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- #49
@lostforgottensoul I'll pm you. :)
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Musher's Secret i
What a terrific response to this thread. As a left arm amputee, I've trained my dog to primarily...
What a terrific response to this thread. As a left arm amputee, I've trained my dog to primarily...
Sophie's service dog ID badge
Plus, I learned much earlier that some people actually did live pretty permanently on public land and, if not made to move every two weeks as mandated by the rules governing public land usage, such people might stay indefinitely.
His request clearly made no sense, and I didn't hesitate to tell him I'd a right to not have Sophie on a leash provided doing so would create a danger for me due to my physical disability. Climbing a rocky trail while holding a leash, shirt, and water bottle in my only hand, I believe, qualified as such a dangerous situation.
He then proceeded to approach me where I sat three or four times to "inform me" that Sophie is not a service dog, and then to accuse me of having an ID for the sole purpose of taking her places with me.
When it came for my first time to speak in court, I deferred to the public defender to do so. I had no clarity of thought and my Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) symptom of dissociation was taking place.
Given that I sat right in front of him and he could see I am an amputee, I thought he'd get it.
So, I guess I learned my lesson; always be sure to have your dog on a leash, even if it kills you, and for god's sake, don't dare speak up for yourself or your rights. This isn't a democracy, you know.
because they are "law enforcement" they know the law. Even worse, that they'll fairly enforce it.
My ID tag and the red vest I have Sophie wear – that's not legally required – gives them all the justification they need for that. Otherwise, it would be me putting them in a position where they might have to investigate. I don't want to cause trouble for anyone as a general principle.
I use the ID card and the vest so that people, most of whom don't know the law behind what's required of a service dog and handler won't be put off. It gives me peace of mind, and that's a big part of why I work with Sophie in the first place.
Some of the folks who approach me about Sophie's appearance often also tell me that she's wonderfully trained, and have also told me stories of how they see dogs misbehave in public places, like stores, etc. Such things reflect poorly on all service animals.
Perhaps filing a civil suit would be justified, but it would also further the number of times I'd be likely be triggered by this situation. Plus now I've little faith in the legal system and don't believe a judge would find against a cop. Further insult to further injury.