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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