[NAGDU] How Fraudulent Service Dogs Impact Our Teams | Join the Fun at DogFest | The Newest Pittsburgh Penguin

Fri Sep 13 18:34:33 UTC 2019

Dear All,

	I think it is important to understand that there is a very close nexus between Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI). ADI has been attempting to be the certifying body of all issues service dog related, including being the organization that certifies service dogs for public access. ADI has petitioned the DOJ since the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act and has asserted that, without certification and identification, individuals will appropriate our civil rights and bring untrained pets into public places. Though it is true that this is becoming an issue, it is also true that CCI and ADI have been part and parcel to creating the problem. They have published numerous articles under the pretense of exposing the problem that has taught the public how easy it is to appropriate these rights. If you are concerned about the potential that the DOJ will require us to carry and present identification as a prerequisite for access, you would be better served to not sign this petition, as it only gives ADI and CCI a stronger forum to impose undue and unneeded restrictions upon us. The implementing regulations of the ADA are sufficient to prevent the abuses we experience; what is needed is not a paternalistic organization that believes government should be able to monitor our dogs, as evidenced by ADI's "ethical standards" and attempts to legislate these standards. What is needed is for us to educate the public on why passing off pets as service animals threaten our access and our dog's physical and mental health and encourage businesses to exclude animals that are obviously untrained, as evidenced by their poor behavior.

Fraternally yours,
Marion

Marion Gwizdala, President
National Association of Guide Dog Users Inc. (NAGDU)
National Federation of the Blind
(813) 626-2789
President at NAGDU.ORG
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The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise expectations because low expectations create barriers between blind  people and our dreams. You can live the life you want! Blindness is not what holds you back.

-----Original Message-----
From: NAGDU [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Sarah Calhoun via NAGDU
Sent: Wednesday, September 11, 2019 11:14 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Cc: Sarah Calhoun
Subject: [NAGDU] How Fraudulent Service Dogs Impact Our Teams | Join the Fun at DogFest | The Newest Pittsburgh Penguin

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 <https://secure.cci.org/site/R?i=ViF9znYJNdZJ0YB83XP8ng> How Fraudulent Service Dogs Impact Our Teams

Canine Companions® Graduate Wallis was placed with her second service dog, Mork, in April 2016. He faithfully worked with Wallis allowing her to be independent at home, in public and while traveling.

Unfortunately, Mork was on the receiving end of dog aggression nearly 10 times in less than three years. Mork was confronted with aggressive dogs, poorly behaved dogs, and pet dogs posing as assistance dogs. These interactions led to an increased sense of discomfort in public places for both Wallis and Mork.

“After all of his life-saving and life-changing work, I knew I had to make the right decision for Mork,” shares Wallis. “He retired prior to his fifth birthday. I lost my best friend and my independence.”

Only task-trained assistance dogs and their handlers are permitted in public places per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Lend your voice and support to this important issue. Join Canine Companions to pledge to protect independence and take a stand against service dog fraud. Visit  <https://secure.cci.org/site/R?i=lRSu6hs7OHGan4IsDcH7UA> cci.org/takeastand. 

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Penguin, named for the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins, started his journey like all Canine Companions puppies. Born at a volunteer breeder caretaker’s home for an important job to become someone’s assistance dog.  <https://secure.cci.org/site/R?i=4Iw_HMWCLzjzpF-vxnFRwQ> Click here to follow Penguin’s story.

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This year’s HAUTE DOG | LA will be one to remember and one you won’t want to miss! Join us as we celebrate Canine Companions’ mission of providing expertly trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities at a fabulous doggie runway fashion show. We are honoring the Lasorda family at this year’s event and tons of celebrities will be in attendance.  <https://secure.cci.org/site/R?i=bnyS3KPsdGua1e7HAYxGEA> Visit the event website to learn more and see who will be attending!

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