Service dog/Therapy dog (best, food, walk, eating)

[ssg II]

What's the difference? ADA.Gov is very ambiguous. Is an individual with no handicap allowed to carry two dogs in a pouch around his neck and claim they're "service dogs"?

[Katie1]

A Service dog assits a person with activities of daily living...Dressing/undresssing...picking things up or getting things...guiding a blind peron..letting a elpletic person know when a sessure is comming [so the person can get in a safe area]. A therapy goes to nursing homes to cheer others up...they also go into schools, etc for the same reason.

[ssg II]

Originally Posted by Katie1

A Service dog assits a person with activities of daily living...Dressing/undresssing...picking things up or getting things...guiding a blind peron..letting a elpletic person know when a sessure is comming [so the person can get in a safe area]. A therapy goes to nursing homes to cheer others up...they also go into schools, etc for the same reason.

That's exactly what I understand from what I've read. This guy insists on bringing these dogs into our restaurant. He has no visible disability, but claims the dogs are service dogs for a mental condition. To me, that's more of a therapy dog, but he doesn't fit into that category, either. I think it's a scam, but from what I've also read, we do not have the right to ask him to provide any kind of documentation and he doesn't have to carry it anyway.

It's a shame for this guy to abuse the legitimate right for people who are truly disabled.

[RecovringKrspyKremeAddict]

Originally Posted by ssg II

That's exactly what I understand from what I've read. This guy insists on bringing these dogs into our restaurant. He has no visible disability, but claims the dogs are service dogs for a mental condition. To me, that's more of a therapy dog, but he doesn't fit into that category, either. I think it's a scam, but from what I've also read, we do not have the right to ask him to provide any kind of documentation and he doesn't have to carry it anyway.

It's a shame for this guy to abuse the legitimate right for people who are truly disabled.

I hear your story and point taken, however I know many autistic and asperger's folks who absolutely must have their dogs. Although I would think they would be more of the "therapy" type dog. Many, many folks out there have this kind of mental disability and you canNOT tell by looking at them.

[ssg II]

Thanks for the info. I'm suspicious of this guy for several reasons. Every minor thing turns into a major issue, which he writes about in a radical political "magazine" he publishes. Rules are for other people. He's just obnoxious and tries to provoke arguments. For example, he lets the dogs eat off his plate, which tends to uspet the other diners, but we don't dare say a word to him because we know it will turn into a scene.

[Katie1]

Service Dog Are Not allowed to eat off plates...they are to lay quietly under the table & even if there is food on the floor LEAVE IT!! I would say these Dogs are not service dogs they are pets!!!
I would take pic of these dogs eating off the plates...then tell him next time dogs on floor only or leave home!! Next time take more pic if he does not listen...buy paper plates just for him!!

[BrianH]

Best to just ignore IMHO unless he writes something slanderous about you then refuse service. In todays world he could sue you for even questioning him. He may or may not win, but it would be a big hassle other wise.

[NEEDMORESPACE2]

My dog is a registered therapy dog.
He is registered so we can visit nursing homes, hospitals, etc. -- but only with consent of staff and lots of paperwork.
He is not allowed to just walk into places, restaurants, airplanes -- basically, he is only allowed where other dogs are allowed. (Petco, hardware stores, etc.)
In fact, if I abused this, the organization I am registered with (Delta Society) would revoke his registration. As it is not fair to the people who really need it!

Delta has a lot of good info on their website. Here is the FAQ section on therapy dogs -- it should answer everything.
Delta Society - FAQs


Sorry for your predicament if they actually are taking advantage. Tough spot to be in.

[dixiegirl7]

Originally Posted by ssg II

Thanks for the info. I'm suspicious of this guy for several reasons. Every minor thing turns into a major issue, which he writes about in a radical political "magazine" he publishes. Rules are for other people. He's just obnoxious and tries to provoke arguments. For example, he lets the dogs eat off his plate, which tends to uspet the other diners, but we don't dare say a word to him because we know it will turn into a scene.

That is disgusting and is probably hurting your business. I wouldn't eat there...sorry, I love dogs but will not let one eat off the same dishes I eat off of. These dogs may be therapy dogs to this guy, but they are not service dogs. As someone said, a service dog is very well behaved and would lay quietly on the floor and not cause any problem at all.

[ssg II]

Originally Posted by BrianH

Best to just ignore IMHO unless he writes something slanderous about you then refuse service. In todays world he could sue you for even questioning him. He may or may not win, but it would be a big hassle other wise.

THAT is exactly what we're thinking; he's looking for a reason for a lawsuit and why he's got us all walking on eggshells.

I had looked at Delta's website among others. I'd love to report this guy, but he's probably not registered with any organization, given his attitude about laws and rules not applying to him.

Kudos to you, needmorespace, for having a therapy dog. That's a wonderful program.

Thanks for all your replies! Guess we just have to hope he'll find someone else to torment.