There is a big difference between a companion animal, a service animal and a live binky. You may call it a pacifier (the proper term), wubbie, lovey or whatever, but some of the things going on with humans and animals in public is getting a bit out of hand. I’m talking abuse of privilege and downright stupidity when it comes to traveling with an animal.
Of course I have friends for whom a companion animal is comfort in stressful times. This includes our armed service members and victims of trauma and abuse. They are paired with animals who can relieve stress and lessen the psychological effects of flashbacks and other by-products of life after incidents too terrible for any human to experience.I nor anybody else should have a complaint about them.
Service animals see for the blind, hear for the deaf and shore up epileptics or other persons prone to falls who can otherwise lead productive lives.
But some imbeciles out there are trying to play the system. For a few bucks, one can buy a fake testimonial letter and service animal vest for a pet and get away with going just about anywhere with them. We’re not talking about just dogs, either; potbellied pigs, ferrets and other small weasels or rodents also qualify, as do snakes, spiders and heaven knows what else might in future make the cut.
The people doing this are trying to get their pets free flights on airlines, since any type of support animal is accepted in the cabin rather than in with the luggage and traveling pets. Folks also want their animals coming into the department stores and restaurants with them. There is a problem with this; people are allergic to animals, and service animals are trained to not be a hazard in places where cleanliness is a must. Would you want to have to summon a waiter and say, “Waiter, there is a service ferret in my soup?”
This must stop now. No soldier should be refused a seat on a plane because some lady with a chihuahua wearing a fake “service animal” vest got preferential treatment. Some people have no self-restraint or sense of decency and need a well-placed heel of the hand upside the head. Leave your pet at home or pay up, so others don’t pay a larger price for your ignorance.
(Below is an article link which may be helpful if you want to read more):
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