The Americans with Disabilities Act is being severely abused and ignored by people who simply don’t want to leave Fido at home! It’s all too easy to bring their dog into stores, markets or where ever, by just claiming “service dog!”
I’ve seen puppies being carried in a child’s arms, not even six months old and when challenged, mom and dad boldly lie! They get a snotty look on their face and boldly state, “It’s a service dog and you can’t say anything!” (Good example to show your kids, lying to get your way) Another favorite is, “comfort dog,” which for the uninformed, does not qualify under the ADA. People bring any old dog into Costco, some not even leash trained, yet the “service dog” claim keeps managers and employees from enforcing a federal law! The abusers have made store owners, employees and managers tremble with fear over a disgruntled customer or a call from the big boss … or “I’ll sue you!”
A service dog has to be carried or on a leash, not in the shopping cart where you put food! The only questions allowed to be asked are 1. “Is this a service dog?” 2. “What service does it perform?” Examples, “It alerts me to my blood sugar”; “It picks up things that I can’t” and “It alerts me to an oncoming seizure.”
These highly trained animals provide an invaluable resource for their owners, too bad that selfish, ignorant people make it harder on those with the actual need of these dogs. Shame on you for your lies! Leave your pet at home!
Terry Morris
Lake Stevens
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