scarletsfire
New Member
Timekeeper - I agree with pretty much everything you've said. There are several reasons that there has likely been a rise in the number of service animals. Not only has it been found that dogs can be used for other things outside of vision impairments but there's also more training agencies. Where several years ago there was only a handful of "guide dog" training agencies in the US, now there's typically an agency in or within reasonable distance of each state that trains service animals (not just dogs for blind). It's also been discovered that various dogs have differing abilities to aid their human partner in a needed fashion. Often smaller dogs are used for hearing or seizure dogs where larger more sturdy breed are used for mobility issues, so dog types and sizes may vary.
I strongly agree with your comment about proper identification. Any dog that is a service dog is HIGHLY TRAINED! Not only is it trained but, the dog and their human partner typically have to go through a training program together. When my husband got his Leader Dog ("guide dog"), he had to go to the training center and train with the dog for a month. Upon completion of their training together he received a card, similar to what one might consider a school ID with a picture of both him and his Leader Dog, that certified that they had completed training. He also has a packet of papers that we travel with as proof that he is a service animal and are regularly requested at hotels. Granted the paperwork is a pain to keep up with, but a certifiable ID would be like keeping up with your license. We gladly present the ID if requested and, may gripe about but, are willing to return to the car to retrieve the paperwork if needed. It lets people know we aren't trying to pull the wool over their eyes. They instantly change their attitude towards us b/c so many have tried to deceive them before. We have no problems helping to weed out the asinine impostures.
For those curious - Leader Dogs are service dogs for the blind that are trained at the Leader Dogs for the Blind facility in Michigan. The facility is completely non-profit and sponsored largely by Loins Club and private donations. To learn more about Leader Dogs you can check out http://www.leaderdog.org/ or you can find information on other service dog agencies and those closest to you at http://www.workinglikedogs.com/service-dog-resources/service-dog-training-programs-ne/
I strongly agree with your comment about proper identification. Any dog that is a service dog is HIGHLY TRAINED! Not only is it trained but, the dog and their human partner typically have to go through a training program together. When my husband got his Leader Dog ("guide dog"), he had to go to the training center and train with the dog for a month. Upon completion of their training together he received a card, similar to what one might consider a school ID with a picture of both him and his Leader Dog, that certified that they had completed training. He also has a packet of papers that we travel with as proof that he is a service animal and are regularly requested at hotels. Granted the paperwork is a pain to keep up with, but a certifiable ID would be like keeping up with your license. We gladly present the ID if requested and, may gripe about but, are willing to return to the car to retrieve the paperwork if needed. It lets people know we aren't trying to pull the wool over their eyes. They instantly change their attitude towards us b/c so many have tried to deceive them before. We have no problems helping to weed out the asinine impostures.
For those curious - Leader Dogs are service dogs for the blind that are trained at the Leader Dogs for the Blind facility in Michigan. The facility is completely non-profit and sponsored largely by Loins Club and private donations. To learn more about Leader Dogs you can check out http://www.leaderdog.org/ or you can find information on other service dog agencies and those closest to you at http://www.workinglikedogs.com/service-dog-resources/service-dog-training-programs-ne/
