There's something I didn't write about when I recapped
our day in Cleveland. Dash and I actually had a brief but frustrating encounter in the casino. After a few minutes of checking the place out, I decided to use the restroom before we headed back to the RTA. As my pal Forth reached to grab for the main door to the women's room, another woman came out who was accompanied by a very small dog. The dog was promptly scooped up by the woman, but not before it barked at Dash. Forth and I were caught off guard by this but not as much as the conversation that followed. Dog in arm, the woman stopped me to ask me a question.
"Of course. Go ahead."
"Where did you get that vest for your dog? I can't find one for mine."
In a bit of shock, I hesitated before replying. "Well, Dash was given his vest by CCI after he completed his training and was certified for public access."
"Oh, so I should just call them then and they can give me one?"
At this point it seemed clear that this woman did not understand what I was getting at - that there are standards that a service dog who is doing its job in public ought to live up to. That I didn't just think it would be fun to take my dog everywhere I go.
I honestly was feeling kind of offended that she felt her dog was similar to Dash and, in order to end our conversation, agreed that she might try calling CCI for further direction. I'm guessing she forgot the name of the organization soon enough, but if she did call, then someone at CCI had the charge of not only letting her know that they only certify the dogs that have been bred, raised, and trained from within, but also explaining what a service dog with public access should act like. What they would not tell her is that it's easy to acquire a service dog vest - they're readily available online. Take note: any dog can wear a vest, even without a moment's worth of training.
Every few years, Dash and I are responsible to meet with a trainer from CCI to have Dash examined to be re-certified for public access. A few of the things that Dash is tested for are remaining calm and under my control, being able to respond to my commands regardless of his environment, not sniffing or licking anyone or thing, and his ability to ignore any food that might be on the floor or offered to him. I am proud to say that Dash passed his most recent exam with flying colors! He is easy to have with me anywhere I go because he is a doggy-law abiding citizen.
The pup from the casino was not. And herein lies the problem; there is a recent trend of people purchasing service dog attire in order to pass their pup off as a service dog and take them into public places. While it is a joy to have my fur baby with me everywhere I go, he is more than just a fur baby. He is instrumental in enhancing my independence. When pets are passed off as service dogs, they shed a bad light on these highly trained dogs.
This problem needs to stop and it can be stopped! Would you willing to play a part in this?
Click here to sign a petition telling the Department of Justice that the online sale of fraudulent service dog products needs to stop. It takes but a moment but will make such a difference! Thanks in advance, and feel free to pass the link along!
Note: To be fair, I am aware that the casino woman's dog
may have provided her some sort of service, but from what I observed, it was not fit to be with her in public.
