[nagdu] dogs in swimming pools

[Raven Tolliver]

Hi Ken,
I understand why you would want to bring Ace in the pool with you. Our
guide dogs are our best friends. They work very hard, and so they
should get to play just as hard. I know that it makes me extremely
happy to know that my dog is having fun.
That being said, you're ideas of taking a guide dog into a public
swimming pool are a bit unconventional. If you decide to do this, just
be sure to hose him down with water afterword. Know that the
chlorinated water can irritate your dogs skin and eyes, so watch for
itchiness and any signs of irritation. Too, be sure that he does not
ingest very much of the water, for ingesting large enough amounts can
lead to salt poisoning or electrolyte imbalance similar to drinking
ocean water, which can cause vomiting and loose stools.
Concerning the ADA and FHA, access laws are for people with service
animals, not service animals. For instance, if I walk into a Taco Bell
with my guide dog, and the chick behind the counter says I cannot have
my dog in there, I tell her that I have a disability and I am allowed
to be accompanied by my service dog. It is not the service dog that
has rights; but the rights are for the disabled person accompanied by
the service dog. Does that make sense?

-- 
Raven