My dogs are registered service dogs for health reasons. It was simple to register them. I trained them at home and then I hired a professional trainer for a few sessions to further advance their training. I've never had a problem bringing them with me when I need them. Sometimes I do get stares but no one can deny me or them access anywhere -- it's the law.
Once when I was on a plane, a stewardess was VERY rude to me and embarrassed me in front of the other passengers because of my dogs. I said in a loud voice and in front of everyone, what's your name? She told me and then I told her immediately after we land, I am going to file an official complaint against you for harassing me. Well after that she shut right up because she knew that she could get into SERIOUS trouble for that. It's AGAINST THE LAW to harass a person with a service animal because basically they are considered handicapped and the laws regarding that are very serious.
I don't have a physical problem (not blind and not missing any limbs) -- I have vertigo. But regardless if the person can visibly SEE your handicap or not, they must still treat you with respect. If I were a blind woman with a seeing eye dog, I doubt very much that woman would have been rude to me! But because I'm a young 25 year old girl, she probably thought I was ridiculous or lying … plus, when you see a cute Yorkie and Maltese as a service animal, you may find it hard to believe (since most people have German Shepherds, Labs or Golden Retrievers as service animals). But believe it or not, many people are now starting to using smaller dogs as service animals because they are more easy to travel with. |