Does anyone here have a yorkie service dog?

[lulababy]

Or have you ever looked into it?? I just wanted to know how people react to it... I was considering getting a license. In my county you just have to send in the rabies/shot info and a request and they give you a license. And even if you don't have a license, you can say your dog is a service dog and they can't deny you--because not all service dogs have licenses. Its fine as long as your dog is not disrupting the primary service of the establishment--like barking in movie theater. I just kinda want to be able to have my dog with me all the time, not that he'd necessarily be doing any kind of "leading of the blind," but it'd be like emotional support! Maybe he could even learn to remind me to take medication. FYI, I do actually have an actual "disability" (i hate that word) but i'd rather not say what it is.

My dog is good in public even though he's just a puppy... I would get him trained better when hes a bit older as well, I just wanted to know what store establishments would think of this (being that my dog is so little and doesnt look like a typical "service dog.") I am wondering if I would catch a lot of questions, etc. Maybe if I got a little vest? Where do you even get those vests from. I would be carrying him in a bag anyway, for his own safety though, because he's so little.

I know some people may think this sounds ridiculous but i've looked into it, and using a dog for this kinda purpose would be legal. Any thoughts or tips?? Or am I just outta my mind?

[mscat]

Your not out of your mind..... You said you have a disability, so this makes it easier to do.
What you are looking for is not a license for a service animal but to have a certified service dog. There are company's who offer this service. Also, you will need a letter from your vet stating that your dog is not aggressive.
It is against the law for anyone to say their dog is a service animal if the person is not disabled too. Be aware of that. People are not allowed to ask the nature of your disability either.
Patches, or vests are very nice to have on a service animal because it idenifies the dog.
Anther thing that you may want to consider is to have a letterfrom your doctor stating that you are disabled. there are many disabilites out there, but, technically if you are fully disabled for what ever reason a service animal is justified.
For example, a person may say, they are disabled, but are not fully. Some places require proof about that.
I have a puppy that I got for this reason too. I have a letter from the doctor, on full SSDI, and could have my Yorkie certified too.
Pm me if you want sites who certify service animals.

[lulababy]

Originally Posted by mscat

Your not out of your mind..... You said you have a disability, so this makes it easier to do.
What you are looking for is not a license for a service animal but to have a certified service dog. There are company's who offer this service. Also, you will need a letter from your vet stating that your dog is not aggressive.
It is against the law for anyone to say their dog is a service animal if the person is not disabled too. Be aware of that. People are not allowed to ask the nature of your disability either.
Patches, or vests are very nice to have on a service animal because it idenifies the dog.
Anther thing that you may want to consider is to have a letterfrom your doctor stating that you are disabled. there are many disabilites out there, but, technically if you are fully disabled for what ever reason a service animal is justified.
For example, a person may say, they are disabled, but are not fully. Some places require proof about that.
I have a puppy that I got for this reason too. I have a letter from the doctor, on full SSDI, and could have my Yorkie certified too.
Pm me if you want sites who certify service animals.

I will PM you

[Wylie's Mom]

Know your rights, sister! A place CANNOT ask about your disability (if you had one) under ANY circumstances whatsoever. It is against the law. Dogs of all sizes can now be trained for a multitude of reasons. Here is some great info for you :

http://www.ada.gov/svcabrs3.pdf

Service Animal Registry of America SARA

[HillbillyBelle]

I know you asked this as a serious question and MHO is that you should persue the issue.
I am chuckling because hubby and I are going away to celebrate our 50th and I hate leaving my babies although a friend is gonna keep them all together. Anyhow, my kids suggested that I pick one and have it certified as a service dog because they are sure I am a bit nuts and I need one of my dogs to keep me on an even keel. I will admit I would be a happier camper to have even one of mine to carry on with while we are away.
After all, not much celebrating on a "Golden" anniv....
I am also disabled but the airlines personnel who push me in a wheelchair thru the airport certainly would never believe a 2-4 pound Yorkie would be of much service, huh?

[Wylie's Mom]

Originally Posted by HillbillyBelle

I am also disabled but the airlines personnel who push me in a wheelchair thru the airport certainly would never believe a 2-4 pound Yorkie would be of much service, huh?

Not true, my friend ! Your baby might be trained to recognize seizures, high blood pressure, anxiety - or may remind you to take medication. There are alot of things little dogs can be trained for.

[HillbillyBelle]

I take hubby to do those things.. Just kiddin'

[lulababy]

Originally Posted by Wylie's Mom

Not true, my friend ! Your baby might be trained to recognize seizures, high blood pressure, anxiety - or may remind you to take medication. There are alot of things little dogs can be trained for.

I am looking into it now on a few sites.. honestly the dog training part (finding an afforable trainer) seems so hard at this point. I honestly cannot spend 1-2,000 on a trainer. I might as well get another yorkie! I think he has the right temperment to be a service dog but he is very young right now

and you are right, they can be trained to do lots of stuff