Fake Service Dogs

[Camilla and Darwin]

This has been something that has bothered me for a LONG time now. So this is somewhat of a rant

People will buy fake service dog vests from online sources, and then take their pet into stores with them. Even people who use their therapy dog vests to pass their dog as a service dog bug me. There was a woman trying to take in her St Bernard to a walmart, stating that he was a therapy dog for "severe melancholy"....

I have read a lot about issues that real service dogs have getting into places, because of these people. Basically, someone will take in a dog who is NOT a legitimate service animal, then the dog will cause problems or disruptions because it is a pet, and not as well trained as a legitimate service animal. Then the owner will not want to allow in any service dogs in the future, and even though they are required, will be more difficult or try to avoid allowing it. 

Do you know anyone who does this? I know a woman who adopted a 6 month old black lab from the shelter last year. She purchased a service dog vest online and takes him everywhere with her, claiming he's a real service dog. This dog is not well trained, will react to other dogs, kids, cats, etc. And barks when he's in public places. Basically, he actually creates disturbances. She does have a disability, she has Parkinson's disease, an uncommon form of it. She told me she uses him to pull herself up when she falls. That is the only service he performs aside from companionship. The point is that when out in public, the dog doesn't aid her. In fact he's a hindrance because she constantly has to control/drag him away from whatever he's reacting to.

She posted a status today about how annoyed she was with a man trying to pass his little toy breed off as a service dog. She said she confronted him because it's just wrong. She doesn't see that she does the same thing??? I want so badly to tell her off/confront her but I'm too much of a wimp to do so. Is there a good way for store owners to distinguish between a legitimate service dog and these false online certifications?

Have any of you come across someone who does this?

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

In all honesty, I would not want to buy towels or linens from a store where JD had been spending any time. I know they are going to get hair all over them as soon as I get them home, but at least they would be clean and dog-hair free the first time I used them.  And someone else's dog's hair? No thanks.

I realize that those of you who went to BB& B with their dogs have dogs who don't shed, but they can't very well make a rule that only dogs who don't shed are allowed.

I would feel the same way about dogs in clothing stores. Much as I would love to bring JD everywhere I go, the prohibitions against dogs in stores that sell fabric goods make as much sense to me as prohibitions against dogs in stores that sell food. Maybe more.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I never even thought about shedding.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Lucky you. You haven't lived until you've snuggled up in a heavenly soft marshmallow fleece throw that has dog hair embedded thoughout the fabric. 

Or washed your face with a fresh washcloth and ended up with dog hair in your eyes and nose.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Well, JD's hair is soft too. And sometimes when I've worn the wrong thing for a grooming session I do get cut hair embedded in my clothes and can't wait to change.

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

Not to be a doodle downer, but I don’t think dogs should be allowed in stores UNLESS they are service dogs. Growing up I was terrified of dogs, I had been bitten twice as a child once by a babysitters dog and once by a friends dog both normal family dogs. As someone who used to really fear dogs I don’t think it is fair to bring a dog into a public place not knowing how others react, in fact I think it is a little selfish. What if someone has really bad allergies or is just terrified of animals in general?

I was in a Kohl’s not too long ago and some lady was walking around her Pomeranian without a second thought, I said something to management and they asked her to take the dog out of the store. Of course I would LOVE to bring Snickers everywhere but he is not a human being and it is not appropriate in many instances. I feel the same way about people who walk around leash free with their dogs, why should you have special privileges? Leashes are required in our town and if my dog has to have one then so should yours (leash free dog park being the exception)

Just my two cents,

[Camilla and Darwin]

Kohls actually allows dogs in the store, I thought it was a store wide policy.

I can definitely see your point. My siblings are petrified of dogs, and I know people who have severe allergies to them. Something to think about for sure.

[Robyn, Greg and Snickers]

I am guessing they asked her to leave because I complained. I love dogs don't get me wrong but just like I don't think a toddler belongs at a 9pm movie at a theater dogs really don't belong I public places that are not dog related (I.e. Petsmart)

[Camilla and Darwin]

Yeah, I can definitely see your point and I've thought about it before. Old Navy always allows us to bring Darwin in but we rarely do because although he's perfectly behaved... it seems strange to have him next to/touching clothes that people will buy. I feel much more comfortable bringing him into places like a hardware store, pet store, or that type of thing.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

If that was Jack, the clothes would be covered in hair.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Pick me. I've always been a little adventuresome.    It is a good thing I've found a more balanced mate and I am aging.  I don't know how I've lived as long as I have.  Here is one stupid thing I'll share with you, just because it is topic.

I did try to smuggle my dog into a building about 12 years ago.  For several days I carefully planned it all out.    I painted a stick white with a red tip, purchased a harness, put on a pair of sun glasses, and loaded my dog into the car and away we went! 

The dog was not trained in using the harness, the new environment was over stimulating, and.........away I went being basically drug through a parking deck outside of the building by a very happy and massive 140lb  dog.   The first stupid clue was a blind woman driving and getting out of a car.  What is wrong with this picture?  Help the blind woman, why is she driving, what the hell is wrong with that huge dog, is it going to kill that poor blind woman.  It was a visual disaster.  As I scrambled to get away from all these people,  loud screams from a group of African American woman,  " Call 911" echoed through out the parking lot. S C R E A M I N G!

Finally I settled somewhere safe into the building and hid the white stick and glasses.  I thought I was safe when my untrained dog decides to go after several different  tables of people who were eating McDonalds.  And several  were very afraid of dogs. Especially big massive dogs. One girl  jumped up, screamed, left her burger, and my dog ate it in one swoop. He continued to beg, jump on tables,  and out of fear, free food was flying from everyone through the air.

Why did I do this?  I was giving a presentation to encourage folks to foster dogs.  Thinking back, I don't think I convinced anyone to foster   :)

Hope this makes you feel better.  It really is hard to admit this one.  But, I'm guilty and I learned my lesson.

[Carol and Banjo]

ROTFL!!!!!   I had to read this twice Joanne......somehow it sounds JUST like you!!!!   Hysterical!

[F, Calla & Luca]

OMD!