Dog Mom Asks People To Stop 'Faking' Service Dogs After She Was Attacked
Service dogs help the people who need them navigate the world so they can live healthy, fulfilling lives, but believe it or not some people have been faking having a service dog in order to bring their pups everywhere with them.
A service dog owner named Cara Torpey and her service dog Napa were shopping in a Dollar General last Friday when Napa was attacked by a non-service dog.
According to news outlet Blackhillsfox.com, founder of South Dakota Service Dogs Tony Russell said, "It is an epidemic we have seen growing. It happens quite often down at the Civic Center. We’ve seen multiple dogs that are in service dog vests or emotional support animals vests. And it’s very easy to go online and get one of those type of vests without proper training or proper certifications."
Melissa Mez DVM, Napa's veterinarian, posted the following to Facebook and it reads in part, "Napa was attacked by a dog today. A dog running loose in a Dollar General. Another dog walked in the door at the same time. Two dogs that had no business walking in a store. Napa has been attacked by dogs twice already in the last six months.This has got to stop. Please stop taking your dogs into stores. They are not service dogs. A vest you bought online does not make your dog a service dog. "
Related: Watch: Service Dog Takes Detailed Steps to Help Mom Before She Passes Out
Anyone can do a quick google search and see how easy it is to obtain a service dog vest, which does nothing but harm actual service dogs who work hard to help their owners.
People need to understand that these dogs are trained to help the people who need them navigate the world, and in some cases, even save their lives but being responsive to a medical emergency.
Dogs that are not service dogs shouldn't be presented in public like they are. It's dangerous for people, and other actual service dogs.
How To Interact With A Service Dog
Before petting a guide or service dog, you should always ask their owner or handler. Even if you see a guide dog not wearing their service harness, you should always ask for permission before interacting with the dog, so that the handler can maintain control.
Always give guide and service dogs the right of way. Practice good etiquette by moving to the side and allowing the handler and dog to pass. Never attempt to grab or steer the person while the dog is guiding or attempt to hold the dog's harness. You should ask if the handler needs your assistance and, if so, offer your left arm.
Never feed a guide or service dog without their owner's permission.
Speak to the handler, not the dog, and never give their service dog commands.
Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), people with disabilities are allowed to be accompanied by their guide or service dog in all places the public is permitted.
Let's hope more people start to realize this is a serious issue and as much as we all love our dogs and love having them with us, the only dogs that should be wearing service dog signifiers are actual service dogs.
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