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?

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

LOL!!! I love you more than ever Joanne. That is a very funny and awesome story! :o)

... but you are a bad girl. ;-)

[F, Calla & Luca]

BTW, If you want to see a wonderful movie with a supposedly blind chauffeur rent "Everything is Illuminated". I guess it even has a fake service dog called Sammy Davis Junior, Junior. Funny, sad. Excellent.

[Carol and Banjo]

One of my favorite books and movies!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I could not get into the book but I loved the movie.

[Pat and Traveler]

Joanne--that is truly hilarious!  I can just see a huge dog dragging a poor blind woman around....and then the dog terrifying the McDonalds patrons.....LOL   All for a good cause, of course....

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Joanne are you sure you didn't want to post this in the Texas Hokum discussion...it would probably fly there as well. Ha ha

[Camilla and Darwin]

Ha ha!

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

It's funny now, but it was a horrifying and embarrassing experience.  Totally out of control. 

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Joanne, could you add photos and post this as a blog like Laurie?  This is one of the funniest things I have ever read.  You made my day!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

OMD, Joanne, your story is HILARIOUS!  I was able to picture this completely in my mind.  Sorry your presentation wasn't convincing!  HA!

 

 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

This could be a movie :) LOL

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

That's some story.  I think it would make a great short Movie, Curb Your Enthusiasm comes to mind lol