So, do you want to know what really sent her on a rant yesterday? She was reading a blog that she hasn't visited for a while. The woman is very proud that her dog is now certified as a service dog. No, she doesn't need a service dog. She just wants the dog with her. I could be a service dog. That's right! I could go with Mom everywhere she goes. Mom just needs to pay $149.95 plus $10 shipping and handling and then I am a service dog. Service Dog Certification Mom was still ranting about it when Dad got home. She wonders what will happen when some of these dogs start biting or misbehaving at places. Do you really want to eat in a restaurant with a dog that is not properly trained? Mom says it is just not right. I bet the people who really need a service dog are not happy about it either. What do you think? Is Mom way off base on this?
Tomorrow, the folks are headed to Hershey, PA for the largest RV show in America. We have watched it on TV for several years and finally, we are going. Well, I am not going. I could if I was a service dog, but since I'm not, I am going to be at home on the couch.
Tomorrow is my last day of medicine! I don't mind it because I like the peanut butter that comes with it. I am doing good. I even played a song for Dad the other night on my bunny. My bunny has three squeakers. It was a good performance.
Mom and I have been enjoying the cooler weather this week. We sit outside in the mornings. Sometimes we watch our neighbor who is a real newbie to RVing. He was really entertaining the first week he was here. We talked to him once. He is different.
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| Exciting, right? |
The Greyhound Who Is Happy He Doesn't Have Human Problems
Those "certifications" are meaningless and useless and a waste of money. What makes a service dog a service dog is two things. The first and most important is that the HANDLER IS DISABLED. If the handler isn't disabled, the dog isn't a service dog, no matter what training it has had. The second requirement is that the dog is trained to perform a task or tasks that directly help the handler with their disability. Providing comfort, reassurance, and protection are NOT considered valid tasks. What the woman on that blog is doing is illegal and creates problems for real service dog users. Disabled people who need service dogs have a hard enough time with being challenged and with dealing with their disability in public much of the time, they don't need the added stress of people having experienced one of these fake service dogs and suffering from being denied services because of how the fake service dog behaved, or how the owner of that dog behaved.
ReplyDeleteShe is getting by with it so far. She takes the dog to restaurants and even a tour of a football stadium. I bet people are scared to challenge her.
DeleteSince she doesn't have any physical disabilities, she may say it is a mental issue. I know that Susan Osbourne says she has her dog for that reason.
DeleteCookie's Mum here:
ReplyDeleteI am disabled and in a wheelchair, which is why Cookie is being trained as a Service Dog. I also get very annoyed when I see people who clearly are not disabled with a dog who is clearly not trained properly as a Service Dog. I am very careful where I take Cookie and, although it should be obvious because her leash is attached to my wheelchair, I still get comments and/or looks and, a couple of times I have been questioned. In fact, last year not long after I had my eye injury, I was at the Retina specialist and had forgotten to put Cody's jacket on (my bad, I know, but usually don't have a problem). Anyway, the Practice Manager told me that I would not be able to see the doctor because of Cody being with me. I explained I had forgotten to put her jacket on, but that did not matter!!! I called the ADA, and filed a complaint. The doctor obviously got a notice from the ADA because I got a nasty (certified mail) letter from them, with all sorts of lies and misrepresentations. I replied and denied all the lies. Needless to say that, although this doctor was best in town and did a procedure I needed and no other doctors did it, I refused to go back there. I very much like my new retina specialist (who, incidentally is also from England, like me) and have never had another problem from ANY of the doctors. Incidentally, when I had the accident when I hurt my eye, I had Cody with me and she came to the hospital with me (until my friend could come and take her home) and, even though she was not wearing her jacket NO ONE made a comment!!
Sorry this is so long, but this is a subject very close to my heart, too!!
ttfn and toodle pip
Cookie and Mum
Thank you for your comment. I can definitely understand why this subject is close to your heart. I hope this practice is stopped. It is just not right.
ReplyDeleteWe must not read that blog - I think I'd have a word or two to say.
ReplyDeleteSome times I really wish for an "off" button for all the news we see - just to get a break from all the horrible people and stories. We've tried at home, but when we leave, we are swamped with it.
Monty and Harlow