[Bennie]

We have two dogs, one is a registered therapy dog, which is not the same as a service dog and the other in training. We take both everywhere that is pet friendly for socializing including the town squares, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, etc. This teaches them different scents, sounds, etc to not be afraid of and how to behave around people, to sit, no licking or jumping. We encourage petting so they will be comfortable around adults and children. We do not put the therapy dog vest, which says Therapy Dog along with her name, on her unless she is actually working, by visiting a facility where she is helping people.

[GypsyBuddy]

I continue to be amazed at how many people will always assume the worst intentions of others.

[MaryAnne28]

With a lot of things these days, when people take advantage of a system (not to say these people are), it hurts those that really need the assistance. I love dogs, too. But it appears that it's gotten a bit out of control. An example was when a friend of mine was in the ladies room at the airport and a woman gave her little dog its own stall and was talking it into doing what its got to do. A bit extreme!

[Barblebus]

Originally Posted by carl in tampa

well, let's take them in order.

1. My beagle doesn't bark when someone comes to the door. I can't speak for anyone else's dog.

2. You assume things that are not in evidence. That is that with the service dog vest they can take the dog all of the places that you list. The fact is that the vest is not an automatic pass. The various businesses can inquire whether or not the dog is a service dog and what the service is that the dog provides. (that's about all that can be asked.) and, if, as you observe, the service is only performed at home, the service dog does not get service dog protection at the businesses.





3. How is taking the dog to the squares wearing its vest "gaming the system?" any dog on a leash is allowed in the squares.

4. It is possible that your wife is correct. The owners did not want the dog to be the target of well intentioned people who would want to pet the dog.

amen

[amexsbow]

Having worked in the government and then transitioning to private industry I can relate to the posts about people gaming the system. I am afraid that the worst comes out in people when they perceive they can "get over' a regulation or get something "free." These people are leaches who suck the lifeblood from all the honest people in this world. NOTHING IS FREE. You are doing a disservice to those who are truly disabled and in need of assistance. What you are getting for "free' is costing the company providing it and the costs are passed on to those who purchase the product honestly. As of late I was astounded to have a neighbor tell me he called the company which guaranteed a particular item in his home and had them send replacements due to defects. The replacements are stored in his garage he said "in case he needs them." This man is STEALING. Just like the people who lie and classify their pets as "service animals."

For that woman who is hard of hearing. GET A HEARING AID. (I did.)
STOP LYING ABOUT THE DOG.
BTW(BY THE WAY) MY DOG BARKED EVERY TIME THE DOORBELL RANG.
There is a name for these people but I am keeping this post G-rated.

[Proslayer]

Dont hate the player, hate the game!

[Bonny]

It really saddens me to read all the people bashing on here.
I have a friend who lost her husband a couple of years ago after 55 years of marriage. He was her world and did everything. After he passed away, she mostly stayed in the house depressed and crying. Her friends tried to help, but it was so hard on her. Some of us talked her into getting a little dog. Needless to say, the dog is now her life. Several of us think that little fur baby saved her.
Yes, she doesn't go anywhere without her little dog. So what. She now gets out some instead of being shut in. They don't hurt anyone. I truly believe, contrary to what others say, that this dog is a service dog, therapy dog, whatever.
She's not an evil person "gaming the system". She's a wonderful person. She just needed a little help to help her get through life.
God bless her. She and her fur baby can sit by me any day.

[airstreamingypsy]

So many things to gripe about, so little time.

[ffresh]

[QUOTE=Wiotte;1433035]I'm not sure when this happened, I guess I wasn't paying attention. At what point in our society did the distance between man and beast become blurred.

LOL Good question ... I think it was about the same time that animals started TALKING on TV (television) and acting like people.

[xcaligirl]

Service animals that I KNOW are true service animals have extensive training. They will not walk away from the owner at a square when the owners are up dancing and having the dog dance in between them. There is a huge difference between a true service dog and a dog with a service vest on (that was bought online). The owners had to grab the dog a few times from just walking away!! Yes, a fake service dog really hits a nerve with me. It's not right for true service dogs. Just another person who thinks they are more important than anyone else and they use the vest to game the system. AND, the dog was not on a leash the entire time. If it was, it wouldn't have been able to start to walk away. That's when the owners finally put a leash on it. I am a huge dog lover but I'm always someone who plays by the rules!

[Miles42]

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

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by Miles42

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

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

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.

[Wiotte]

Home

The REAL thing


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[wisbad1]

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.

[borjo]

Originally Posted by golf2140

Can someone tell me why someone needs their dog in Ace Hardware. Come on folks leave the freaking dog home. Note: we had our last mutt for 17 years.

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?