Went to the post office today and had my dog, Tigger with me.
A postal employee behind the counter said "We only allow service dogs in here" When I asked if she wanted me to leave, her response "No, but could you pick him up? I don't like to see little dogs carried, however, under the circumstances, and her polite request I don't mind holding him while inside.
The man in front of me then said "you should go online and get one of those service dog vests. I responded that my dog is not a "service dog." He went on to say that if my dog gave me emotional support then I could claim he was a service dog. Just the sentence "claim he was.. sounded deceitful. My response was that there is no love like that of a dog or cat, and being with one has many health benefits, including lower blood pressure, helping with depression, etc. , however, that still doesn't make Tigger a dog that should be classified as a "service dog" just so that he could be taken everywhere I go.
This day, I was running errands and giving him new grass and plants to mark outdoors. It was my attempting to multi-task. Tigger didn't have a personal "need" to be there.
When I made it to the counter the employee was very nice, and pointed out where one of their displays was discolored because a dog had peed on it the day before. It startled an elderly patron who was standing in front of the display looking at the items, who then jumped, accidentally knocking over the display, which nearly hit the dog and caused her to fall into other people in line, which saved her from landing on the ground, which for someone of her advanced age could have been injurious.
I have friends who have specialty trained service dogs who become invisible when they are in a retail establishment. They could never pee on a display, attempt to trip a waiter (saw this last week) or bother another shopper or diner. I love my animals, and to me, they are family. Love me, love my four pawed kids. However, there are times and places they don't need to be - for their well being and safety as well.
It bothers me that people buy fake vests for dogs that are not trained to handle all the circumstances they may encounter in a store or restaurant. Last month, a friends daughter, a waitress at a local chain restaurant, was bit by a Chihuahua "service dog," when she attempted to clear the table. Without warning, the "service dog" leapt from the the person's lap across the table and came at her. Plates went flying, other diners were hit, food all over the floor resulting in 8 stitches and loss of time from work for her, and minor injuries for the other diners. The "service dogs" over is liable for the medicals costs for those injured, and the restaurant now has a big sign - "no dogs, including service dogs." ( I have a feeling ADA will be in touch with them for persons with disabilities with well-trained service dogs.) One small dog = a big problem. I know I'll hear from folks who disagree with me, and that's ok.
My friends know I seldom go on rants like this. I'm looking at recent incidents where people and dogs were both in harms way because of the choice of a human. I cannot control other people or the environment when I am out in public. Keeping my dog safe requires me to be extra alert. Many times, I know my little guy is safer and he naps better at home.
I'm not saying that dogs should always be left at home. I am suggesting that honesty is in order, and respect for genuine service dogs.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Thursday, December 13, 2012
A Puppy Mill Mom
I’ve spent my life in a two by three box
Wire all around me, the doors have locks
My hair is matted, my feet are flat.
I’ve never known love, not even a pat.
My eyes are dim, my belly is round,
My callous pads have never touched ground.
I sleep in my urine and feces at night,
Squinting my eyes in morning’s bright light
Food and water they give me are old and stale.
This prison I live in is worse than a jail.
My life is a breeder in some puppy mill
The back woods of nowhere up on a hill.
I don’t see a vet and haven’t had shots.
My captors are cruel keeping me in a box.
My litters of puppies born all in a row.
What happens to them, I’ll never know.
They are taken from me at one month old,
Off to some pet store they are sold,
Just to provide for some persons greed,
Without one thought to what comes of me.
by Ellen Bishop
Excerpt from Stress Out for Cats, Dogs and their People (c)2012, page 31
All rights reserved
Wire all around me, the doors have locks
My hair is matted, my feet are flat.
I’ve never known love, not even a pat.
My eyes are dim, my belly is round,
My callous pads have never touched ground.
I sleep in my urine and feces at night,
Squinting my eyes in morning’s bright light
Food and water they give me are old and stale.
My life is a breeder in some puppy mill
The back woods of nowhere up on a hill.
I don’t see a vet and haven’t had shots.
My captors are cruel keeping me in a box.
My litters of puppies born all in a row.
What happens to them, I’ll never know.
They are taken from me at one month old,
Off to some pet store they are sold,
Just to provide for some persons greed,
Without one thought to what comes of me.
by Ellen Bishop
Excerpt from Stress Out for Cats, Dogs and their People (c)2012, page 31
All rights reserved
"Anyone who believes that money can't buy happiness, has never paid an adoption fee."
California
Featured Adoptable Pet:
A121560
Yuba County Animal Care Services
Olivehurst, CA
compliments of Petfinder.com
Featured Adoptable Pet:
A121560
Yuba County Animal Care Services
Olivehurst, CA
compliments of Petfinder.com
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Keep your cats and dogs safe this Halloween
It's that time of year again where all sorts of goblins and witches wander the street in search of things sweet. Some of these are two legged and many are accompanied by their four legged friends.
This is also the time you front door will be opened again and again during the evening. This can increase the chances of your dogs and cats running out. Keep an eye on their whereabouts, or better yet, keep them safe in another room away from the front door.
Safety is important to both humans and animals. Some people include their animal companions in their costumes; other cats and dogs can be seen wandering alone hoping for a handout. (Remember chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs.)
Reconsider if you are planning on taking your dog out trick or treating. (See chapter “Jades Halloween Adventure”)
If you do, be extra diligent in watching your surroundings and keep them on a shorter than usual leash. Make sure they have their tags on and something reflective helps them to be seen. People are accustomed to seeing children; they can easily overlook a small dog walking beside you.
If you do take your pet out wearing a costume, make sure it fits well enough so they can walk, have clear field of vision, and that they are comfortable in it. If they struggle to get it off, or whine while wearing it - it is a sign they don't like it, no matter how cute you think they look. Make sure there are no little pieces they can chew on and swallow. Ties and ribbons can pull loose and get caught around their necks or legs causing them to trip. Some plastic costumes hold in your dog’s body heat and can make them pant harder than usual.
Make sure your dog is well ventilated and well hydrated. Be prepared to stop when they need a potty break and remember to take potty bags. No one wants to bring home the unwanted smelly dog poop on their feet.
Be safe - All of you - Happy Halloween.
excerpt, chapter SAFETY, p. 163, Stress Out for Cats, Dogs & their People.
(c) All rights reserved.
This is also the time you front door will be opened again and again during the evening. This can increase the chances of your dogs and cats running out. Keep an eye on their whereabouts, or better yet, keep them safe in another room away from the front door.
Safety is important to both humans and animals. Some people include their animal companions in their costumes; other cats and dogs can be seen wandering alone hoping for a handout. (Remember chocolate is toxic to cats and dogs.)
Reconsider if you are planning on taking your dog out trick or treating. (See chapter “Jades Halloween Adventure”)
If you do, be extra diligent in watching your surroundings and keep them on a shorter than usual leash. Make sure they have their tags on and something reflective helps them to be seen. People are accustomed to seeing children; they can easily overlook a small dog walking beside you.
If you do take your pet out wearing a costume, make sure it fits well enough so they can walk, have clear field of vision, and that they are comfortable in it. If they struggle to get it off, or whine while wearing it - it is a sign they don't like it, no matter how cute you think they look. Make sure there are no little pieces they can chew on and swallow. Ties and ribbons can pull loose and get caught around their necks or legs causing them to trip. Some plastic costumes hold in your dog’s body heat and can make them pant harder than usual.
Make sure your dog is well ventilated and well hydrated. Be prepared to stop when they need a potty break and remember to take potty bags. No one wants to bring home the unwanted smelly dog poop on their feet.
Be safe - All of you - Happy Halloween.
excerpt, chapter SAFETY, p. 163, Stress Out for Cats, Dogs & their People.
(c) All rights reserved.
Friday, July 20, 2012
The difference a dog can make in many lives
Annie the dog was a Mid-Wilshire neighborhood's best friend
If your errands, dog walk or city job took you past a tree at the corner of 4th Street and Cochran Avenue, you knew and loved Annie, a husky mix who died Saturday.
There are candles and flowers on the ground, and sympathy cards, personal notes and photographs on a tree.
But the shrine that popped up this week at the corner of 4th Street and Cochran Avenue doesn't memorialize someone killed in a car crash or drive-by shooting.
It honors Annie the dog, who died Saturday night after she was stung by a bee and went into anaphylactic shock.
For four years the husky mix spent each day lying beneath a tree in front of an apartment house, greeting a passing parade of dog-walkers, errand-runners and those simply out for an evening stroll.
"She just enjoyed watching the world go by," said Brian Savage, an actor who lives nearby. "She never ran off, never barked at anyone. She was just a pillar of the neighborhood."
She was more than that, said Michael Moravek, also an actor.
"Annie was really a touchstone for all of us," he said. "It was nice to have her here. We might not know each other, but we all knew Annie."
Moravek placed a snapshot he had taken of her on the shrine. "She was our neighborhood guardian. Even now, Annie is bringing us together."
Six-year-old Roman DiGiulio walked to the memorial with his mother and placed a hand-printed note and a large red heart on the tree. "Have a good life in heaven, sweet doggie," read the note.
"I've known Annie for years," Caroline DiGiulio said. "She was considered the neighborhood dog. She loved being outside, and people loved seeing her."
Other condolence notes thanked Annie. "You were an angel here, and you are an angel now, sweet girl," read one. "You were such a special soul. Seeing you under this tree always brought a smile to my face," stated another.
Several messages recalled the joy of petting "your fuzzy, soft head" and the pleasure Annie got from "having your belly scratched."
Research coordinator Chris Wells recalled how his rat terrier-Chihuahua mix named Presley would greet Annie during daily walks. "I'm not surprised by this shrine," Wells said. "This is a dog-friendly part of the Miracle Mile."
Joshua Goolsey, a retail manager, agreed. "Annie knew all the dogs in the neighborhood," he said. "She'd pick herself up off the ground to come say hello. She was the nicest big dog you'll ever see."
City Department of Water and Power worker Jon Fernandez regularly makes service calls in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood. He remembered his apprehension when he first walked past the unchained dog three years ago.
"I was a little nervous. Dogs sometimes come after us. But she was very docile," Fernandez said. "I saw her out here just last Saturday."
Casting director Michael McCaskey also remembered seeing Annie in her usual spot on Saturday. "She was such a friendly dog. Everybody loved her," he said.
Annie's owner, Jack Zurla, said he was moved by those who have contributed to the impromptu memorial. He said he rescued Annie 12 years ago when he found the abandoned puppy foraging for food near the corner of Washington Boulevard and La Brea Avenue.
"I'll remember Annie as a dog that was more human than dog. She had the capacity to understand people. She was a dog of compassion for everybody. She gave people comfort," said Zurla, a designer glass and wrought iron company representative.
Zurla said people have stood crying in front of Annie's shrine.
"Annie made people feel like she understood their pain and sorrow," he said. "She was always ready to give someone some love."
As reported By bob Pool, Los Angeles Times
If your errands, dog walk or city job took you past a tree at the corner of 4th Street and Cochran Avenue, you knew and loved Annie, a husky mix who died Saturday.
There are candles and flowers on the ground, and sympathy cards, personal notes and photographs on a tree.
But the shrine that popped up this week at the corner of 4th Street and Cochran Avenue doesn't memorialize someone killed in a car crash or drive-by shooting.
It honors Annie the dog, who died Saturday night after she was stung by a bee and went into anaphylactic shock.
For four years the husky mix spent each day lying beneath a tree in front of an apartment house, greeting a passing parade of dog-walkers, errand-runners and those simply out for an evening stroll.
"She just enjoyed watching the world go by," said Brian Savage, an actor who lives nearby. "She never ran off, never barked at anyone. She was just a pillar of the neighborhood."
She was more than that, said Michael Moravek, also an actor.
Moravek placed a snapshot he had taken of her on the shrine. "She was our neighborhood guardian. Even now, Annie is bringing us together."
Six-year-old Roman DiGiulio walked to the memorial with his mother and placed a hand-printed note and a large red heart on the tree. "Have a good life in heaven, sweet doggie," read the note.
"I've known Annie for years," Caroline DiGiulio said. "She was considered the neighborhood dog. She loved being outside, and people loved seeing her."
Other condolence notes thanked Annie. "You were an angel here, and you are an angel now, sweet girl," read one. "You were such a special soul. Seeing you under this tree always brought a smile to my face," stated another.
Several messages recalled the joy of petting "your fuzzy, soft head" and the pleasure Annie got from "having your belly scratched."
Research coordinator Chris Wells recalled how his rat terrier-Chihuahua mix named Presley would greet Annie during daily walks. "I'm not surprised by this shrine," Wells said. "This is a dog-friendly part of the Miracle Mile."
Joshua Goolsey, a retail manager, agreed. "Annie knew all the dogs in the neighborhood," he said. "She'd pick herself up off the ground to come say hello. She was the nicest big dog you'll ever see."
City Department of Water and Power worker Jon Fernandez regularly makes service calls in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood. He remembered his apprehension when he first walked past the unchained dog three years ago.
"I was a little nervous. Dogs sometimes come after us. But she was very docile," Fernandez said. "I saw her out here just last Saturday."
Casting director Michael McCaskey also remembered seeing Annie in her usual spot on Saturday. "She was such a friendly dog. Everybody loved her," he said.
Annie's owner, Jack Zurla, said he was moved by those who have contributed to the impromptu memorial. He said he rescued Annie 12 years ago when he found the abandoned puppy foraging for food near the corner of Washington Boulevard and La Brea Avenue.
"I'll remember Annie as a dog that was more human than dog. She had the capacity to understand people. She was a dog of compassion for everybody. She gave people comfort," said Zurla, a designer glass and wrought iron company representative.
Zurla said people have stood crying in front of Annie's shrine.
"Annie made people feel like she understood their pain and sorrow," he said. "She was always ready to give someone some love."
As reported By bob Pool, Los Angeles Times
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Driving with your dog in your lap - will soon become illegal.
A 2010 survey by AAA found that driving while balancing a dog on one's lap is far more prevalent - and distracting - then anyone thought.
According to the survey, 21% of respondents admitted letting a dog sit in their laps while they drove; 7% said they'd given their dog food or water while driving, and 5% had played with the pup while the car moved. Thirty-one percent admitted to being distracted by their dog while driving, no matter whe
re the dog spent the journey.
“An unrestrain
ed 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly 500 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert 2400 pounds of pressure,” said Beth Mosher, AAA Director of Public Affairs. “Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in the vehicle in its path.”
According to the survey, 21% of respondents admitted letting a dog sit in their laps while they drove; 7% said they'd given their dog food or water while driving, and 5% had played with the pup while the car moved. Thirty-one percent admitted to being distracted by their dog while driving, no matter whe
re the dog spent the journey.
“An unrestrain
ed 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly 500 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert 2400 pounds of pressure,” said Beth Mosher, AAA Director of Public Affairs. “Imagine the devastation that can cause to your pet and anyone in the vehicle in its path.”
The online study has a sample size of 1000 dog people who have driven with their dog in the last year.
In the soon to be released book, Stress Out for Cats, Dogs & their People, one contributor shares her story and how her dog paid the price of riding in her lap while she was driving.
Any parent knows how distracting a child can be in the car; and a child not in a proper seat and seatbelt is dangerous to both the child and the drivers ability to stay focused on the road. So the question is why do drivers think that a dog is less of a distraction, or deserves less safety in the car?
In the soon to be released book, Stress Out for Cats, Dogs & their People, one contributor shares her story and how her dog paid the price of riding in her lap while she was driving.
Any parent knows how distracting a child can be in the car; and a child not in a proper seat and seatbelt is dangerous to both the child and the drivers ability to stay focused on the road. So the question is why do drivers think that a dog is less of a distraction, or deserves less safety in the car?
"Anyone who believes that money can't buy happiness, has never paid an adoption fee."
California
Featured Adoptable Pet:
A121560
Yuba County Animal Care Services
Olivehurst, CA
compliments of Petfinder.com
Featured Adoptable Pet:
A121560
Yuba County Animal Care Services
Olivehurst, CA
compliments of Petfinder.com
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)