While we are talking dogs...
 

I have a service dog. As in, a for real service dog. Not often do I get anyone who complains about her, but on the rare occasions someone does - they always take things far too far.

I get that some people are afraid of dogs. I will not alter my shopping on isle 8 because someone does not like dogs. My dog as a "for real" service dog knows her job and does it. She does not sniff shelves, people or other dogs when she is "working".

But, in The Villages it seems and everyone and any one has a "Service Dog" and demands access for their dog to anywhere they go.

First off...Emotional Support - PTSD and "purse" dogs are NOT service animals (nor are "protection" dogs). They do not have access and should not have access to grocery stores, restaurants and any other place that is not "pet" friendly.

The people who like to go into Publix with their dog in a cart - and bark at my dog (who really could not care your barking dog has a pulse) simply need to cut it out. What is even worse, most of the people who claim their dogs are service dogs are simply lying. Those who claim they have "papers" are 100% lying. Simply, the only "paper" is a prescription from a Medical Doctor.

I have talked to the managers of every place I bring my dog to first off - verify that she is in fact a real service dog (plus she behaves as one). But also assure them that if there are any issues to let me know. Just the other night we were at Outback. Only the hostess knew we had a dog with us. The Manager, Waiter and every other person had no clue there was a dog under the table until we paid the bill and left (as it should be). If a dog barks just once - I would expect to be asked to leave. Same if the dog wanders, sniffs, begs, or makes any other move unless there is a medical issue (and they will indicate).

I know for a fact that many people do not know the Federal Laws pertaining to service animals. First, they DO NOT have to wear a vest (or any other indicator). Some do not even need to be on leash - ever.

Edit: Oh! And the woman with the two small dogs that had one poo on the floor in WalMart and NOT PICK IT UP!!! She should have been arrested.


Here is a link to the Federal Law's FAQ
Americans with Disabilities Act Questions and Answers: Service Animals

Agreed on all counts��

Sad to say IMPOSTERS are hiding behind federal law..They can not be questioned..
They buy fake documents and vest and make bad reputations for legitimately registered service dogs and their owners.
It's so easy to spot yet no one can question their validity

Agree with you 150%!!!! Also, dogs are pets (the ones you speak of) and not people. Yesterday I was in the 466 Walmart...a woman had her little dog laying on blanket in her cart. I overheard her say to someone else who was shopping....."they really don't care here, if I bring her in!" NOT sure on that one!!! This little dog didn't have on a vest like yours probably does...so I know that she was just brought in, because the owner wanted to.

Here we go!

99% of the time my dog does not wear a vest. It is not required by law and no one reads it anyway. First time into a building I will put it on her - or in some environments. But, most often I dont bother to put it on her (that point is clear in the Federal Law)

And WalMart CAN demand the dog not be in a cart. Publix on 441 and 446 both have banned the practice. If your dog can has to ride in a cart - it can not possibly offer a "service" to the handler. When I see those dogs I just shake my head - if they bark at my dog I complain to the Manager every time.

I think that we can all agree - it has gone far too far. To the point that those of us that have "real" service dogs are given a hard time.

You are right. But, the stores can throw out a person who's dog is in any way disruptive, riding in a cart or otherwise creating a negative effect on the business (within reason).


The answer to "B" is quite clear and to the point for anyone with a "real" service dog. For me it is a simple answer. Plus, my dog has never caused an issue on her own (but many people have complained, oddly most often at hardware stores where "pets" are allowed).

I thought one of the reasons service dogs wore vests was to alert people to not interrupt the dog while working. I am a dog lover and if I saw you with your dog who did not have a vest I would probably approach and want to interact with your dog. A vest would avoid that mistake. Just thinking that responsibility goes both ways.

You are right.

99% of the time I welcome people to interact with my dog. She likes it, they like it. She will not acknowledge people unless I tell her it is okay, then she makes it brief and is right back on my right side in a "heel" stance. Plus is extremely rare that people who would like to say hi to her do not ask.

She also has frequently gone to places with autistic children and other disabilities as a "therapy dog".

She has more than one "job" some days:doggie:

That is the thing - there is no such thing as "legitimately registered". As is on the link I sent - the only real factor is a prescription from a Medical Doctor. "If" there was a real place to register a Service Animal that would be a good thing.

The State of Florida only recognizes Dogs and Miniature Horses as a "Service Animal". But some states allow any animal to be supposedly a Service Animal...there was the idiot who tried to bring a turkey onto an airplane. The guy who was having sex with a chicken. The dude with the parrot who bit off the tip of someones finger in a McDonalds and on and on and on.

At least Florida has made some limitations.

I am so happy that you have a service dog to help you. Big advocate of service dogs.
Easy for me to spot them because they are so well trained & well behaved. To protect you from
people who don't understand would a vest or badge help?

I have found it makes no difference at all. If someone is going to complain they simply accuse me of having purchased the vest on the internet. If someone wants to pet her - what they do is reach out, squat a bit, touch her nose and say "is it okay if I pet her?".

In those instances I simply walk away (and the dog does not maintain contact with them in any way). If someone asks first (common with children) I almost always agree to let them address the dog. I dont if I am in line at the Deli for instance I always ask that they not pet her.

Sometimes I like for my other half to take her to the dog parks and what not so she can "be a dog" because if I am there she does not go and play and "be a dog" as much.

Out of curiosity, what service does your dog provide you?

I am epileptic. She is an indicator dog.

Thank you. I wasn't trying to be nosey. I just find it fascinating what dogs can sense.

LitespeedRider -- you are to be commended for your attitude and knowledge.

I really get annoyed at dog owners who buy the phony vests and take their yappy little whachamacallit everywhere, and think it's okay.
Why do these people think they are exempt from the law and where do they get their nerve???
I do not believe the law is right, where you can't ask an owner for proof of the validity that they have a service or therapy animal.
I think that law is wrong and think legitimate owners should carry proof.
I only believe this because of the bogus owners -- the scofflaws, and think those people should be fined.
It's always people like these phony ones who make it difficult for the genuine ones.

I can't agree more.. There are folks in all areas of life who don't think the law or rules apply to them. Years ago I had a work-related back injury that indicated a workman's comp. I was told to inquire with an attorney just to make sure things were copacetic etc. He said it's hard to do anything re: back injuries due to the folks who abuse the system. I wasn't seeking to sue anyone (though I felt I could have) but wanted my medical bills taken care of (they were, thank God). It's too bad there's just a few "bad eggs" in the batch as they do spoil it for everyone else. I know folks who have service dogs that are legit so understand that need.

Agree
 

agree also. working dog, show the proof.

What proof? And, to whom? What is the "Governing Body"?

Today some woman at WalMart was quite upset I had my dog in the store. She was "loud talking", complaining to other customers and trying to find a caring ear. Fortunately, more than one person said that she was a "working dog" and the woman stormed off...oddly, I can almost always pick out who is going to complain. (I profile). :-)

Service Dogs vs Therapy Dogs
 

Just read that Airlines are now allowing Pigs on planes as "service animals" along with other animals. If you don't like it because of allergies, you can take another flight. Wonderful. I had the Honor of sitting next to a disgusting passenger with their equally disgusting smelly animal on their lap. Wonderful flight from He--. I am all for Real Service Dogs and the people who need them, but come on...Stop the lunacy.

You say you are an epileptic and that your dog is an "indicator" dog.

Please explain how that works.

Some dogs can tell when people are going to have seizures. They alert the person so they can get into a safe place (i.e. not walking down stairs, etc.). It's crazy they can sense it!

Exactly. Many dogs know as many as six-eight hours prior. Many can also tell if meds are "off" - this can be due to change in activity level, lack of sleep and many other factors.

There is a dog I keep hearing about down here in TV that can smell melanoma and has a 100% hit rate. Even on people that MD's determine do not need a biopsy...the dog (from what I hear) has not been wrong yet.

While I think that people with pets should take heed to a dogs "warnings" (such as laying on top of you and not wanting to move). At least get odd behaviors checked out. The point I was trying to make is "Dont bring your yappy misbehaved dog into stores and restaurants".

Sounds like a "PET scan".

Sorry...I couldn't resist ;)

One morning, Kevin wakes up to find his dog dead, lying next to his bed. He can't quite believe it, so decides to take him to the vet. The Vet takes one look at the dog and says, "Kevin, I'm truly sorry, but your dog is dead."

"No. He can't be dead. I demand a second opinion!" replies Kevin.

The doctor nods and agrees. He goes into the back room and brings out a cat. The cat jumps all over the dog, bites it, looks at the vet and says, "Meow."

The vet again says, "I'm sorry but your dog is truly dead."

Kevin says, "No!, I don't believe it, I want another opinion."

The vet nods and brings out a Labrador Retriever, which then begins to jump all over the dead dog, tugging at it before barking, "Woof roof woof!"

The vet says, "Sir, your dog is dead. That will be 400 dollars."

" to tell me my dog is dead?" asks Kevin.

"Well," the vet replies, "I charge 50 dollars, the CAT scan is 200 and the LAB test is 150 dollars..."

The difference between a well trained "real" service dog and a "fake" one is often night and day. As a veterinarian I occasionally get to see the former and frequently get to see the latter :)

Are you working in/near TV? My little girls are going to need updated stuff in FL...and some more meds (flea, tick, heartworm). We did go to a vet in Ocala right after our relocation but I would like to find someone closer.

[QUOTE=LitespeedRider;1313351. A service animal (as is stated in the law) does not necessarily need to be on leash (or, again wearing any vests or bandanas).[/QUOTE]

Actually according to the revised ADA Guidelines, a service dog does have to be leashed or harnessed.

The guidelines also say that the two animals that can be recognized as service animals are dogs and miniature horses - nothing else. Both have to be housebroken in order to be called service animals. I never knew that horses could be housebroken- I learned something today!

The service animal must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered while in public places unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or the person's disability prevents use of these devices. In that case, the person must use voice, signal, or other effective means to maintain control of the animal. For example, a person who uses a wheelchair may use a long, retractable leash to allow her service animal to pick up or retrieve items. She may not allow the dog to wander away from her and must maintain control of the dog, even if it is retrieving an item at a distance from her. Or, a returning veteran who has PTSD and has great difficulty entering unfamiliar spaces may have a dog that is trained to enter a space, check to see that no threats are there, and come back and signal that it is safe to enter. The dog must be off leash to do its job, but may be leashed at other times. Under control also means that a service animal should not be allowed to bark repeatedly in a lecture hall, theater, library, or other quiet place. However, if a dog barks just once, or barks because someone has provoked it, this would not mean that the dog is out of control.

The horses wear bags under their rears...(I plea the fifth on my thoughts about that).

Searching for a picture of a horse I found this....pathetic (and incorrect)


https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com...3eee203789.jpg

Just curious, do the "horse bags" capture the liquid waste as well as the solid waste?

I think that some states (including Floriduh) have smartened up on the emotional support animals. I know airlines have more restrictions on what pets fly free and what kind of animals they allow. Amazing what some people try to get away with, isn't it?

We live near a community that has a training school for leader dogs for the blind. In early training the dogs wear support vests while on the streets and in stores, and when first introduced to their new partner. As training continues vests are no longer used, harness is still in place, and at times only a leash is used. We have had the privilege of watching this unbelievable process of dog and human bonding for over 60 years. A true service dog at work.

Based on your moniker, I assume you own a litespeed bike (nice). Can your dog accompany you when you ride, or do you no longer ride since your disability?

Yes

If yes to "can the dog accompany you on the ride", please be careful, especially in Florida. Dogs are not long distance runners, and in the hot summers, can overheat quickly.

She would never be. But, I can not ride like I used to. Medications while making it possible to ride - prevent my heart rate from elevating beyond a certain point and distance (as a former pro) are certainly not going to happen.

We are playing with meds trying to regain a more "normal" (for me) lifestyle. Lucky for me, she has proven to know about issues hours and hours ahead of time, so I can plan accordingly.