[nagdu] Public places demanding my guide dog is not a service dog without a vest

[Bridget Walker]

Hi all,
I have had an interesting month or so. I'm not sure what is going on in the area I attend school but, more and more people have the expectation to see any type of service dog in a vest and if they are not they do not think the dog is real. At first I thought it was just on my college campus because we have another person with a medical alert dog. I just thought people saw that dog and got confused and I just explained why a guide dog has a harness.
Last night I went to a local mall. On the way there I took a taxi. The driver at first thought he was going to get away with not providing me with a ride. I had to show the back of my GEB ID where it says guide dogs are protected by federal law. 
When I got to the mall it was like an interrogation everywhere I went. Some workers walked up and just asked if Paulson was a service dog. I gave a confer nation and we went on our way. Other places specifically IHOP being one and mall security being another wanted to know why I had Paulson. 
I'm really wondering the ADA states you ask the two questions of is this a service dog and what tasks does it do only when it is not clear what the dog does not the disability is. 
How can I stop these people from questioning me? 
Some stores said my dog needed a vest that he was not properly marked. J explained guide dogs have a harness that is the equipment they use. 
I want to be able to go places in my community without playing this game. 
Bridget    

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