[nagdu] id's and harnesses

[Jennifer Piening]

Hi! From the descriptions of the harnesses and looking at the Paw Power 
Creations website, I am excited to get one of these harnesses.  I'm 
especially excited to learn that they sell nylon leashes that are 
similar to leather leashes, since my poodle puppy loves to chew up 
leather leashes but doesn't touch her nylon leash.  I don't like the 
nylon leashes sold in the pet stores because they are usually too long. 
So I'll have to order some of the nylon adjustable leashes.
      I do not live in Michigan.  I live in a state which borders 
Michigan, so we visit quite frequently.
      As for the ID issue... I think that it is invasive to be asked to 
show an ID.  Talk about drawing attention to yourself.  Also there are 
times when I don't bring much with me like when I go on walks.  What if 
I decide to stop in somewhere for a drink or to use the restroom.  How 
annoying it would be if I had to bring my wallet or a purse to carry the 
ID in just to show that I have the right to bring my dog into the place.
      I also was wondering about owner trained dogs, and now I know the 
answer.  If they were required to get an ID from somewhere, then anybody 
could get the same ID, which would defeat the purpose, don't you think? 
How would you determine if the ID was really valid or a fake? It's so 
easy to make ID cards, and even forge checks (frustrated sigh) with a 
personal computer that creating an ID would be a walk in the park for 
people who had the desire to do so. Also how many businesses would 
really have the man power to follow through with making sure the ID was 
legitimate?  They would first have to make a copy of the ID, which I 
personally wouldn't allow them to do just to satisfy their own paranoia. 
  Then they would have to call the school, and somehow verify that an 
owner trained dog was really a service or a guide dog. People think that 
if everything is regulated to death that all of the problems will be 
solved, but if people want to do something badly enough, they'll find a 
way. meanwhile, all of the regulations end up complicating life for and 
annoying the average person.
      Just my opinion. Take care everybody, and thanks for the advice! Jenny