service dog not allowed on NJ boardwalk - Page 2

GSDNewbie,
I can relate! It is difficult and sometimes outright embarrassing! People seem to have no idea how to react to a service dog . I am continually amazed when an adult will baby talk and make noises trying to pet your dog when the harness clearly says "Working Do Not Pet". Stupid people.  I really wish there was more of an educational campaign when it comes to service dogs. Hopefully this news coverage of this Vet's battle with the Boardwalk will help other service dog handlers not have to experience the same problem. Also, I had some ADA guideline cards printed to hand out to people when they have no idea what a service dog is.  It really does get frustrating that I have to tell people all the time that this is my service dog, and I actually need him. I'm thankful to not have any outward signs of MS right now, but that will most likely change later on. Until then, I'm going to make the most of every day that comes and proudly take my service dog with me. Keep fighting the good fight! Thank you for the comments too!

I am surprised anyone saw it on NBC 40 which is a local channel. The sheriff was probably getting it straightened out before Philly channels got it. Glad Fox had the story> It never ceases to amaze me when law enforcement does't know the law about service dogs.
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Exactly, Paul 15. He must have fallen asleep during that lesson.

Sadly every year at the big AKC and SV dog shows, a number of people go and buy  service vests so they can fly their dogs at NC and,  if they have a large breed and are lucky enough to get their dibs in first, they get to keep the dog with them seated in the bulkhead where there is more leg room.  One GSD person I know used to brag about the service dog scam being the best kept secret in the dog world. She took her male to NASS gratis at least two times and was able to get him into hotels and restaurants that were off limits to dogs. He was a very well behaved dog so caused no problems.. A guy I know with another breed campaigned that dog for a solid year flying him all over the US at no charge making him number one in his breed and group. I knew him well for 35 years, he was not handicapped in any way and he also bragged about the big loophole in the ADA service dog regs.

These people probably do more damage to the service dog image than a few stupid cops or ignorant dog haters and this abuse will never be able to be stopped.  The people who really need their service dogs foot the bill for these frauds.

There seems to be a difference by airlines of psychiatric service dogs and service dogs. I was asked by a friend to write a letter that his dog was a psychiatric service dog so they could go to a national trial.. When I looked at the requirements I thought wooh! He could easily afford to ship the dog. And it was breaking the law. When I said no, he told the airlines the dog was a service dog and the dog went free.

I think that's a brilliant idea!!

I have had a rude person think I was just using a fake vest while checking in to the host hotel of a show before. They wanted to know where they could also get one and I informed them my Service dog is my 24/7 service dog and about how I wish they would have federal certification for service dog teams and any trainers who sell their dogs/ skills at training for service dogs. I really cant stand when people use fake vests on dogs to get them places and it makes it very difficult for us who truly need them. I have not been in a plane since I was injured and now clausterphobic so I drive cross country to every dog show I attend. It was a heck of a ride through the tornadoes from TN to Dallas Texas for the Seiger there a couple Marches ago for sure. I really wish that those that see a vest on a service animal that also does show in shows would not assume it is a fake and tell people all of them are so I do not get nasty looks and comments when I am entering host hotels. It is discrimination. My GSD is a true utility dog and I give him many tasks/ hats to fill. 

Most kids are less ignorant of what a service dog is and proper manners around them than adults. An adult will read the do not touch patch and say something like I have six dogs at home so it's okay and then do it or will say oh hes just too cute I have to and throw their fingers into his fur. I wish schools would do a mandatory how to act around dogs class all over. When a child in a store squeels and runs away I make it a point if I have the time to approach the caregiver and child and explain to them that I understand the child was frightened, however if you squeel and run for dogs that you become prey. My dog will not hurt you but the next you encounter may be a dog that will. I tell them how small animals are prey and the high pitch noises and quick movements and then they are very receptive to it. My Ulf loves children, especially girls. He does not like it when infants cry even though he was not raised around any. I tell him it is okay, because he always seems to be looking for who may be hurting babies and once I tell him it's okay he settles and stops looking. 

I have seen people shopping with little purse dogs and never getting harrassed like service dog owners in the same building. I hate breed discrimination and fakers or people that just barge their way in. I have had purse dogs lunge out of carts they were tied to to try and attack my service dog. Or dogs concealed in the big purses and no one knows they are they until they start yapping and growling because they saw my service dog. It amazes me sometimes when that happenes people give my dog the dirty look when he does not even respond or react to the rude dogs. Most of all I hate the fakers that bring untrained dogs in vest or therapy dogs and pass them off as service dogs. I have seen faer dogs where I live and one I even saw bite a guys pantleg as he walked by the handler. I am all for having to get certified and pass a certification test and require a doctors note for use of service dog as my medical hadicaps are directly written in the ADA so I know I will have not issues there and my dog is more than qualified as well as I feel we can pass any test given to us as a team. My doctors are used to us being there together in their office approx 2 days a week. It is sad that after 25 years in business this is the only well trained service dog they have experienced. I would love to see education of the public but also for it not to be abused as well as a higher standard of handler teams so that people feel secure around us.

 

I have been having issues with the site working properly to click on posting or other things last two days. I wanted to edit my last post to include some working photos of my service dog but it said the post was to old.    Here my dog is in a down stay out of sight from me with people coming and going from the office where the technician is back and forth while I am getting xrays. This was thirty minutes out of sight never a complaint, movement, or noise from him despite strangers walking in and out by him. 



A bored dog and handler awaiting test results. I am on the table beside him and he is snoozing. This particular day, we were at the doctors three hours and was same day as the xrays. I can put him in any corner/ place I want him to wait for me either at the doctors, my physical therapist ofice, and even when I do my morning lap swimming at the pool. He remains quiet and alert to my medical needs and with perfect manners no matter what I ask of him or where I put him. I really wish I had a discreet way to film one typical day of our outings without people knowing I am wearing a camera so I can educate people on what service dog handlers go through daily. 

This is as close to what it is like for us that I have found already out there.  http://youtu.be/iSn9WO1FCb0