[ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Service Dog
- From: grnram415@xxxxxxx
- To: Stormy435@xxxxxxx, showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 2 Jan 2011 00:56:30 -0500 (EST)
Stormy brings up a good point, that certification is not a requirement. Maybe
it should be. Here's the rub. Too many people are abusing the system. For
example, people with therapy dogs feel they should have full access to the same
things guide dogs have. However, a therapy dog is not a service dog for the
owner so it falls outside the ADA guidelines. There are also many who claim
their dog is a service dog for some malady, but it is obvious the dog is a pet
with no training. In many cases, the dog is unclean and a nuisance to
customers. There are many issues that make it difficult for people, in need of
dogs who do provide a legitimate service, to be recognized.
In the two recent cases I have of placing dogs with autistic children, the
families were the key. Both families prepared their communities before they got
the dog. They explained the situation, though many already knew them and the
child. They explained the purpose of a service dog at community events,
church, schools and even local restaurants and stores. One family had an
adopted child and the State even picked up the cost of obtaining and training
the dog.
Education is what is needed. Standards are needed as well. We all know what a
valuable service our dogs can provide. But, we also need to be part of the
solution. Many of you have pups that have gone on to provide services to
people in need. Think about what made you place that dog with an organization
or specific person.
What made that dog a real service dog and not just a pet? What would you
require from a pup or a dog you placed with an organization or person?
If you haven't done this, what have you personally seen with service dogs that
you felt improved the owner's life? Or, what standards would you like to see
for a dog to be a "qualified" service dog for a person in need?
I am throwing things out there and hope you will all give it some thought.
Laura Thomas
-----Original Message-----
From: Stormy Hope <Stormy435@xxxxxxx>
To: gsd showlist <showgsd-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sat, Jan 1, 2011 12:32 pm
Subject: [ SHOWGSD-L ] Re: Service Dog
I know that Laura is really knowldedgeable about Guide Dogs etc., but
learned a lot recently. You don't need certification if you have a
og for your disability. Admittedly, it makes it easier. But all
nyone is allowed to do is ask what (I forget the exact words) task
he dog does for you or the person with disability. AND various
rganizations (like HUD, etc.) have different rules. HUD rules are
ctually more lax than ADA regs. ADA ONLY allows dogs and ponies to
e used as service animals for persons with disabilities. HUD, for
xample, allows other animals to be service animals.
n this young boy's case, they were wise to start checking on the ADA
egs and there are lawyers who specialize in ADA regs.
Stormy
n Jan 1, 2011, at 11:32 AM, grnram415@xxxxxxx wrote:
This is a huge issue! There is a grey area in the Service Dog
orld. Guide dogs have been in existence for a century. Seizure
lert, autism, hearing alert and other service dogs fall into a grey
rea. Guide dogs have strict guidlines, regulations and
ertification requirements that are recognized Nationwide. Other
rganizations don't have the same credibilty as these are more newly
ecognized conditions in which a service dog is an asset. The
rganizations are fragmented and do their best, but they don't have
he respect of the guide dog organizations. That needs to change.
I have dogs out there that are service dogs for autistic children.
ortunately, the families have the support of their schools and
ommunities. The dogs are welcome anywhere. That is not the case
verywhere.
The GSD community can help by being vocal with the media, supporting
rganizations that provide service dogs, and becoming
nvolved,either through donations of dogs or money. Here is the
ey. Look for a non-profit that provides service dogs free of
harge for the recipient. Many require the families to do
undraisers and pay up front to pay for a dog. Most of these
amilies are drowning in medical bills and all their time is spent
aring for the person in need of a service dog. They don't have
ime, money or energy to aquire a trained service dog.
Seek out organizations in your area and get them on board with
ducating the politicians that can change the rules and make them
ake up the cause.
Thank you for bringing this up. This is a great cause we can all
tand behind with our awesome breed.
Laura Thomas
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POST is Copyrighted 2010. All material remains the property of the original
author and of GSD Communication, Inc. NO REPRODUCTIONS or FORWARDS of any kind
are permitted without prior permission of the original author AND of the
Showgsd-l Management. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Each Author is responsible for the content of his/her post. This group and its
administrators are not responsible for the comments or opinions expressed in
any post.
ALL PERSONS ARE ON NOTICE THAT THE FORWARDING, REPRODUCTION OR USE IN ANY
MANNER OF ANY MATERIAL WHICH APPEARS ON SHOWGSD-L WITHOUT THE EXPRESS
PERMISSION OF ALL PARTIES TO THE POST AND THE LIST MANAGEMENT IS EXPRESSLY
FORBIDDEN, AND IS A VIOLATION OF LAW. VIOLATORS OF THIS PROHIBITION WILL BE
PROSECUTED.
For assistance, please contact the List Management at admin@xxxxxxxxxxx
VISIT OUR WEBSITE - http://showgsd.org
NATIONAL BLOG - http://gsdnational.blogspot.com/
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