[nagdu] Service animal confusion causes conflicts

Star Gazer pickrellrebecca at gmail.com
Thu Jul 11 21:29:04 UTC 2013


I found the article to be self-serving from the police officer's
perspective. Of course he's going to tell people things that will make his
life as a law enforcement officer easier. I found that troubling, though it
is probably an occupational hazard for him. 

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Julie McGinnity
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2013 5:14 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Service animal confusion causes conflicts

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

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