gaming the system is what Villagers do. Service dog what a joke

All 120,000 of us???? What an awful place to live :cus::cus::cus:

True service dogs are no joke, just ask a blind person. Fake service dogs are worse than a joke, there should be a criminal penalty, or at least a hefty fine, for those who try to pawn off their little 7# rodent as a true service animal.

A Service Dog?
 

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The REAL thing


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what service does a mini horse provide? Mini manure? I've been in Publix at deli counter when some idiot carries her ankle bitter in and stands by open food,they don't say anything to her,don't wanna make a scene, I find it sickening, I love dogs,wouldn't bring my dog in a food store.

Many reasons the dog may be needed in Ace Hardware. They may be used to sense low or high blood sugars, detect seizures before they happen, help their owner get up after a fall etc. It's hard for us to judge why they are needed, but is it our business?

Nice post
 

The problem (real or not) is being able to determine if the dog is a trained service dog. The local government entity (partially why we pay taxes) should issue a tag ,following proof by the owner, that the dog has indeed been TRAINED as a Service Dog. I'm sure restaurant management would like this as it takes the pressure off them with other restaurant customers. It's unfair to put them (management) in the middle. :popcorn:

Detect blood sugar??----a 15# dog in a pouch on your chest or a 3 oz. glucometer in your pocket---which makes more sense??

Detect a seizure in advance----not possible, the dog is just sensing the very early start of a seizure already underway, and you'll know you're having one about 10 seconds later

How does a 7# rug rat help someone get up?????

If there is legitimate training for these dogs and evidence that they are superior to standard methodology, I'm all ears. But I am willing to bet 90+% of dogs that supposedly perform these tasks are just along for the ride. I think the exception in public places for service dogs should be restricted to TRUE service dogs, lest the tide turns and the people who really need these animals come up short.

:agree:

:bigbow:

The law........
 

First, note that the general public has no standing to challenge whether or not a dog is a "true service dog." Nor is there anything in the federal ADA law, or in Florida law that provides for (or requires) any sign, tag, harness, or vest, to indicate that a dog is a service dog.

Only the operator of an establishment has standing to challenge whether or not a dog accompanying a person is a service dog. And only two questions may be asked. 1. Is this a service dog? 2. What service does it provide? There can be no in depth inquiry into the disability of the person who has the dog. If the service provided does not seem to apply to the situation, the operator can ask the person to remove the dog.

Alas, I don't foresee any changes in these long established laws just because retirees in The Villages are lying or confused about what constitutes a genuine service dog..........or just don't care.

Fair question
 

How about your horse? As you apparently know, miniature horses can also be official Service Animals. They work in much the same manner as Guide Dogs for the Blind.

City Faces Lawsuit Over Girl's Mini Horse Service Animal | HuffPost
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.Yeah, the photo below is a service horse on a commercial airplane.
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I believe some people use the system to keep their pets with them when they go somewhere...if that makes them feel better then maybe that's a good thing. Shouldn't we all be able to feel better? Why not give everyone a break and live and let live? I help with service dog training and they are real service dogs. I suppose I could be questioned about any dog I am working with, since I don't have a disability and am not a veteran, but I continue to hope for the goodness of humanity and less judgement of other people's lives.

:bigbow:

Surely you don't mean to imply that people should be able to do things that make them "feel good".
Maybe someone would feel good about swimming nude in a family pool, or getting drunk in a bar and starting a brawl, or driving 90 mph on 466.

True service dogs like the ones you train are an invaluable asset to those in need, and thank you for doing this. But pawning a little rug rat off as a service animal is a disservice to those with legitimate needs. Even people with allergies to dogs are willing to tolerate a seeing eye dog, but why should dozens of people in the vicinity have to tolerate the behaviors of others that "make them feel good"?

Service dogs can be used for a multitude of reasons. Although it's only an opinion, if an animal is used for hearing, why would you take it to the square, where the music is so loud, it is 50 times louder for a dog. This could contribute to not only hearing loss in humans but in dogs. But again, it's only a question, or is it a red flag to let them know that dogs hearing can be impaired with constant loud noises. Maybe they truly never thought of that, and just don't know any better, but it is Better discussed with a licensed Vet.

I never understood why people always ask what someone's service dog does, as it isn't really there business and can be very embarrassing for the person owning the service animal. How many times a day do you hear this from people. Just try sitting down next to one having coffee outside with their dog sometime, it doesn't stop. I have nothing but empathy for the disabled human berated by people asking them personal health questions. If a person is in a wheelchair, do you ask them what is wrong with you? Of course not. Best to be polite, and just smile and be compassionate of others with a problem they may not want to discuss with the general public.

Most service animals accompany their humans every where they go, as they are part of the "package", so sometimes, it isn't a good idea to criticise, they may be on vacation and just visiting the Villages. Most service dogs are constant companions of their humans, regardless of where they go, but it is also the owner that must understand the limitations of a dog or the risk you may put it in, such as walking your dog in the middle of the afternoon on hot pavement. There are people we know that don't go places, because they do have a service dog, and need it full time. Life is full of adjustments.

Sometimes, it's just best to close the book on other people's disabilities. as our job is really to love our neighbors as ourselves. The "why's", we just have to let go of sometimes.

Well said!

like

[QUOTE=golfing eagles;1434146]Detect blood sugar??----a 15# dog in a pouch on your chest or a 3 oz. glucometer in your pocket---which makes more sense??

Detect a seizure in advance----not possible, the dog is just sensing the very early start of a seizure already underway, and you'll know you're having one about 10 seconds later

How does a 7# rug rat help someone get up?????

If there is legitimate training for these dogs and evidence that they are superior to standard methodology, I'm all ears. But I am willing to bet 90+% of dogs that supposedly perform these tasks are just along for the ride. I think the exception in public places for service dogs should be restricted to TRUE service dogs, lest the tide turns and the people who really need these animals come up short.[/QUOTE]

#1. A brittle diabetic gets fluctuations very quickly and often cannot recognize when he's too low with the brain fog they get. Grandson was offered a dog.
#2. The seizure service dog alerts the owner of his impending seizure so the person can lie down, protecting them from injury in a fall.
#3. A 7# rug rat wouldn't be able to help someone get up of course, but a full grown lab could. Saw one.

#1. A brittle diabetic gets fluctuations very quickly and often cannot recognize when he's too low with the brain fog they get. Grandson was offered a dog.
#2. The seizure service dog alerts the owner of his impending seizure so the person can lie down, protecting them from injury in a fall.
#3. A 7# rug rat wouldn't be able to help someone get up of course, but a full grown lab could. Saw one.[/QUOTE]

And for every service dog that TRULY fits category 1 & 2, there are how many frauds?????.
The training required would be truly amazing----let's see, get a bunch of people with seizure disorders, hold their meds, induce seizures and then train the dogs as to early signs that the dog, and only the dog can sense??? Induce hypoglycemia in an insulin dependent diabetic just to train dogs??? Maybe it is possible, but I have my doubts. Anyone remember "facilitation"????

As far as falls go, I've fallen, maybe you've fallen, and millions of us have fallen. So I guess we all need a big dog wherever we go. Oh, wait, there are OTHER PEOPLE around to help in those places. The only time the dog is needed is when the owner is ALONE---like at home, which is where they should leave the dog

I've already posted how valuable TRUE service dogs are; I am concerned over some "fringe" uses and the frauds negatively impacting those with true need

PS. Please feel free to "educate" me about diabetes and seizure disorders any time you like:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

One should always try to be considerate of others. We can't expect people to love our children or our pets like we do, but many find that hard to understand or even consider. The world can't always revolve around our needs and our loves and our passions and our interests.


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I'm happy for your friend.

Good info!

I was at one of the regional rec centers and a man came into the line dance class, with a dog in a stroller. I inquired at the front desk if this was allowed and was told rec center employees are not allowed to question anyone claiming to have a comfort dog.
Does not sound right to me.

https://www.ada.gov/cguide.htm


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Kudos to anyone that helps train service dogs, it can't be easy.

The dog probably didn't enjoy being at the line dance class, especially if it had to learn the New Jersey Shuffle.

Not A Good Idea
 

dogs that don't bark..
 

I have a five year old black lab rescue that really only barks in his sleep. Lots of dogs don't bark at the door.

Wow. After reading many of the comments made in this thread, I am certain that TV is NOT America's Friendliest Home Town!

My property is large enough. If by chance someone digs a hole to plant whatever, it won't be as deep as I would bury my buddy.

Interesting note: some dogs (often small in stature) can actually smell/detect a hypoglycemic attack in those who suffer from diabetes. Dogs are trained by an organization called Cancer and Bio-detection Dogs. These dogs also are trained to detect increased levels in those who have Bladder Cancer. Some of the smallest pups could be on duty and you might assume it was a spoiled lapdog....Just proves, you never know what another person's story is....if the dog is not disturbing you....live and let live.

It is perfectly ok to ask the owner what kind of service his dog provides as long as the conversation is carried in a friendly manner.

However, the public belongs to us all, and if the service dog or its owner is being offensive in some manner, we have the right to remind the owner public is public, not private.

A service dog for someone who has a medical problem is one thing...........and another is to just carry one's pet about because the person "wants to". And in so doing blatantly fib about it.

I don't know why that annoys me so much but it does.

I put the "service" dog in the same category as the family members of a handicapped person parking in a "Handicapped" parking spot. JMHO

[QUOTE=EPutnam1863;1466574]It is perfectly ok to ask the owner what kind of service his dog provides as long as the conversation is carried in a friendly manner. QUOTE]

Thank you. I am the OP of this long thread. When I was talking to the dog's owner at Spanish Springs, it was a friendly conversation about dogs in general. When I asked about the service provided by a ShiuTsu, he laughed and said the dog barks when someone rings the doorbell. I laughed at that also. Yes, it was a friendly conversation - not an angry confrontation.

People who know me will agree I am a friendly conversationist (I hope).

We were ar Ricciardi’s and a couple brought their lap dog in a stroller and sat at the inside bar it to was a service dog. Come on folks what service was he doing in the stroller. Then there’s the nut that brings his squirrel into Home Depot and they tell me someone also brings in a snake.

After reading about the hard of hearing lady at a Christmas Party leaving a silent toot and asking husband what she should do, and he then said put a new battery in your hearing aid, we now know that OP was talking to the owners of a service dog trained to remind woman when she needs new battery. Keep your distance.