[nagdu] Service animal confusion causes conflicts

[Julie McGinnity]

I agree completely.  Sometimes things happen, and your dog may not
have his harness on.  One day I ran out the door(late as usual) and
forgot my dog's harness.  Thankfully, I had a cane with me to use
until I was able to get the harness, but under the encouragement of
the man in the article, it wouldn't have been a big deal if I was
denied since my dog didn't have her harness on.  I also used to walk
around one of the buildings in my university all the time without my
dog in harness.  I am glad that we have the freedom to do this.
Sometimes it's nice to give our dogs a break.

On 7/11/13, Sheila Leigland <sleigland at bresnan.net> wrote:
> hi, Marion I totally agree with you on this one. /do what the law says
> and nothing that could hinder someone else because of not having
> certification from an established school./
> On 7/10/2013 12:11 PM, National Association of Guide Dog Users wrote:
>> Bibi,
>> 	Though it is each individual's prerogative to have their service
>> animal wear some identifying gear, coat,  and/or identification, the
>> statement by this law enforcement official that it is good to do so is
>> based
>> upon one person's assertion who does not use a service animal. The
>> question
>> I would ask of this person is "good for whom"? Such identifying garments
>> and
>> I.D.'s may help one person avoid issues, but it may - and will likely -
>> cause another to experience them without necessity. I know some believe
>> we
>> should be willing to present identification, but the law does not require
>> it
>> and, by doing so, gives the impression to entities that all should. Those
>> who train their own service dogs have just as much a right to full and
>> equal
>> access as those who receive dogs from established programs; however,
>> owner-trainers will not have such identification. If more people submit
>> to
>> the expectations of the ignorant staff of entities, we will create a
>> pattern
>> that will result in the very discrimination the law is meant to prohibit.
>> 	I would like to urge everyone to avoid presenting identification
>> and/or the use of identifying garments so as to not further confuse the
>> already confused. When asked, reply with what we are legally required to
>> say: "I am disabled; this is my service dog!" When asked for
>> identification,
>> advise the entity you are not required to present it and be on your way!
>> If
>> you choose to educate further, that is your choice and, frankly, would be
>> mine! However, if you choose to not be interfered with, that, too is your
>> choice! Happy trails!
>>
>> Fraternally yours,
>> Marion Gwizdala
>>
>>
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Criminal
>> Justice
>> Major Extraordinaire
>> Sent: Wednesday, July 10, 2013 1:48 PM
>> To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
>> Subject: Re: [nagdu] Service animal confusion causes conflicts
>>
>> Hi, all,
>> I guess I have another good reason why for making sure Odie always wears
>> his
>> orange vest with his patches and have a card in his zipper pocket,
>> specifying his duties as a working partner.
>> I also have a tag on his collar that says medical alert service dog.
>> Of course, everyone may have their own opinions on Odie and I as a team,
>> but
>> I figure as long as he can still do his job, that is what counts.
>> If he starts to get more tired out, then Odie will let me know it's time
>> to
>> hang it up for good.
>> Best,
>> Bibi and son Odie
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-- 
Julie McG
National Association of Guide dog Users board member,  National
Federation of the Blind performing arts division secretary,
Missouri Association of Guide dog Users President,
and Guiding Eyes for the Blind graduate 2008
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that
everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal
life."
John 3:16