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