[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by Redsmom

A few days ago my husband and I were at Spanish Springs town Square listening to the band. A couple had their boxer with them and I noticed a lot of barking from this dog. I watch long enough to find out that the dog was barking, to demand some of their beer, Which they would periodically pour into a cup to allow the dog to drink. That would shut him up for a little while, and then he would bark again for the same reason. Repeated all evening. Completely clueless dog owners subjecting everyone to their rude and irresponsible behavior. I feel sorry for the dog.

At least he was a "happy" dog.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by Trishakaye

But why wouldn’t a service dog wear a vest? Asking sincerely. I thought an identifying vest was helpful so others wouldn’t try to pet or distract a working dog.

Reasonable assumption on your part. Unfortunately, not all "service dogs" actually perform a service that requires any training. Some are more correctly called "comfort animals" and serve the same function as a teddybear. Something to cling to when someone feels some stress.

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

At least he was a "happy" dog.

Hope the beer ran through him the way it goes through me, and when he had to go just relieved himself on his owners leg. An inebriated boxer that has lost his inhibitions. Things could get interesting.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580

Reasonable assumption on your part. Unfortunately, not all "service dogs" actually perform a service that requires any training. Some are more correctly called "comfort animals" and serve the same function as a teddybear. Something to cling to when someone feels some stress.

"Emotional Support Dogs", "comfort animals" and teddybears, are NOT Service Animals. There's a legal distinction under the Americans with Disability Act and most state laws.

[margaretmattson]

Originally Posted by Aviator1211

Barking dogs at Sumter, blood curdling screams at Spanish Spring -- seems like the squares aren't for people who like to listen to music anymore, they are for people who like to draw attention to themselves.

No one is questioning whether a dog is ALLOWED in the squares. We question why an owner would bring one when it is apparent the dog is going to have trouble with the loud noise. Reality check!

As for the screeching in Spanish Springs. The gentleman in question suffers from autism, as explained in several posts. His disease makes him incapable of controlling behavioral impulses. Acting out and screeching are common with people who suffer from autism.

Me? I would rather be with the guy who has the verified brain disorder. At least he is trying to adapt. I can sympathize and relate.

The inconsiderate dog owners? Self-entitled and want everyone else to adapt. Even their poor dogs whose hearing are much more advanced than humans. Maybe these owners should have their brains checked and not worry about some poor guy who suffers from autism.

[I'm Popeye!]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

"Emotional Support Dogs", "comfort animals" and teddybears, are NOT Service Animals. There's a legal distinction under the Americans with Disability Act and most state laws.

Another reason we (the USA) will lose the next war, this country is producing: --------------------

[fdpaq0580]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

"Emotional Support Dogs", "comfort animals" and teddybears, are NOT Service Animals. There's a legal distinction under the Americans with Disability Act and most state laws.

My point, exactly!

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by Trishakaye

But why wouldn’t a service dog wear a vest? Asking sincerely. I thought an identifying vest was helpful so others wouldn’t try to pet or distract a working dog.

Not that it matters to the "barking" discussion, 3/4 of the service dogs wearing vests aren't service dogs anyway. Now the dogs wearing boots, hats, ties and cummerbunds are another story. I'm going to bring my service peacock next time.

[bowlingal]

bsloan....it's Sumter no P

[retiredguy123]

Originally Posted by BrianL99

"Emotional Support Dogs", "comfort animals" and teddybears, are NOT Service Animals. There's a legal distinction under the Americans with Disability Act and most state laws.

Technically, there is a legal distinction under Federal law. But, the law is so weak on enforcement that it is virtually unenforceable. All you need to do is to train your dog to perform a task for you and the dog is a legal service animal. States cannot enact any law that changes that.

[Fredster]

Originally Posted by bowlingal

bsloan....it's Sumter no P

Sorry, but JSR22 beat you out catching that spelling error in post #4
Do you have any opinion on the topic?

[Camranhvet]

What the band should have done is make an announcement.
I’m sorry but we will be taking an unscheduled break and return for your enjoyment after the mutt has completed his performance. It’s very difficult to perform to our standards with noise like that. Then take a break and let peer pressure take over.

[brianherlihy]

keep your dog at home . no need to like all dogs

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by Camranhvet

What the band should have done is make an announcement.
I’m sorry but we will be taking an unscheduled break and return for your enjoyment after the mutt has completed his performance. It’s very difficult to perform to our standards with noise like that. Then take a break and let peer pressure take over.

Where's Miranda Lambert when we need her?

[Dusty_Star]

Originally Posted by Whitley

Or maybe, just maybe, as the poster was getting annoyed at the dog barking, the dogs owner was about to have a life threatening situation and the dog was doing as it was trained, bark to make others aware and get help. What do you think? Too far of a stretch maybe? DOG "Bark ruff ruff bark (my human family is about to have a seizure)" Other Village Resident at the square "Shut that dog up, he should not be singing". (I need to complete an audit and don't want to start so I am admittedly reaching)

Excellent point.