View Single Post
 
Old Apr 01, 2017, 02:09 PM
(JD)'s Avatar
(JD) (JD) is offline
Legendary Wise Elder
 
Member Since: Dec 2003
Location: Coram Deo
Posts: 35,474
I do, and have.

Make sure it's trained for those items or it might be considered just an "emotional support animal" and they are not allowed everywhere (even if some places allow them).

Read up on the law because everyone will try and tell you it when they don't know it.
https://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

Don't fall for the "certification" requirements: there are none! Don't buy into any patches or certificates except from a service dog trainer who will back you up (if you learn well ) when you get into a situation. (Keep phone number handy, or a card of trainer's to show police.)

You are not required to have the dog wear any special collars, leashes, vests nor patches... though you might wish to have something "official looking" handy to avoid some situations.

They can ask 2 questions: Is that a service dog?
If you reply yes then they can ask:
What 3 things does it do for you that you cannot do for yourself?
And you need to be able to share such things easily.

My 2nd service dog learned how to help me with PTSD on his own. Smart dog he was! I was in a deposition with the opposition (worker comp attorney) and was becoming very upset inside and pain was rising... and the dog got up onto my lap (well, his front paws and chest) and laid there, not moving... I even tried to make him move but he wouldn't.
The opposing lawyer drew my attention to the dog stating that he can't be a service dog as he wasn't trained to even listen to me when I told him to get down... and then I was able to vocalize OH! he's doing exactly what he's supposed to: when I don't realize my pain is rising and I'm becoming stressed he does that until I remedy the problem! hahahahah joke on lawyer!

Anyway... they are wonderful! One of the "things" my service dogs have all learned very quickly is "find out". I get confused in stores easily and teaching them that where we come in is also where we go out... all I have to do when I need to leave the store in a hurry (triggered or overwhelmed) is tell him "find out" and he all but drags me to an exit. (Now it doesn't even have to be the door we came in at ... and if I want that I just tell him again and he'll go to the smell of where we entranced.) Kewl doggies!

Oh there are no service animals. The ADA changed those rules and they are "all" service DOGS. (With the exception for the Moslems who hate dogs so they can have a mini horse.)

The hardest thing is to not let anyone pet the dog when in public. The dog immediately loses focus and no longer will work for you but go about greeting everyone waiting for patting and ooing and awwing. It's hard, but don't start that habit.

Another good thing about a service dog is you can use the dog as an excuse to leave a meeting or lunch or whatever. When it's you that needs to leave! hahahahah

Good wishes. A well trained service dog is worth his weight in gold imo.
__________________

Believe in Him or not --- GOD LOVES YOU!

Want to share your Christian faith? Click HERE
Hugs from:
avlady
Thanks for this!
Lilwren