[LitespeedRider]

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

[Railcruiser]

Agreed on all counts��

[karostay]

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

[NotGolfer]

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.

[blaZen]

Here we go!

[LitespeedRider]

Originally Posted by NotGolfer

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.

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)

Q8. Do service animals have to wear a vest or patch or special harness identifying them as service animals?

A. No. The ADA does not require service animals to wear a vest, ID tag, or specific harness.

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.

[LitespeedRider]

Originally Posted by karostay;1311***

It's so easy to spot yet no one can question their validity

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).

What questions can a covered entity's employees ask to determine if a dog is a service animal?

A. In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform? Staff are not allowed to request any documentation for the dog, require that the dog demonstrate its task, or inquire about the nature of the person's disability.

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).

[gomoho]

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.

[LitespeedRider]

Originally Posted by gomoho

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

[LitespeedRider]

Originally Posted by karostay;1311***

legitimately registered service dogs and their owners.

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.

[kaseydog]

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?

[LitespeedRider]

Originally Posted by blicata

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.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by LitespeedRider

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?

[LitespeedRider]

Originally Posted by photo1902

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

I am epileptic. She is an indicator dog.

[photo1902]

Originally Posted by LitespeedRider

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.