Pets- unpopular viewpoint
First, we do not dislike dogs per se. We used to have one and several family members have really cute, friendly dogs. Now the "however" part. Wife and I feel our culture is increasingly moving toward ...
Forum Discussion
dturm wrote:
I tend to agree with most of the posts, and I've got to thank most of you for keeping this on topic and relatively civil.
BUT, the tendency to swing the other way and maintain that there is not place for a service dog that does anything other that aid a blind person doesn't really address real services that some dogs perform. The problem is that there isn't a good definition of those services and how those dogs are certified.
That's why the law needs more specificity and some sort of certification that is more than ordering a vest online.
I can't tell you how many injuries I've fixed (on their dogs) due to people not understanding canine behavior and ultimate stupidity. I understand Lowes (and other businesses) pet policy, but I'd never take my dogs into that kind of environment - just asking for trouble. I also don't take my dogs into pet stores - personal pet peeve :B.
BTW, we've had several experiences while camping where children have been amazingly educated by their parents/schools. The kids approach slowly, ask permission then get down on our dog's level to pet. There are some good people out there.
Doug, DVM
I agree.
I think there are some service dogs that aren't easily identifiable - like those that anticipate an epileptic seizure. That's where the issue comes into effect. And that's why the question "what task(s) does the dog perform?" is important. If they say, "it's a comfort dog", it's not covered under the ADA. Understanding the difference between a "task" and an "effect" is important. One dog has an effect of calming you; the other has the task of informing you of an oncoming seizure. Completely different things.
The only time I take the dogs into the pet store is for sizing collars when they are growing. With the expandable collars, I can pretty much skip that also.
When I fostered, we did adoptions at the local pet stores. Fosters would bring toys, treats, etc., for the dogs and spread them around the floor. I would make them put everything up and away. We had customers walk up with their dogs to "say hi" to the fosters. Between the visiting dogs and kids, having those toys and treats lying around was a disaster waiting to happen.
