LondonTeaTime -- I agree with you 100%. I think it is totally irresponsible to present any dog as a therapy dog when it isn't.
Therapy dogs provide a great help to the people who need them - and the jobs they do should be highly respected. I can't say enough good things about these animals, and I have the highest regard for them -- and respect for the people who need them.
And, you're right -- if a lot of people start doing this - it will only make it harder for those people who truly need these pets at their side.
I am constantly amazed at what people will sink to - to get their dogs into places where they aren't allowed. I used to think it was only the teenagers at the mall who did this --- but on this forum, I can see that even "senior citizens" do it and think it is a "cute and funny thing to do." Plus - they can't survive without their little dogs with them every minute of every day (I can't believe this either.)
My dog(s) never get in the car with me unless I am going where they are allowed. More and more places are allowing pets - and I'm the first one to think this is great - but until they are allowed - my dogs aren't going. They have grown up this way - and fully understand and accept the fact that they can't go with me every place I go. I really believe for them, it makes it all the more exciting and fun when they can go.
**** I doubt any healthy person (or even a crippled person) walking into a store could convince me that the little 5-pound Yorkie they are toting around is a therapy dog anyway -- get real!
Carol Jean |