:agree:

I agree. Service dogs are a great thing. But some abuse the “support” thing.

If they use the "support" term to explain why their pet is where it is, then by definition they are abusing the "support" thing. That's because a support animal is not a service animal. When a store says "service animals welcome" it is excluding emotional support animals. An "emotional support" animal is not trained to do anything in particular, at all. It's just a pet with a fancy name.

A service animal is trained to perform specific tasks on behalf of someone who is disabled.

About TIME
 

It is such a disgrace - and abuse - I've seen dogs in the tag office - sitting on the seats - we have to sit on - I did write and they did say they talked to the guy and it was not a support dog. My husband has Parkinson - tripping over a leash is so dangerous - Dog owners THINK everyone is there to give (THEM) or attention to their dog. I am allergic to dogs - where do my rights come into play here?!? I've seen people bring dogs into the grocery store - in the basket that we all have to use - yes there are wipes - but can you wipe down the entire cart? This is being abused - and when we have asked the manager why they don't do something - their answer was - we are not ALLOWED to ASK them by law if they have papers and if it is a service dog. Please change and enforce this to protect and respect the rights of all. I have no problems with a 'real' service dog - they are well trained - behave and sit on the floor - helping their owner. I'd say it's about time a law is passed and hope it is enforced.
NO to 'emotional' support dogs - only SERVICE DOGS!

No they don't have the right to ask for proof of their dog's training. But they DO have the right to require that the dog remain on the floor, leashed, and in close proximity to its owner at all times. Service dogs are trained to NOT jump up on the chairs, and "on duty" service dogs are not found in baskets or strollers or their owner's arms.

The term is "four on the floor." If this isn't happening, then the manager of the store has the RIGHT to kick the dog and its owner out.

I agree, a support animal is not a service animal. Every pet I ever had was a support animal.

Me too.

I think that you and Barefoot and Nonie and DBussone and Nucky and Dillywho (to name a few) love their animals as they should be loved but I have never seen any of you cross any lines of common sense and respect for others. I think it is because you want everyone to love them.

On our 6th visit in a month at VA hospital, large sign at every entrance

SERVICE DOGS only. All others will be asked to leave.

If a dog has the ability to understand a request to leave and can make a decision to comply or not, they should be allowed to stay.

Nope. Seriously what is so hard to understand about the definition of a “service” animal? It is not an obedient pet, it is not a therapy dog, it is not an emotional support dog, it is not a rescued dog, it is not a show dog with a pedigree. What can’t people understand about that? Please explain it to me.

Velvet. You are new here so I must point out that Rapscallion is almost always tongue-in-cheek, poking fun, and pulling on our legs.

Except when he held an enormous job for years serving our country. (That is just a guess but I am a good guesser) He is also as old as I am, (and God) and he is clever and witty and the ornery boy in the back of the class. He made his mother turn gray early and diligently worked for years saving this world from awful people.

Do a search for Rapscallion and you'll find some pretty funny stuff.

We can all use some levity, from time to time.

Carry on :a040:

My bad, thank you Gracie for pointing out the wit, misread his post. He sounds like a fun person.

I'm on the fence about this one. It would be hard to part with my emotional support squirrel.