 |
| Pia Pia on mat under table. |
The healing powers of an animal is special, so special that
it can help eliminate even those who have relied on medications to control
certain ailments, especially those that are affected mentally. It is an estimated rate that twenty two
veterans take their life each day; this is a sad fact – a very sad fact. Veterans
sacrifice a lot for us to have our freedom.
Veterans deserve better, their families deserve better. Some veterans are realizing with the assistance
of a dog they can overcome those feelings, feelings of desperation, loneliness,
and solitude. However, because Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) is
not a noticeable disorder there are many that would contend to state or argue
that an individual does not have a condition that warrants a service dog or the
dog is a fake service dog. This is
because there are so many out there who abuses the system when it comes to
service dogs. An establishment is unable
to ask direct questions in regards to the usage of a service dog but can ask
what the dog ‘tasked is for’? In some states the dog does not need to wear a
service vest, no documentation is required and worse one can order a service
dog kit online.
 |
| On mat while eating. |
Training a service dog is more than just sit, stay, and
come. These dogs are trained with the
sit, stay, come and more as well as they are specifically trained for their
owner and owner’s needs whether it is PTS, hearing, mobility or for the
blind. A PTS service dog is trained to
pick up on their owner’s anxiety or panic symptoms. Not
only is the dog but also the owner who is in training. The training does not come cheap and is not
necessarily the easiest either. So when
someone attempts to pass off their dog as a service dog when they are not, it
is downgrading all the time and training that others have put into a real
service dog as well as adds additional stress on to those who are real owner’s
with real service dogs.
 |
| She always wears her vest. |
Establishments, whether retail, restaurants, government or
non-government should have in their orientation program how to handle individuals
with service dogs even those who are fake.
It should be a mandatory program and be updated as everything else
within their orientation program. Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) are trying to distinguish fake versus real service
dogs however it is difficult because as long as someone states their dog is a service
dog there is nothing an establishment can do for now.
As for distinguishing an individual with PTS or not, well,
trust me one can tell if an individual is suffering from true PTS or not. Ask any wife, loved one, caregiver or professional
of those who treat a veteran with PTS and they will verify there are signs of
when their loved one is suffering or is having issues because of their
PTS. To outsiders it is an invisible disorder but
to those who live with or live with some who lives with it, it is NOT an
invisible disorder.
 |
One day, hopefully soon, PTS Service Dogs will become a
reality for our veterans and their families.
While, those who abuse the system with fake service dogs will hopefully
realize the disrespect and disregard to others they are causing.
#veteranservicedog #servicedog #pug #hearingdog #pugs
#puglife #pugnation #hearingservicedog #fakeservicedog #ada #ptsisforreal
#veterans #familiesofveterans #caregivers #stopfakeservicedogs #marspets
#americanhumanesociety #veteransadministration
We are with you on hoping that one day soon, PTS Service Dogs will be a reality for everyone who needs them! The powers of animals are far and wide. Unfortunately, so many people have false claims for service animals and really make things difficult for those who truly need them.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nichole, we appreciate the support. It would be nice for PTS Service Dogs to be a reality. It is just so sad for those who abuse the system to ruin it for those who really need them.
DeleteSupport dogs are so important for many people, especially folks suffering from PTSD. It's a shame that the "fakers" make it hard for those who really have a need.
ReplyDeleteYes, Amy support dogs are important for so many people, adults and kids suffering from PTS. It is a shame those few "fakers" have to spoil it for those who really need it.
DeleteI'm hearing more about people saying their dogs are "service or assistance" dogs when in fact they are not. Ordering a vest or harness does not make a dog a service dog! I wish for all those that truly need the use of a service dog could get one.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad Edie the Pug, I see it and there was even one person who I knew their dog was not a service dog however I could not say anything. It just frustrated me so much. All I want to do is to help educated, help eliminate as many fakers as possible so those who really need a service dog can get one.
DeleteEducation about the different types of working dogs is key. A service dog deserve respect and it is people who take advantage of the system that give a bad reputation.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree Heather. It is all in the education, education, education to the different types of service dogs versus support dog that will help. Thank you.
DeleteThose statistics really are shocking! I'm not familiar with PTS service dogs, but seeing how invaluable and life changing service dogs are to so many, shouldn't everyone who can benefit be able to?
ReplyDeleteIt is shocking Hindy but realistically also. Twenty two veterans commit suicide daily because of PTS. PTS service dogs is in its infancy because of the 'fakers' out there. It is hard to prove that is why we need to education and show how important these types of service dogs are important to our veterans and others who truly suffer from PTS.
DeleteTo make the PTS dog job totally 'respectable' there needs to be firm and countrywide legislation that impacts on a real way on these dogs are validated. The 'false' dog owners need to be weeded out and subject to some form of fine (NOT the removela of their dog!)
ReplyDeleteThese dogs make a world of difference and stand alongside guide dogs for the blind as essential animals that perform a critical service. PTS dogs, therapy animals and legally approved 'assistance' animals are vital. Some people can't even leave the house, let alone function properly in today's pushy society without these vital animals..
Thank you and I agree M. Dawson. In the state of Florida if you are proven to pass your dog off as a 'fake' service dog there is a fine and jail time involved. But I agree there needs to be more and countrywide.
DeleteThese dogs make a huge difference, save lives, save families and etc. These individuals choose to serve for our freedom they deserve our respect to be given the chance to live a life they fought for without being ridicule about is that a 'real' service dog. The truly do provide a crucial service just as a guide dog provides for a blind person.
The statistics regarding veterans are horrible. Our country should be doing more for these brave men and women. I wish all who need a service animal could have one.
ReplyDeleteThank you Lola, yes those statistics are horrible and very sad. I pray one day our country will wake up and be able to provide and do better for our service men and service women.
DeleteIt's amazing what animals can provide to us. Their support is beyond measurable. Great post.
ReplyDeleteThank you Raising Your Pets Naturally with Tonya Wilhelm, yes animals are amazing and wonderful. There is no measure to what they are able to do for us.
DeleteMy boy is an ESA registered in the US mind you ... because Canada does not recognize that as a 'thing". And yet he changed my life!!! My anxiety my attacks ... gone.
ReplyDeleteThat is good to hear Montecristo Travels. I am so glad to hear that your anxiety attacks are gone because of your boy, it is nice to know he helps and you don't have to rely on medication. It is a shame Canada does not recognize ESA though. Maybe one day?!
DeleteMy family and I volunteered to clean up a yard at an organization that trains ptsd service dogs. We got to meet some of the dogs and they were really great! ~ Dear Mishu
ReplyDeleteThank you Mishu for you and your family volunteering. Glad you are able to meet some of the dogs. It is volunteers like all of you that help to the success, so it is greatly appreciated it.
DeleteI am so grateful to veterans and the organizations that help place service dogs with the veterans who need them! I know that PTS is a real nightmare and service dogs can be a lifeline.
ReplyDeleteThank you Beth. I too am grateful to our veterans and the organizations who assist them with placing a service dog with them. PTS is a living nightmare for them and their family and a service dog literally is a saving grace. It is nice that there are those organizations and some are even ran by veterans which even makes it better with veterans helping veterans.
DeleteI recently had the experience of a "fake" service dog in my place of business. I knew because the woman was very very harsh with her "training". It's so sad that people have to ruin it for that that really need them. Thanks for bringing this to light!
ReplyDeleteThank you Holly and I am sorry that you had to deal with a fake service dog. It is a shame that there are those individuals out there. In most cases you can tell a fake service dog because of the harshness from the handler to the dog. A handler needs to be in complete control of their service dog, however without the proper training when taking a dog out a dog will want to play and the handler will not have complete control therefore the handler will take their frustrations out on the dog. I plan to continue to education and fight to bring to light real versus fake service dogs, so please continue to follow. Thank you again, we appreciate it.
DeleteService dogs and therapy pets are so beneficial and healing to their owners suffering from PTSD (and other issues). It's such a win win for the owner and the animal (they are not on the street). Most of all the bond and love shared is priceless. It's such a shame people find ways to scam people when they need real help. Thanks for shedding light on this issue.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kamira and you are welcome. I agree service dogs and therapy dogs do such miraculous work that it is win-win situation. Especially since there are more and more dogs that are being adopted out of shelters to be trained as service dogs or therapy dogs instead of being put down. The bond between the owner and the dog is priceless and for one just one individual to dishonor that because of the misrepresentation of their pet if very disheartening. Thank you again for your support.
DeleteI've sat through many talks where veterans have shared the difference service dogs have made in their lives. It's a shame some people take advantage of the system.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sweet Purrfections, not only have I sat but I have also spoken about how Pia Pia changed the dynamics in our household. In our town people do not question or second guess her status but it is when we leave it starts to where we are questioned, she is primarily a hearing service dog but will pick up on my husband's anxiety when his PTS is happening however it shouldn't matter she is still a service dog. So even though our town is now education it seems like we are town-bound instead of home-bound with his hearing and PTS condition. One day, I pray with education and diligence all veterans will be free of to have a PTS service dog and not be ridicule or chastised.
DeleteWe have seen first-hand the incredible difference dogs can make in the lives of people living with illness, especially PTSD. Living with PTSD can be devastating so I hope that more vets get access to Service Dogs and training. It is a great pity that some people scam.
ReplyDeleteThank you Talent Hounds. I am so happy to hear that you have seen the difference a PTS service dog can make to a person who suffers from PTS. It is a very hard and debilitating condition, so to have an animal there by your side through it all is truly priceless. I too hope that more of our veterans will be able to get access to a Service Dog. Thank you again.
DeleteI grew up with a father who has PTSD and know it is real and can be life-threatening. I hate to think of people abusing the system but I guess sadly it happens.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your Dad and his suffering, The Daily Pip. It is sad when people abuse the system but it is like any another system and there are those out there who do abuse it. Prayers to you, your Dad and your family.
DeleteThanks to organizations like K9s for warriors more and more vets are getting the service dogs they need. And thanks to corporations like Bayer and Merrick they also get help with expenses for food and meds. The fake service dogs are such an abuse of the system but there are always those that will do it. Your post had some great information on service dogs in general too.
ReplyDeleteYes, it is thanks to K9 for Warriors, Pets for Vets, and other organizations that help not only to train service dogs for veterans with PTS but also to help bring PTS service dogs to government officials and such. It is also nice that corporations such as Bayer, Merrick, Mars Pet Care, Bissell, and etc. also will assist with veterans and their service dogs, even service dogs other than PTS.
DeleteFake service dogs are an abuse to the system and unfortunately yes, there will always be that one or more who will do it but with education and diligence hopefully it will help eliminate some of those fakers. Thank you for your support.
Wonderful post! I'm a huge supporter of utilizing service dogs for those suffering from PTS. Fake service dogs infuriate me, it's an insult to everyone who truly needs a service dog. I would like to see people with service dogs be required to present ID for their dog, I feel like it's the only way to abolish the fakers. I'd rather an ID than any establishment being able to ask what the dog is tasked with - this information in my opinion infringes on the person's medical privacy. They shouldn't have to disclose information that alludes to what their medical issue is! I'd also like to see stiff fines for anyone who fakes a service dog. It really does downgrade the importance and value of true service dogs. I feel my blood pressure rising, I need to go pet my dogs now!
ReplyDeleteLove & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
Thank you very much Cathy, I really appreciate it. It too infuriates me when someone abuses the system especially when it comes to something so crucial as this. Currently our veterans are the forefront of the PTS movement but there are others that suffer from PTS even children who deserve the right to have a service animal to help their anxieties. Pia Pia has an ID, vest, certification as well as we carry her vaccinations certificate so all documentation is with us in the event we are question we do not hesitate to provide the proper documentation. I do agree service dogs should be required to present an ID but those online ordering of service dog vests do provide an ID card also. When an establishment requests "what is the dog tasked for?" I do agree it is a infringement on a person's privacy however all they have to answer is hearing, anxiety or such. Just a one word answer. So again, it opens the doors for the fakers, to make up something. My husband gets embarrassed when he has to let people know he can't hear, he gets self-conscience that know people are talking about him. He should not have to let people know he can't hear or that he has anxiety attacks, there are teenagers that will hear that and literally keep nudging towards him trying to set him off. Again, just a very sad situation. It gets to were even though he has a service dog I still need to be with him because now I am a buffer between him, his service dog and those who overheard why he has a service dog trying to set him off or antagonize him or Pia Pia, all this because of fakers. UGH, just really upsets me.
DeleteOne day I hope that those fakers will be in the position that they truly need a service dog and truly be put through what happens to prove their dog is a service dog. I hope that there will be a system in place in which fakers will be punished by serious fines and imprisonment. One day, I hope karma will get them. Thank you for your support.