Saw a pet dog (non-service dog) in Magic Kingdom yesterday

[wendyt_ca]

Hey, did you know there's an organization known as Service Dogs of Florida (http://2012.servicedogsfl.org/) that helps train service dogs of all shapes and sizes, AND frequently does group trips to WDW?

Everyone brings their service dog!

Some of the pics are hilarious:

More here: http://bellathecertifiedservicedog.blogspot.ca/

So whatever personal issues other folks might have with dogs, I'm glad Disney accommodates people with disabilities.

Awww....!

I find these adorable!! If someone sneaks their dog in it doesn't bother me as long as they are just keeping to themselves. I have a yellow lab and I will be honest I would LOVE to be able to take her in to get pictures around Disney or with some of the characters. I would not pretend she is a service dog though. I would not want to bring her with me all day all the time. I just wish Disney had one day a year they allowed pet's in or some way to do this lol. I actually do wish there was some way I could take her into the parks get some pics and then leave. Mind you it would cost me a fortune because I would need to fly her from Canada and rent somewhere she could stay or board her the rest of the trip lol.

 

[livndisney]

"I'm offended!"

ADORABLE! (but still not a service animal)

 

[livndisney]

I find these adorable!! If someone sneaks their dog in it doesn't bother me as long as they are just keeping to themselves. I have a yellow lab and I will be honest I would LOVE to be able to take her in to get pictures around Disney or with some of the characters. I would not pretend she is a service dog though. I would not want to bring her with me all day all the time. I just wish Disney had one day a year they allowed pet's in or some way to do this lol. I actually do wish there was some way I could take her into the parks get some pics and then leave. Mind you it would cost me a fortune because I would need to fly her from Canada and rent somewhere she could stay or board her the rest of the trip lol.

They do have a pet day at DTD for pictures with Santa (maybe Santa Goofy?)

 

[Pea-n-Me]

ADORABLE! (but still not a service animal)

 

[Magpie]

ADORABLE! (but still not a service animal)

Only because he's not Kipper, the Healing Hamster!

Sigh... so in this spot was SUPPOSED to be a link to The Examiner, but apparently that's a blocked site. So just Google "The Healing Hamster" if you want to read a news article on him.

This YouTube slide show goes into more detail, including the info that, "Kipper helped Julianna so much that he became certified as a state service animal. This meant that she could take him everywhere with her as a therapy animal. He not only was her companion, but he helped her face the world. They faced the world together." Followed by a picture of his certification card.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3DX6zgOnS0

(Mute the YouTube video as the guitar accompaniment is unnecessary and annoying. Bring Kleenex.)

RIP Kipper! It's nice to know Disney would almost certainly have welcomed you, even though you're not a dog. (https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/service-animals/ - Despite all the pictures being of a black lab, Disney's website is very careful not to specify the type of animal.)

 

[Cyrano]

Moving to community board so that folks can continue this conversation, which has strayed from trip planning

 

[wendyt_ca]

They do have a pet day at DTD for pictures with Santa (maybe Santa Goofy?)

Ok then they need a day like that for MK lol! Or a portion of a day lol.
I can't fly her down just for santa goofy ;P Maybe a day at MK.. Us pet ppl are crazy

 

[Freezing Cold B]

As for being unable to manage stressful situations - I'm wondering how do the working horses I see in my city every day manage? They're carrying cops, putting on shows, pulling carriages, occasionally even helping break up riots/protests... They seem to cope happily enough. Are miniature horses more temperamental and high-strung than the full-sized variety?

Considering they are under 38" or 34" (depending on the registries definition you are using) they do view the world from a different perspective than a full sized horse. In response to the question whether or not they are more high-strung... it obviously depends on the horse. However, I grew up with both Arabians and Miniatures (and my mother grew up with the Arabians, and spent a huge portion of her life with Arabians and Miniatures), and the most serious injuries both of us have ever sustained was the results of Miniature Horses.

Also, as I mentioned the horses used are dwarfs (at least all I've seen). They are going to be around 26"-27". These horses have a genetic disorder that causes their legs and hooves to have more problems than horses that are not dwarfs. Most horses that have to stand on hard ground like concrete for short periods of time start to experience leg pains. I can only imagine how uncomfortable it would be for a dwarf who already has leg problems. They should be on grass and dirt, not concrete.

The majority of respectable Miniature Horse breeders, and people within the industry, are appalled by the Guide Horse Foundation. A true equestrian, someone who knows horses, would know it's a bad idea.

 

[FlaNani]

I actually spoke to a couple on Thursday, I believe, who had a small dog with them. Instead of assuming, I asked. He was a medical alert dog. They didn't say for what, can only assume seizures or something to that affect. Poor little puppy was exhausted after a long day in the Magic Kingdom.

I saw several small "working" dogs while I was there this trip.