I have a certified Service dog that helps me with walking,balance,falling and a seizure condition. His name is Bear and is a Great Pyrenees. Bear came from a non-profit organization called Canine Assistants. They train dogs to help people with special needs get through their daily life a little easier. Bear's training started at 6 weeks old. He was finally ready at 2 y/o with the knowledge of 60 commands all taught with positive re-enforcement, love and lots of hugs!! Only 50 reciepients are picked out of 1000 applicants per year. I was lucky to be picked last Jan 09' to attend their school for two weeks. The program is challenging and emotional. Imagine walking in with a cane and living the past 2 years pretty much in my house due to seizures and falling. I walked out of the school with Bear and
NO cane...my husband is able to drop me off at the store now and I can shop alone or go to a movie as long as I have Bear. He gave me my freedom and my life back. He is like my right arm.
Therapy dogs are wonderful. The owner and dog attend a 1 hour session per week for a total of 6 weeks(duration is a bit shorter than a service dog eh?) They are given a certificate and can go to libraries, senior centers, hospitals etc. They do a wonderful service for others. My dog is trained to be a working dog for ME.
When I see people claim their dog is a certified therapy dog and have every right to fly, eat or shop with their owner it makes me frustrated.
These people don't realize what others with disabilities go through on a daily basis...these dogs are our lifesavers.
I have been told by store managers that they dealing with more and more people
claiming their dog is a service dog and if they don't get service or allowed into the store they will use the "disability act" as a scare tactic.
To spot a certified/registered service dog: The dog is well groomed, wears a vest-mine is green with sponsor patches on it such as delta, milkbone etc. They will also have a round patch that states not to pet a working dog. The dogs eyes will not be on you it will be on the owners and their surroundings. The owner will have a badge with picture of owner and dog with name address of organization...stating that i have a service dog. I also have the state disability law on the back of the badge. I never mind being stopped and asked about Bear or his service dog status. People who own a service dog that are declined entrance do not "Argue" with management or threaten a lawsuit.
Sorry so long winded...