a joke. Where do you draw the line.

 

[donaldduck352]

I do understand, but that doesn't mean people should be able to bring untrained animals into a public place. It's not safe for anyone, nor the animal.

I'm not saying untrained animals at all.

I'm saying animals that are trained to deal with there owners.Not PitBulls(nothing wrong with them)But a dog that matches there personallity and friendly with the public..

 

[MoniqueU]

You OP's just don't understand how bad severe anxiety can be.Joke all you want and make fun of tho's that have it.Your just blind about how much that it effects our lifes............

I am blind but I DO know how bad axiety can be, it can rip you from your family your social life and cut you off from the world. It can turn me into a reclusive person that doesn't care if we have food in the house because I havn't made it to the store or one that misses their kids special events because the anxiety and panic attacks are so bad.. I h

I am in therapy, doing breathing exercises and on a high dose of anti anxiety meds 4mgs xanax a day, so yes I DO GET IT I have to dogs both labs that I adore but no taking them into a store with me wil not lessen my anxiety and sitting at home with them doesn't either. I have a big red quitle that has holes in it so bad from pottery barn. My kids know if a subject like my cousin and her kids getting in a huge rollover accident or my other cousin jumping out of a moving car and dying that they need to get me laid down and with that blanket as it calms me. Does that mean I take it with me places? HELL no, its not approprite. Neither is a service dog for anxiety issues. Take yout meds, go to therapy bteathe deep. if those don't work for you have someone else pick up the groceries. I have had that happen to me before.

As far as hidden disabilities and the pllaquard anyone that wants to battle me over the fact I can sort of see is going to get educated fast. I can get lost in a grocery store or anywhere even feet away from my family. I need to be close to teh store to even get in it. I can do some of it alone but when the grocery stores rearrange things I can't just getting in the door those days is an accomplishment for me never mind getting back into the safety of my car as fast as possibe.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I'm not saying untrained animals at all.

I'm saying animals that are trained to deal with there owners.Not PitBulls(nothing wrong with them)But a dog that matches there personallity and friendly with the public..

I would think the dog should be well behaved in public...not friendly with them. The person that I know who will be doing this with their
dog is bringing their dog to a place that strictly only service animals
are permitted. It is a place where if I were to be there at the same time or after, I could have severe reactions. This person does have issues, but the dog is a pet and nothing more. The person has no anxiety over what they are doing. It is the holidays and they don't want to get a pet sitter. The dog matches her personality quite well and I friendly (sometimes!).

Disposition does not qualify a dog to be declared a "therapy" dog even if the intent is sincere and not to just be disobedient of the rules.

 

[wwithers]

Again, anxiety dogs are not afforded any protections under the law. According to the law, anxiety dogs are not actually service dogs. If those with anxiety wish to take them in public, they need ot either limit them to those businesses that allow them, or petition for a change in the law. So all the arguments over anxiety dogs are a moot point, as once again, they do not have protection under the law.

There is some question as to whether or not dogs for anxiety, or other psychological/social disorder would qualify. A Service Dog is defined in the Americans With Disabilities Act as:

"any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including but not limited to guiding individuals with impaired vision, alerting individuals with impaired hearing to intruders or sounds, providing minimal protection or rescue work, pulling a
wheelchair, or fetching dropped items."

Many psychological/social disorders (and accompaning anxiety/panic) rise to the level of "disability". State law notwithstanding, federal law remains unclear.

 

[krcit]

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

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I brought up the placard. So that I am not misunderstood---I brought it up only for this reason: so that the spots remain available to those who need them to allow authorities to determine someone parked illegally. We can't just decide one day we need that spot. We have to have the proof and that proof is the placard. It is not anyone's business as to why and I have never judged anyone parked their legally as evidenced by the placard.

I have known people from very early on with invisible reasons for that placard and learned very early.

I brought it up to equate it with jackets on working dogs. I thought ot was required...and now know that it isn't. I think something should be required on the dog like the placard on the card. Not our business to know why, but it is in the public interest to know that the use is legitimate.

I am blind but I DO know how bad axiety can be, it can rip you from your family your social life and cut you off from the world. It can turn me into a reclusive person that doesn't care if we have food in the house because I havn't made it to the store or one that misses their kids special events because the anxiety and panic attacks are so bad.. I h

I am in therapy, doing breathing exercises and on a high dose of anti anxiety meds 4mgs xanax a day, so yes I DO GET IT I have to dogs both labs that I adore but no taking them into a store with me wil not lessen my anxiety and sitting at home with them doesn't either. I have a big red quitle that has holes in it so bad from pottery barn. My kids know if a subject like my cousin and her kids getting in a huge rollover accident or my other cousin jumping out of a moving car and dying that they need to get me laid down and with that blanket as it calms me. Does that mean I take it with me places? HELL no, its not approprite. Neither is a service dog for anxiety issues. Take yout meds, go to therapy bteathe deep. if those don't work for you have someone else pick up the groceries. I have had that happen to me before.

As far as hidden disabilities and the pllaquard anyone that wants to battle me over the fact I can sort of see is going to get educated fast. I can get lost in a grocery store or anywhere even feet away from my family. I need to be close to teh store to even get in it. I can do some of it alone but when the grocery stores rearrange things I can't just getting in the door those days is an accomplishment for me never mind getting back into the safety of my car as fast as possibe.