Service Animals

 Okay, I see your POV.  I am looking to encourage community advocacy, but your actions are actually doing that, only on a smaller scale than I outlined below.  You have explained your motivations more clearly now, and I wish you the best.

 

It WOULD be nice to get a postive judicial ruling in the features section of, not only the "local rag," but the city paper, as education is the big deal.  These people need to learn that they have to at least look at the law card.  And it WOULD hurt his business.

 

So I wish you the best.  And Thank You for further explaining the "Why" behind your actions.  bonnie

i'm learning a lot from this thread.

 

what EXACTLLY does the ADA say about service dogs?

seem there's a huge gray area that is causing problems.

 

is anybody cracking down on 'fakers'?

 

anything to raise awareness is good. keep it up.

No worries. I certainly don't want to be seen as litigious. My first trial the defendants lied and won. It's too easy to make up a story, have it backed up by "witnesses" and prevail. So much for justice. It was a learning experience, that's for sure.

 Heartdog,Hello just read your post, call a t.v. station, Radio Talk show, I'll bet that will change everything around real Quick. Maybe more people will come forward and the same thing has happening to them. Pickit  it. Stand up for it.

Good luck 

blondieblue227:

i'm learning a lot from this thread.

 

what EXACTLLY does the ADA say about service dogs?

seem there's a huge gray area that is causing problems.

 

is anybody cracking down on 'fakers'?

 

anything to raise awareness is good. keep it up.

 

I'm learning a lot from this thread, too.  I was shocked to hear that there are people who would fake having a disability just so their dog could have access.  But, sure enough, I read a blog that tells about people doing this when traveling by airplane to keep their dogs (pets) from having to ride in the cargo space.

 

From what I understand, service animals do not need to be certified by the government, nor are you required to show any identification.  Your privacy is protected by law.  However, it's considered good protocol to have your service dog wear a harness (vest).  It helps people understand that this is a WORKING DOG, which is important to ensure that they do not attempt to touch or handle them.

 

As a matter of fact, I've read that TSA personnel are trained not to interact with service animals in any manner.  But they do recommend that you carry some sort of identification or use a harness for identification.  Again, it's not required by law.  The law that protects our privacy actually enables the "fakers."  I hate when people take advantage like that!

 

Thanks to everyone for raising my awareness.  Please keep the dialogue going!  

 

~~  Lily  ~~

    

Hi Heartdog,

 

I just wanted to say that I don't think you sound "litigious" at all.  It's a matter of needing to educate business owners about how to provide accommodations.  Some people simply don't know what's required but they are willing to listen and learn.  Unfortunately, other people just don't want to listen and they become downright rude.

 

I wish you luck in helping to educate the public on the topic of how it's really not that hard to provide accommodations.  It's not like you were asking for the moon and stars to be delivered on a silver platter.  Providing accommodations usually doesn't cost much and the return on investment is priceless.  Please keep us informed.  Thx!

 

~~  Lily  ~~

    

See I think I’d trade my privacy with something that made my life easier.

Say a government issued card that said I was disabled, had a SD etc.

 

I think it would alleviate a lot of hassle people with disabilities go thru.

 

One thing an id number/card could do is give me access to buying ADA seats online at ticketmaster!

 

Heavy fines and jail time for counterfeiters.

 Hello blondieblue227, I have some infor, to share with you

 in the state of Colorado. The Brain injury association, you can apply for a card stating your disability. It is record in the state of colorado. You can show it to a police officer if you are pull over.

To a movie theater,to the ski slope, etc. Check out your state.