Service Animals - Don't get me started

We've all been exposed to animals claiming to be "service animals" with many acting in a fashion not in alignment with the "service dog" ideology.

The topic of service animals has been "hot" for a long time now.
And honestly? It's getting hotter — because the line between a true service dog and a “just-bought-a-vest-on-the-internet” dog seems to be getting blurrier by the day.

Let’s start here:
The bond between a service dog and their partner — their human — is built on nothing less than mutual trust, honor, faith, respect, and complete love.
A service dog isn’t just a pet.
They become the eyes, ears, legs, and sometimes even the arms for the person who needs them.
They lead.
They guide.
They protect.

And most importantly — they work.

Service animals are working animals. Not pets.
Under the ADA, a true service dog has to be trained to perform specific tasks directly related to their human’s disability.
Sure, they also provide emotional support just by being there (because dogs are magic like that), but if that’s all they’re doing, they don’t meet the federal definition of a service dog.
Comfort is a bonus, not the job description.

Our Hazel is a true service dog.

She’s been trained — through a lot of time, energy, and the patience of saints like Julie from Paws In Time and Barb, our private trainer — to specifically help the big guy.
Hazel helps with balance support.
She opens doors.
She assists him after a fall.
She even provides emotional support during those terrifying syncope (passing out) episodes by placing her head on his chest and gently breathing on him. I know it sounds weird, but he gets great comfort from the closeness.

Hazel’s first job is to work.
Being a family pet comes in second (even if she occasionally sneaks into bed with our grandson at night and "borrows" stuffed animals she fully believes are dog toys — no squeaker is safe).
She sits guard outside the bathroom door during our grandson’s bath time, ever watchful.
Her whole day revolves around hanging with the big guy, shadowing his every move, just in case.
One of her biggest jobs? Making sure he gets home safe from their walks — because sometimes he gets a little turned around. Maintaining autonomy and independence is really important!

Without Hazel, the big guy wouldn’t be able to get out and about independently.
She’s his safety net — and sometimes his sandwich buddy at Subway.

Hazel takes her job seriously.
She’s always quiet, always observant.
Her number one responsibility is him.

Case in point: a few weeks ago, a neighborhood dog surprised them both by charging him and knocking him to the ground.
Hazel didn’t attack. She didn’t fight back.
She positioned herself between him and the other dog, stayed perfectly still, and kept the threat away from her person — even while being pinned by the neck.
Once the dog ran off, Hazel immediately got back to his side, still occasionally glancing over her shoulder. She would keep a watchful eye whenever they passed that house.
Ever the professional, even when she’s scared.

Unfortunately, the rise of “fake” service animals is real.
We’ve witnessed it firsthand — like the woman at the airport, telling everyone her tiny dog was a "service dog" while whispering, "I just say that so I can take her with me. They can’t ask you legally. I just bought a vest online."
Or the dogs barking, growling, nipping at people in public — all completely unacceptable behaviors for a real service animal.

How do we fix it?

Maybe we need official, legal identification — badges, microchips, government-approved paperwork — something that says, “Yep, this one’s legit.”
Hazel? She has a photo ID card on her vest and a microchip that verifies her training and status. She’s trained to specifically provide several levels of assistance for my love.

And here’s something a lot of people don't realize:
Not every service dog comes from a fancy agency.
Those beautiful, highly trained service dogs from agencies? They can cost upwards of $20,000 — and that's if you can even get one.
The waiting lists are miles long, and most grant and scholarship programs prioritize veterans and children with disabilities — as they should.
But it meant we had to get creative.

Thanks to incredible support from family and friends, we were able to buy and train Hazel ourselves — to the tune of about $15,000.
And training never really stops.
As the big guy’s needs change, Hazel’s skills have to change right along with him.
(Although she’s also perfected her winter skill: professional couch potato.)

As our doctor’s offices installed those swipe sensor thingies for their entrance doors, we had to figure out how Hazel was going to open the door. We started with a small “tap light” and taught her to “touch” it by booping it with her nose. As we raised the light higher and higher on the wall, she ultimately learned to “boop” the light to get the sensor to open door. Pretty genius, huh? We laughed pretty hard over that one.

The legitimacy of service animals is — and will continue to be — a hot topic.
But here’s the deal when you encounter a service dog:

• They’re working. Always. Don't distract them.

• Don’t let your kids run over to pet the dog (and don’t get mad at me when I gently say “no, the dog is working”).

• And for the love of common sense, don’t stand around the corner making kissy noises to get my dog’s attention.
  Yes, I heard you.
  No, it’s not cute.
  And yes, I still think you’re a complete boob for doing it.

Hazel may be beautiful — inside and out — but she’s not here for your entertainment.

She’s here for the big guy.
She’s here to work.
And every single day, she does it with heart, soul, and more loyalty than most humans could ever dream of.