Did they bother to tell you why it made it hard? Because that makes no sense to me at all. All service animals are wonderful and helpful. Does your Psyciatric Service center there think mental illness is not worth helping?
safenow.
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My ptsd service dog is now registered in nc
- Post starter Changing4Best
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safenow.
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Changing4Best
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I had another shopper in Walmart ask me about my dog, and how I got the Service DOg badge for her that is on her vest, etc. I told her that I ordered it online and she said, "Oh! Well, I think I'll order one of those too, so that way my dog can be a 'Service Dog' and I can bring him to Walmart too!" really sarcastically. I was shocked and blurted out, "Don't do that! You could be arrested!" And she walked off in a huff. To this day I have no idea if she did it or not, but I realized that I will answer that question a lot more carefully from now on! We don't need fakers muddying the waters for us!!!
The MacDonalds manager gave me a hassle one day and I just said loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear, "She's a Service Dog, read the label!" and sat down to eat and ignored him as he glared at me. The sad part was that the cashier had already hassled me about the dog and I'd already told her that the dog is a Service Dog. I've had to tell that same manager several times too, even though she has the vest on and everything. I think he does it to head anyone off at the pass that is about to complain, putting ME on the spot to inform them. It is like he seems unable to handle the fuss from some customer without putting me on the spot! It really irks me!!!
The MacDonalds manager gave me a hassle one day and I just said loud enough for the whole restaurant to hear, "She's a Service Dog, read the label!" and sat down to eat and ignored him as he glared at me. The sad part was that the cashier had already hassled me about the dog and I'd already told her that the dog is a Service Dog. I've had to tell that same manager several times too, even though she has the vest on and everything. I think he does it to head anyone off at the pass that is about to complain, putting ME on the spot to inform them. It is like he seems unable to handle the fuss from some customer without putting me on the spot! It really irks me!!!
@safenow, it is not "my" psychiatric service dog listserve, and not MY opinion. I'm just sharing my experience.
@Sheila...
The ADA states:
"Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. When a person who is allergic to dog dander and a person who uses a service animal must spend time in the same room or facility,for example,in a school classroom or at a homeless shelter,they both should be accommodated by assigning them,if possible,to different locations within the room or different rooms in the facility.
A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog is not housebroken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed,staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence."
@Sheila...
The ADA states:
"Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. When a person who is allergic to dog dander and a person who uses a service animal must spend time in the same room or facility,for example,in a school classroom or at a homeless shelter,they both should be accommodated by assigning them,if possible,to different locations within the room or different rooms in the facility.
A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog is not housebroken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed,staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence."
Sheila, people's ignorance is beyond me at times. That reminds me of people who make judgements of people in handicap spots that don't look like they are "handicapped" yet, have the sticker. They expect people to "look" sick. Well not everyone has that look. People should just mind their business.
As for the manager. He should just greet you like any other normal customer. That would tell the customers that this is normal. I would hate if he kept making a stink, no matter how good his intentions are.
Do all service dogs have vests, or collars, or anything that says as such? I really don't know. I guess if I saw a dog with some sort of service vest, or id, I wouldn't think twice. Then if I saw a customer with a dog inside an establishment without ID I would either think that the place allows dogs or that, if I knew that wasn't the case, that the dog must be some kind of service dog.
As for the manager. He should just greet you like any other normal customer. That would tell the customers that this is normal. I would hate if he kept making a stink, no matter how good his intentions are.
Do all service dogs have vests, or collars, or anything that says as such? I really don't know. I guess if I saw a dog with some sort of service vest, or id, I wouldn't think twice. Then if I saw a customer with a dog inside an establishment without ID I would either think that the place allows dogs or that, if I knew that wasn't the case, that the dog must be some kind of service dog.
Moving'On, I wasn't meaning to be rude. It's just when someone puts down service animals I get very ticked. We fought very hard to get them accepted into society here in the USA. As long as they have on the working vest, and are behaving themselves (which most are trained and screened before assisnged that title) they cannot be denied.
safenow.
safenow.
I too have a service dog. I joined the listserve to connect with others who had psychiatric service dogs but found myself defending us and became overwhelmed.
The point I was trying to make is that we come up against discrimination even amongst others with psychiatric service dogs.
I agree that it is hard.
The point I was trying to make is that we come up against discrimination even amongst others with psychiatric service dogs.
I agree that it is hard.
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- #19
Changing4Best
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How does one connect with this list? Where does one find it??
The psychiatric service dog society. I just went to their website, emailed them and joined the listserve. They call you for a short interview before accepting you. I joined this a couple of years ago before my PTSD became quite so disabling. If I tried now, I never would have made it through the process I think.
At first it was nice to hear about so many others with PSDs, but after a bit the volume and tone of the conversations became overwhelming to me and I had myself removed from the listserve.
Much of what they discussed didn't apply to me. I live in a rural area and shop at the same places and folks know us and Love seeing Kira. When I travel (rarely) I put on her vest and that helps diffuse most situations.
As I don't feel comfortable in most public places, we are not challenged often. I don't feel safe where I am not wanted and confrontations trigger my panic attacks, so for me, having the vest, ID card and (as a last resort in case of police questions or emergency) the note from my PsyDoc helps me to feel more confident to go out when I must.
The folks on the listserve became very upset when I discussed this and I withdrew. They seemed very focused on PSD rights, legislation etc. which I agree is important. It's just that we all can't be Rosa Parks even though we'd like to.
At first it was nice to hear about so many others with PSDs, but after a bit the volume and tone of the conversations became overwhelming to me and I had myself removed from the listserve.
Much of what they discussed didn't apply to me. I live in a rural area and shop at the same places and folks know us and Love seeing Kira. When I travel (rarely) I put on her vest and that helps diffuse most situations.
As I don't feel comfortable in most public places, we are not challenged often. I don't feel safe where I am not wanted and confrontations trigger my panic attacks, so for me, having the vest, ID card and (as a last resort in case of police questions or emergency) the note from my PsyDoc helps me to feel more confident to go out when I must.
The folks on the listserve became very upset when I discussed this and I withdrew. They seemed very focused on PSD rights, legislation etc. which I agree is important. It's just that we all can't be Rosa Parks even though we'd like to.
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Changing4Best
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I live in a rural area too, so thanks for the warning, I agree, it would not be the right list for me!
@Safenow,
They said it made it hard for others because by my showing ID it made folks think that all service dogs were supposed to have ID and that would make things more difficult for other service dog handlers who came across the business who felt they now had a right to ask for ID.
I certainly don't agree with this, but that's what the Psychdog site and listserve told me. So I left. ;)
They said it made it hard for others because by my showing ID it made folks think that all service dogs were supposed to have ID and that would make things more difficult for other service dog handlers who came across the business who felt they now had a right to ask for ID.
I certainly don't agree with this, but that's what the Psychdog site and listserve told me. So I left. ;)
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- #23
Changing4Best
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I don't blame you, Movin On, I'd leave if they said that to me too. I belong to assistance-dogs on Yahoo.com (I hope I remembered that name correctly) and they are a pretty good list. No one said that to me that I can recall, though I did state from the beginning that I don't often pull out my ID, just if and when it is needed. The only other lady in town that I know of whose dog is a service dog, the dog also wears a cape with identification. Even when I have been hassled, I have NOT pulled out the registration. Only for that one doctor did I do so. And sometimes I forget the vest, leaving in a hurry, but then I make a point of immediately stating that she is a Service Dog when I enter the place. I think most places do know us and remember us when we go there now. Again, being in a small rural town of only 2600 folks helps!
DharmaGirl
VIP Member
I bought Nugget a backpack service vest but it doesn't look like the regular one so now I'm afraid to bring her, lol. This is a good conversation, since I am so afraid of confrontation, and it makes me feel like I can take her with me. I will start at Petco though. :) I know it is hard for folks to believe that our dogs are ""working", and I would like to invite them to the nightmare that is PTSD.
On another note, is it true I don't have to disclose my disability? I don't want to.
On another note, is it true I don't have to disclose my disability? I don't want to.
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