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?

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Hmmm... Interesting post, Camilla.  As a matter of fact, I did have an acquaintance who falsely claimed to have a service dog.  I knew her through the dance studio owned by my very good friend.  This poor young lady had an assortment of mental disorders, including a version of Munchausen syndrome (not the "by proxy" type).  She believed she suffered from various life-threatening disorders, including kidney failure, brain tumor, and seizure disorder.  For a period of time, she would travel with her "service dog" who supposedly was trained to sense a seizure coming on and alert Melanie so she could sit, rather than fall down.  Several times, Melanie ended up in the hospital - once because she had "fallen on a knife", opening an eight inch wound in her belly.  She kept her surgical staples in for weeks, long after they should have been removed.  Finally, after several failed suicide attempts, she succeeded.  Perhaps the saddest part was that her parents refused to plan any kind of memorial service for her, so her one friend organized a viewing.  There were only five of us there.  Such a sad situation!!!

[F, Calla & Luca]

How very sad.

[Jennifer and Jack]

That is so so so sad. I don't understand people wanting to be sick when they can take life by the you know what and live...but I guess that is part of the sickness... How terrible

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

wow, that is incredibly sad. :(

[Camilla and Darwin]

That is horrible! :-(

[Diana Erhart]

When my daughter and I went to a broadway show in New York, the usher looked into our purses (as they usually do now). We got to talking to the usher and she told us that they have people all the time trying to sneak their little dogs into the show claiming that they are "service dogs" for some sort of mental state, I can't remember exactly what now.  I was surprised as that was the first I had heard of this.  But I guess it is more common than we realize.  I can be very naive at times.

[F, Calla & Luca]

I just hate the fact that we are always having to have people paw through our things . I'm surprised now when I get into a place without that.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

It is completely ridiculous that people would do that. I mean, what benefit would there be to having a dog sit through a broadway show.

 

Although, I have heard of people with severe seizure disorders have dogs that will alert them when a seizure is coming, in which case, I case I can see how it can be good to take your legitimate, certified, service dog.

[Diana Erhart]

According to the usher these were just people who didn't want to leave their little darlings home alone.  Personally, I don't think I could enjoy a show wondering if my little dog would pop out of my purse (or worse) at any time.  

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I would have to have a mighty big purse to stuff Vern into.....LOL :)

[F, Calla & Luca]

And then you'd have to lift it, can anyone say hernia : )

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Don't hate me now, but ordered a vest with a "therapy dog in training" badge for Monty before he passed the test. Now he has his official therapy vest that we use for his hospital visits and a "generic one" with "Ask to pet me, I'm friendly" and "therapy dog" badges. I have never claimed he was a service dog and I have always asked if he can come in before I walked in with him anywhere. He is allowed in Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club, as well as several local restaurants. In fact, I get asked where Monty is if I happen to be shopping without him. I believe it was a great training for him since he got exposed to lots of different smells, environments, noises, and people. Also, please know that if he was not at his best behavior EVERY time he was wearing the vest, I would have never taken him with me. I know that's not an excuse, but I feel like I have not disguised him as a service dog. If I get asked what kind of therapy dog he is, I explain what a therapy dog does vs. the purpose of a service dog.