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Guest Post: Guide Dogs for the Emotional?
Today I wanted to host a guest post that I think you all will find interesting…
Here Fido! And Here! And Here!
Your Growing Legal Rights to Bring a Support Animal
While seeing eye and other service dogs have long been exempted from regulations that prevent dogs in certain places like restaurants and offices, people are now pushing the legal limits of the definition of “service” dogs. Restaurants, apartment houses, and other businesses may now be legally required to allow dogs who help not only those with physical disabilities, but also those who claim they require dogs for “emotional” support.
The Department of Transportation has stated that support animals must be allowed on planes—even animals that aid people with emotional problems like depression or anxiety. And New York Courts have ruled that emotional support is a valid reason to keep a pet even if the building has a no-pet policy. As a result, pet owners whose doctors have advised them to keep a pet for emotionally therapeutic reasons are becoming emboldened to push for the right to take their animals where previously prohibited, and restaurants, hotels, and other accommodations are seeing an increase in the number of owners who bring in their animals. Every dog lover claims that their pet brings emotional support; while the definition of ‘support’ animal is still hazy, for the most part a doctor must have certified that a patient is keeping the pet for health reasons—but you can expect to see more of Fido in public in the future.
Attorney Amy Epstein Feldman and her sister, comedy writer Robin are the authors of the new book, So Sue Me, Jackass! It’s a look at how to avoid the everyday legal pitfalls we face in life and love, at work and at play, online and offline, in sickness and in health, and as parents and pet owners. www.sosuemejackass.com
The world khould be such a better place if more realised how special powers!
But sometimes humans are slow on the uptake…
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
The power of the paw is infinite!!! We know that, too bad more humans don’t realize it too.
Woos, the OP Pack
There are two sides to this mess, and, it is a mess. First, by law you cannot legally ask anyone what their disability happens to be and with that, you see people in all sorts of places with animals that you know aren’t there for any other reason than the owner wanted to bring them in the store. (I know, I have a service animal and he wears his vest when we are out and about along with his badge that designates his help to me.) What bothers me is that I have a highly trained animal who knows he is working. Some people have family pets that they think are cool so they haul them along no matter where they go.
One the other hand, I had to appear to testify in court one day and brought Scout along, wearing his vest, as always. The judge, who should have known better. stopped the court proceedings and called attention to me and my dog and pointedly asked me if I had a disability. I was never so embarrassed in all my life as the whole courtroom turned to look at me.
I don’t know what the answer is other than asking for each and every animal that is service related to be licensed by the state in which it resides. At least then people would know that all shots, etc. are in order and that the animal has gone through rudimentary training.
BUT, I recently saw something on TLC about a woman who brought her monkey with her everywhere all dressed up and wearing matching outfits. She was being barred from some stores and restaurants. Frankly, and remember, I have a service animal, I don’t want a monkey eating at the next table to me. They bite and carry disease. They can also “go off” without notice once they have passed puberty. My dog is under my table sleeping, that gal’s monkey sat on her lap and ate off her plate.
Ideas…anyone?
Hmmm, interesting post, and what a loaded comment by the previous commenter. I wish I had a suggestion to help you.
The power of canines in emotional situations I think is grossly under-reported and studied.
This is an interesting post, I never knew people with emotional problems could use guide dogs but it makes GREAT sense if you think about it. Dogs are proven to ease PTSD.
We are fortunate in that we live in France, and I am allowed in almost all restaurants with #1!
Woofs,
Tom
As an animal enthusiast, I thought you would be interested in knowing about a great opportunity coming to Columbus, Ohio in October.
Jeff Corwin, Emmy-award winning wildlife biologist of “The Jeff Corwin Experience” on Animal Planet, will be the featured speaker at ODU’s Presidential Lecture Series at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009 at the Aladdin Shrine Center – 3850 Stelzer Road, Columbus, Ohio 43219.
Jeff will be bringing with him, a host of reptiles and snakes, and will be interacting with members of the audience.
If you’d like more information, please don’t hestitate to contact me. Ticket information can be found on the ODU site. We would love for you to post about this exciting event on your blog.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
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