News Woman Lied About Esa.

[trying2movefwd]

I saw a clip last night from ABC probably from about a year ago that it aired. Any way this woman faked mental illness so her dog would be allowed to fly with her. They said there are websites that for a fee can get your pet a certificate. Airport employees are supposed to see a doctor's document, but it sounds like most do not check. This story really bothered me. I don't want mental illnesses! !! I try to fake NOT having them, but with my triggers and Severe mdd I am not so good at faking "health anymore "..Who the hell would want to fake being mentally ill?!?!?! *venting, sorry *.....p.s. i stopped by my local animal rescue today and met a dog with PTSD. It kind of sparked an interest in me. She (the dog) came a lil closer to me after being afraid...Before the volunteer could say (we think she was abused, i had already known that about this dog) I said, "It's okay , I have PTSD too. They said the dog jumps at loud sounds, I said so do I...the dog then came closer to me and started to lick my hand. :) Maybe I can volunteer to be friends with abused animals since I can understand. Great golly I am starting to tear up...

 

[trying2movefwd]

I saw a clip last night from ABC probably from about a year ago that it aired. Any way this woma...

The dog was very afraid of getting to know me at first.

 

[joeylittle]

I travel with animals; one of them is now officially an ESA.

Air travel with animals in the US is harder than I thought it would be. Each airline is a little different with their pet policies. All are very clear on their service animal policies.

Emotional support animals are not full-status service animals, and that's where airlines get confused. Most do allow them with a doc note. Ive had to show the note, and I've not been asked for the note.

Why cheat? If you have a pet that doesn't fit under a seat, and are super-reluctant to cargo them, the only way is to have ESA status.

I'm not saying it's right - but that's probably the biggest reason why.

 

[trying2movefwd]

Well if you put it that way...? ? :thinking:

 

[joeylittle]

Like I said - I'm not condoning.

Without a formal acknowledgement - either service animal or ESA - the size restrictions vary by flight from a carrier that is 8" tall to one that is 16-17" tall. And your animal must be stowed under the seat, closed fully in carrier, from departure to arrival.

Service animals can sit at a persons' feet. ESAs can generally do the same, depending on the airline.

 

[trying2movefwd]

My therapist is highly encouraging me to get myself an ESA. I already have a dog, however he is with a foster family. He has been there since my kids and I escaped, left everything, and sought safety in a domestic violence shelter. We now rent a town house. I get scared, very depressed, lonely especially at night. Anyway Happy (our dog) was not house trained well, requires tons of running space, is stubborn and jumps on counter tops...the foster family discovered that Happy loves the great outdoors. They have a farm. He loves it there. They have fallen in love with him and are willing to keep him forever.. (he also has a loud beagle bark).... our apartment just doesn't seem like the right environment for him.

 

[trying2movefwd]

I am at a loss as my son is begging me to get our dog back. My daughter is suggesting a cat. We are not home often during the day which makes a kitten seem more ideal for us; however a dog provides me with a sense of security. I just don't know what to do. :(

 

[The Albatross]

If you don't know what to do then wait til ya do. There are other ways to provide yourself with a sense of security. There may be another dog in your future, but don't put inordinate stress on yourself about this, in time some things become more clear, k?

 

[2nowBfree]

I can't overstate the difference having my dog with me makes when I DO get the courage to go out into the world. I followed all the rules and wasn't even interested in putting him through the stress of flying on an airplane. But I was so shocked when I went online to find a small (as inconspicuous as possible) ESA tag. Vests and tags for not only ESAs but even for fully-trained Service Animals are easily obtained on-line with no documentation needed whatsoever. I always carry my doctor's letter with me but having the small tag on his leash does minimize the number of times I have to drag it out and make a scene.

What upset me was knowing that even though I was following the rules (and still do), my ability to have my dog with me was/is being undermined by people who were only gaming the system to avoid paying the fee to fly with their dog. I also saw sites that gave advice on how to get a letter...for a fee of course! I think having him with me serves two purposes: (1) I'm calmer in general just because he is with me and I'm also not preoccupied with how he is doing at home alone; and (2) my negative thoughts and fears are redirected into positive energy since I'm focused on making sure he is okay and I'm soaking in his joy at getting out and about. The vast majority of the time he is most welcomed and at Target in particular he brings smiles to the other shoppers and just makes the world a happier place in general instead of a minefield for me in particular.

I would encourage anyone looking into having an ESA to really take the time to consider the dog's (typical ESAs) temperament as well as the amount of energy he or she will require overall (I.e. veterinary care, shopping for food and other necessities, grooming if appropriate, and just day to day care). Basically, just consider if you have the energy to care for an animal as well as whether or not the animal has the temperament to act as an ESA. Just some considerations since the right animal for the right person can make such a positive change in so many ways.

As for those who "cheat" in this and in so many similar situations, the actions of a few bad actors (in this case an appropriate label!!) jeopardize the positive benefits and intentions of those of us with a legitimate need.

 

[Justmehere]

I have a service dog who goes everywhere with me including flights. About once a month, I will get a question like, "how can I get my dog a jacket like that so they can fly free?"

I usually reply, "step one, have a life altering medical or mental disability, step two, get your doctor to verify in a letter..."

I often do not have get to step three...

(And those with a legit need for a service dog usually hang in past step three and it's usually good conversation from there... )

 

[trying2movefwd]

Your ESA goes to Target? My understanding is the only special privileges for ESA's is flying with you and they are permitted in no pet housing pending they do not cause problems of course? Unless it different state to state @2nowBfree (by the way, hello and welcome )

 

[Freedomfighter]

I saw a clip last night from ABC probably from about a year ago that it aired. Any way this woma...

There are many people that will do anything to get some kind of advantage. I am being followed by stalkers who throw cyber attacks and I am being bullied by their friends at work. These stalkers will go so far as to study me and copy my behavior and then will turn around and claim they themselves have been wronged and that they themselves have PTSD. Even though it is them who caused my PTSD.