(2/14/2012)The population of “seniors” is on the rise! And, therefore, we are seeing an increase in the number of Service Dogs getting Certified to assist the elderly. Think about it… nearly all would qualify for being disabled… “any type of impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as bending, balancing, remembering [...]
(1/24/2012)Don’t stand for it! Recently a woman was asked to remove her Service Dog from a KFC Restaurant in MI. The employee was clearly uneducated and the handler was at a loss for words in the debate. This is a perfect opportunity to present a “Public Access Card” which outlines the most basic laws regarding [...]
(12/30/2011)If you have come across the “Public Access Test” and immediately thought your pooch could never qualify for service, stop right there! This test was designed as merely a “guideline” for Service Dog behavior in public places. Your Service Dog is NOT required to master these skills and will NOT be tested on them. Service [...]
(11/30/2011)Many people experience dizziness or weakness due to side effects of certain medications – or from not eating, as in the case of depressed or anorexic individuals. Some people become exhausted from prolonged panic attacks. These conditions are DISABILITIES! Train your Service Dog to provide “balance assistance” so that you avoid serious injury from a [...]
(10/31/2011)NO! A doctor’s letter is not required to Certify Your Service Dog. However, if you are living in a “no-pet” housing facility, your landlord may request a letter from an appropriate professional (therapist or physician) stating that you “have a disability and that your service dog lessens the effects of that disability”. You do NOT [...]
(9/30/2011)If your job in life was to “bear weight” for unsteady humans, there would come a day when you would retire, too. “Amelia” is a chunky girl, an 80 lb. lab-mix that served as a “weight-bearing” Service Dog for years. Eventually, Amelia showed signs of arthritis and discomfort and is now just wants to enjoy [...]
(8/31/2011)Post offices are federal buildings and Federal Law prohibits “dogs” in post offices. However, the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), creates an exception for your Service Dog. Recently, a Service Dog was denied access in a FL P.O. because it did not appear to be a service dog in any official capacity. WRONG. Any dog [...]
(7/31/2011)What a horrific thing to even consider… that your beloved pet might suffer horrible conditions and ultimately die on an airline flight. And yet, the Dept. of Transportation recently reported that 122 dogs have died in airline cargo holds since 2005 – with an additional 88 lost or injured. Most, but not all of the [...]
(6/30/2011)You may be visiting a National Park this summer. Do you take Fido? You may… but consider these situations before you make your decision – and call ahead for any other particulars. At national parks and at other federal sites, Service Dogs are not considered pets, so regulations governing their presence are far less restrictive. [...]
(5/31/2011)Two Plus Four Equals One… a brand new BOOK full of touching stories and poems about disabled people and their assistance dogs – where neither partner is perfect, but both together add up to one extraordinary union. Writer/Editor, Kathy Nimmer “True, vibrant, honest, and emotional, eliciting compassion, joy, sorrow, and love, promoting understanding, acceptance, awareness, [...]