[nagdu] in regards to the article of the person on NPR

[Julie J.]

Marsha,

I don't think the article was trying to make the point that these other 
types of animals are better at performing certain tasks than dogs. I think 
the author was trying to make the point that there are many types of animals 
that can be used to perform many types of tasks.  Ann, the guide horse user 
from the article, is on this list.  I'm sure she will agree that there are 
both benefits and drawbacks to using a guide horse, just as we all agree 
that there are benefits and drawbacks to using a guide dog.  The same things 
could be said about using a white cane too.  To me it's all about finding 
what works for you and having the freedom to utilize that option.

The argument that an individual with a psychiatric disability could use some 
device to mitigate their disability could also be applied to blind people. 
We could all use white canes.  Sure that isn't what we guide dog users want 
to do,  however it is irrefutable that many, many blind people travel quite 
safely and effectively with only a white cane.  I don't see how folks with 
other types of disabilities should be limited in their choices if we are not 
subject to the same limitations of choice.

Then there is the topic of who exactly is disabled.  I think that is the 
real problem.  Too many people think that because they have anxiety going to 
new places or stress meeting new people or any manner of other issues that 
they are disabled and therefore qualify to use a service animal.  The ADA 
defines disability as a limitation of a major life activity.  Examples given 
are seeing, hearing, walking...  But is a fear of going outside a major life 
function?  I don't know.  That has been left up to the courts to decide. 
Most service animal related court cases that I know of were lost on the 
basis that the person was not disabled and therefore not entitled the use of 
a service animal in the first place.

JMHO
Julie