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Dogs for emotional distress? Do you consider them a valid service animal?

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by cynthetiq, Aug 16, 2011.

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  1. CHINESE CRESTED

    chinese crested Slightly Tilted

    Alice, if you see a working dog being neglected, please tell the provider. I heard of one lady who was so bad about her dogs needs that they took away the harness (blind). If she had not pulled her socks up, they would have removed the dog. People dont take well to seeing a guide dog being hit by its handler. Carrot not stick - besides, the highly trained dog would have been in the right. Give the provider the chance to look into it - you dont have to give your name, the animal lot know about the need for whistle blowers, and if its sound info they will be gratefull.
     
    chinese crested, Aug 24, 2011
    #41
  2. cynthetiq

    cynthetiq Administrator Staff Member Donor

    Location:
    New York City
    I've not bothered to respond to this thread because I really wanted to see what other people said about service animals. I don't disagree with you guys. Very good points here in this thread.

    Where I diverge is not those that have a real legitimate need. Now of course many of you will say who is to say what's legitimate. I'm game with that no different than those who have handicapped placards and probably shouldn't.

    I bristle with anger for those people that make the claim that their animal is a service animal no different than those who cheat with handicap placards, state falsehoods of indignation to wait staff of food allergens because they don't like a particular vegetable. Many of those in my building are cheating plain and simple.
     
    cynthetiq, Aug 24, 2011
    #42
  3. CHINESE CRESTED

    chinese crested Slightly Tilted

    My boy is my gentleman companion, he knows how to handle me if I get a panic attack or in a tiz. I find its comforting to know he is waiting outside the doctors for me, parked in the shade with the windows open, same with popping to the shop. I am dog dependent, but much as I would like him to be jacketed, he is too old to be a Canine Partner For Independence - quite an apt term isnt it. At what point can the dog be giving enough aid to be said to be supportive - each need being different, how would you measure.
    Gallant old Innes still plods by with his equaly ancient owner. She does something very kind for him. She arranges for a human to come take her arm, so Ennis can jump in the river and play like and with al the other dogs. His harness is off, and he is off duty, and his lady companion gets constant descriptions of how he is enjoying himself. Not many think to do that.
     
    chinese crested, Aug 24, 2011
    #43
  4. rogue49

    rogue49 Tech Kung Fu Artist Staff Member

    Location:
    Baltimore/DC
    I just wanted to follow up on this thread...I know it's old but still just as valid.

    I've always had a catch-phrase that I've had for dogs, "Cheaper than a psychologist..."
    Not meaning they're cheap or less worthy...meaning the opposite they REALLY do something for you, helping you make it through the daily grind and chaos that life brings.
    When you're feeling down, they're there.
    When you need to care, they love your attention.

    And to be honest, they make a great sounding board for all the shit going thru your head...awesome listeners. ;)

    But they help those who've been through hell and back, perhaps with PTSD or otherwise...or just to "be there".
    From pups to healers: Companions change wounded warriors' lives

    Let's hear it for our 4 footed friends, they have a heart...and they are there for you. :cool:
    Treat them as your own family...and IMHO, as a person.
     
    rogue49, Dec 1, 2014
    #44
    • Like Like x 2
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