[ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Service Dog
- From: Stormy Hope <Stormy435@xxxxxxx>
- To: gsd showlist <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 1 Jan 2011 12:31:55 -0800
I know that Laura is really knowldedgeable about Guide Dogs etc., but
I learned a lot recently. You don't need certification if you have a
dog for your disability. Admittedly, it makes it easier. But all
anyone is allowed to do is ask what (I forget the exact words) task
the dog does for you or the person with disability. AND various
organizations (like HUD, etc.) have different rules. HUD rules are
actually more lax than ADA regs. ADA ONLY allows dogs and ponies to
be used as service animals for persons with disabilities. HUD, for
example, allows other animals to be service animals.
In this young boy's case, they were wise to start checking on the ADA
regs and there are lawyers who specialize in ADA regs.
Stormy
On Jan 1, 2011, at 11:32 AM, grnram415@xxxxxxx wrote:
This is a huge issue! There is a grey area in the Service Dog
world. Guide dogs have been in existence for a century. Seizure
alert, autism, hearing alert and other service dogs fall into a grey
area. Guide dogs have strict guidlines, regulations and
certification requirements that are recognized Nationwide. Other
organizations don't have the same credibilty as these are more newly
recognized conditions in which a service dog is an asset. The
organizations are fragmented and do their best, but they don't have
the respect of the guide dog organizations. That needs to change.
I have dogs out there that are service dogs for autistic children.
Fortunately, the families have the support of their schools and
communities. The dogs are welcome anywhere. That is not the case
everywhere.
The GSD community can help by being vocal with the media, supporting
organizations that provide service dogs, and becoming
involved,either through donations of dogs or money. Here is the
key. Look for a non-profit that provides service dogs free of
charge for the recipient. Many require the families to do
fundraisers and pay up front to pay for a dog. Most of these
families are drowning in medical bills and all their time is spent
caring for the person in need of a service dog. They don't have
time, money or energy to aquire a trained service dog.
Seek out organizations in your area and get them on board with
educating the politicians that can change the rules and make them
take up the cause.
Thank you for bringing this up. This is a great cause we can all
stand behind with our awesome breed.
Laura Thomas
>
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