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Teresa Ford · 10-13-2011, 06:05 PM

THERAPY, ESD, Or SERVICE DOG ?
This is just my opinion. Therapy Dogs make people feel good. Yes, that is a service, but it not keeping someone safe or necessary to provide daily assistance. Service Animals are trained to do a job, and paired with a person to do that special job.
My Zacky (RIP) was a wonderful Therapy Dog we visited local hospitals, VA hosp., Nursing homes, Schools, Senior Day Care and Rehabilitation Units. Zacky was not my Service Dog. I didn't take him where he wasn't wanted or welcome.
On the other hand if he was my Service Dog he would go where ever, I go. IT IS THE LAW and a service dog is trained to function in public.
I don't think ESD should be given Service Dog status unless they are truly trained and certified as a Service Dog. There should be training programs for ESD. People with mental issues, needs are just as valid and real, as a person who is deaf, blind or that needs physical assistance etc.

10-13-2011, 06:05 PM	#43
Teresa Ford Therapy Yorkies Work Donating Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Central, Florida Posts: 3,863	THERAPY, ESD, Or SERVICE DOG ? This is just my opinion. Therapy Dogs make people feel good. Yes, that is a service, but it not keeping someone safe or necessary to provide daily assistance. Service Animals are trained to do a job, and paired with a person to do that special job. My Zacky (RIP) was a wonderful Therapy Dog we visited local hospitals, VA hosp., Nursing homes, Schools, Senior Day Care and Rehabilitation Units. Zacky was not my Service Dog. I didn't take him where he wasn't wanted or welcome. On the other hand if he was my Service Dog he would go where ever, I go. IT IS THE LAW and a service dog is trained to function in public. I don't think ESD should be given Service Dog status unless they are truly trained and certified as a Service Dog. There should be training programs for ESD. People with mental issues, needs are just as valid and real, as a person who is deaf, blind or that needs physical assistance etc. __________________ Teresa & Rubin, Gracie, Abba, Ginny Joy and Julia Rose Act like a dog, be kind, forgiving, and loyal.