Question: False Service Dogs

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Pinga said:
Here is a link to the service dog coats. (there are many others for sale as well).
I am not advocating purchase, just showing what is out there

Quick-Ship Service Dog Vest w/ FREE patches & 5 FREE Info Cards In Clear Pocket | eBay
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To their credit, they include this disclaimer:

Important Note: It is against federal and state law to misrepresent a pet as a service dog and violators are subject to prosecution.
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Doesn't stop anyone from buying them, but at least anyone doing so should be clear that they are in violation of the law.
 
Maybe it's just cheaper to buy a new service dog coat on-line than from the service dog provider if your dog wrecks their original coat?

Now, my dog's no service dog, let me tell you, but she's hell on coats and things. She barrels around, gets stuck on things, just pulls the jacket/coat away, complete now with large hole, etc.
 
I think I would be inclined to speak, quietly & in private, with this person directly, on next contact, re the illegality and potential risks of falsely identifying her beloved pup, to which she is obviously very attached. If she continued to bring the dog to church & you felt there was a substantive risk to others, then I would alert the church leadership.
 
One of my concerns Carolla is that the dog is not required to follow service dog standards.

By that I mean, it is allowed to be pet when working, fed, and so on.
The woman's behaviour with her dog means that those that are exposed to it may presume that they can do the same with other service dogs.
So, it sets up those who have real service dogs.

In addition, those who understand service dogs will have less fear of this dog, than they would of most strange dogs.
That is also not good.
 
I agree - none of it is good. What's your inclincation in terms of taking action pinga?
 
My first question will be, given it is not my home, is to ask the church what their policy is regarding dogs in the church.
As part of that, I will also discuss the challenge of a false service dog, see if they addressed it, and if no action, then I will attempt a gentle conversation.
Given the first reactions were to report it to the appropriate parties (ie have her charged), I am thinking that figuring out if the organization knows about the situation, and has made a decision is a good first step.

I posted on my facebook page information regarding services dogs, so there will be those that put the dots together.

It would be like if someone was drinking or using drugs at church. Is there a policy? Is there a safety concern or a legal concern.
 
Pinga said:
My first question will be, given it is not my home, is to ask the church what their policy is regarding dogs in the church.
As part of that, I will also discuss the challenge of a false service dog, see if they addressed it, and if no action, then I will attempt a gentle conversation.
Given the first reactions were to report it to the appropriate parties (ie have her charged), I am thinking that figuring out if the organization knows about the situation, and has made a decision is a good first step.

I posted on my facebook page information regarding services dogs, so there will be those that put the dots together.

It would be like if someone was drinking or using drugs at church. Is there a policy? Is there a safety concern or a legal concern.
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The first part is a good starting place, I was just assuming no pets. There are places where people are welcome to bring their pets and some churches will do pet events.
 
We're a bit more casual at Grace. Our youth minister has quite a well behaved dog who is often in the building, kids get along great with Max, but he gets locked up in Jeffrey's office or car a lot, too.

Lucy is often with me in the car if there's an option for a good walk (and there's some nice trails close to the church), so if she's with me and there's no-one else in the church, I'll let her in with me to check out new smells, etc. She would never have a poo inside a building, but I'm sure if it did happen for some reason, I'd pick it up immediately, and probably sanitize the area...

We have a yearly blessing of the animals, in September, outside. It doesn't seem to do much for Lucy, but hope lives eternal.
 
To speak quietly to a person misrepresenting something ... would your ears come out burning? That's the charismatic word ... flaming ...
 
Hey @Luce NDs -- if you have input, can I ask you to please put it in language that the everyday person can understand.
If someone else can interpret Luce's comments, that would be appreciated.

I have a sense that Luce is suggesting to speak to the person directly. That is an option, and one that I have considered.
I came to this site seeking wisdom of others, and it has been across the board.

The dog has been present for a while , so it isn't a onetime.
There are guaranteed ripples if mishandled. This church has a pattern of handling things well.

My sense is that bringing it to the attention of leaders will result in a good conversation regarding dogs in the space, expectations of owners and others, as well as the issue when someone is misrepresenting themselves or their pets in the space to the community.
 
Pinga said:
My sense is that bringing it to the attention of leaders will result in a good conversation regarding dogs in the space, expectations of owners and others, as well as the issue when someone is misrepresenting themselves or their pets in the space to the community.
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If that's the case, I see no downside in bringing it to them. Might get better results than an anonymous tip to the authorities.
 
Our church used to allow dogs. I used to volunteer Manning the phones once a week and occasionally brought my dog to sleep under the desk for company

But then there was an “issue” with a dog. It was described as an issue so I have no idea if it was a dog peeing on the carpet or biting a child...... but then the board passed a rule. No dogs unless certified service dogs. I expect they will be challenged when someone arrives with their support pet and wants to go to church.

It is a dilemma

My preference is to say, sure bring your pets, but we take no liability for issues and you will be billed for repairs or cleaning......
 
So far nobody has mentioned the problem of accommodating people with allergies. Some people cannot tolerate being in the same room with the dog or other animal, or in that room after the dog is been removed if dog hairs and dander still remain.

So how do we accommodate both those who rely on service dogs and, at the same time, accommodate people with allergies?

I personally like to see people bring service animals to church - whether or not they are certified or companion dogs. One of my sisters would have to sit on the other side of the church if dogs (or cats or small primates} were allowed.
 
Seeler said:
So far nobody has mentioned the problem of accommodating people with allergies. Some people cannot tolerate being in the same room with the dog or other animal, or in that room after the dog is been removed if dog hairs and dander still remain.

So how do we accommodate both those who rely on service dogs and, at the same time, accommodate people with allergies?

I personally like to see people bring service animals to church - whether or not they are certified or companion dogs. One of my sisters would have to sit on the other side of the church if dogs (or cats or small primates} were allowed.
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The concept of small primates evolving is interestingly ... captivating!
 
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