AAkasha
Posts: 4429
Joined: 11/27/2004 Status: offline
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I was on a flight recently in a city where a dog show/dog agility show had been going on. In addition to the 4 - 6 dogs in carriers being checked into the luggage area, we found another half dozen dogs of all breeds wearing service jackets and in the airline cabin riding on laps and under the seats. Collies, poodles, yorkies, you name it. The whole plane was full of people who looked like they stepped off the movie "Best in Show." One of the stewardesses asked one of the passengers, "Why are there so many service dogs on this flight?" and a bunch of the passengers started giggling like it was a massive inside joke - some comments were made about how"alllll these dogs are therapy dogs, doncha know?" One of the passengers explained in her case she had a doctor's note. I think that's how most people get their personal dogs or show dogs cleared for public transportation - they get a doctor to write a note saying the dog is required for the person's wellbeing, and that can include "general anxiety." I believe the dogs still need to complete a "good canine citizen" test. All the dogs on the plane were fine - no barking, no messes. Personally I don't care - I love dogs and can understand not wanting to put them in the cargo hold of the plane. At the same time, as volunteer with a legitimate service dog association and someone who frequently has a legitimate service dog in tow for training purposes, it makes the job of legitimate folks harder if people just slap custom jackets on dogs and claim they are service dogs and these dogs misbehave or poorly represent service dogs overall. In that case, it's a bummer. As a reminder to all, if you see a dog in a service jacket, do not walk up and pet or touch it. Even if it's a dog in training. Always check with the owner first before initiating contact with a working dog, as these animals are doing a job. Akasha
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