Service Dogs
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Service Dogs for TN Patients
September 14, 2006
Purpose: To inform the audience about the usage of service dogs by the disabled.
Central Idea: Service dogs can help the disabled in many ways.
Main Points:
1. Introduction
2. What is the role of a Service Dog in the life of a Disabled person?
3. What is the difference between a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and Companion/pet?
4. What access rights do disabled people with service dogs have?
5. How are Service Dogs selected, trained, and registered?
6. Conclusion
7. Bibliography/Links
Introduction
Hi, my name is Cherie Sato and I am here to talk to you about “Service Dogs” for the disabled. TN and
other facial pains are very disabling.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has a three-part definition of disability. Under ADA, an
individual with a disability is a person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially
limits one or more major life activities; OR (2) has a record of such impairment; OR (3) is regarded as
having such impairment.
A physical impairment is defined by ADA as "any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic
disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological,
musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular,
reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine." (1)
A Disability affects a major part of your life. This does not mean that you have to be on SSDI or SSI.
What is the role of a Service Dog in the Life of a Disabled Person?
I am talking to you about Service Dogs today because TN has turned our lives upside down. Many of
us cannot go outside, go to the movies, eat out, or talk, along with other major things in our lives. Some
have become disabled with TN, AD or other facial pain. A Service Dog is a wonderful thing to be able to
have in our lives. Some people may live alone while others have husbands or wives that are gone to
work. When you have a Service Dog, there is always “someone” right there with you to help you through
difficult times and remind you to take your medication.
It is a privilege to have a Service Dog because they make a huge difference in our lives. If you are
able to go out at anytime, you have your dog right with you. There is depression that can go along with
any disability and having a Service Dog with you can help to lessen the depression or even make it go
away. Sometimes they can even help with the pain that you are having. Dogs are very intelligent and
most know when their owner is in pain. You can be lying on the bed with your dog and this can be a big
comfort for people by the physical touching an animal. There is no judgment, no demands and only
unconditional love for you.
What is the Difference Between a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and Companion/Pet?
“Service animals are legally defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and are they are
trained to meet the disability-related needs of their handlers who have disabilities. Federal laws protect
the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in public places.
Service animals are not considered "pets." Service animals are animals that are individually trained to
perform tasks for people with disabilities such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are
deaf, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other
special tasks. Service animals are working animals.
Federal law does not legally define therapy animals, but some states have laws defining therapy
animals. They provide people with contact to animals, but are not limited to working with people who
have disabilities. They are usually the personal pets of their handlers, and work with their handlers to
provide services to others. Visiting hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, with their human
partner. Federal laws have no provisions for people to be accompanied by therapy animals in places of
public accommodation that have "no pets" policies. Therapy animals usually are not service animals.
A Companion animal is not legally defined, but is accepted as another term for pet. "Social/therapy"
animals or Emotional Support” animals likewise have no legal definition. They often are animals that did
not complete service animal or service dog training due to health, disposition, trainability, or other
factors, and are made available as pets for people who have disabilities. These animals do NOT have
public access rights, however they do have rights in housing under the HUD Fair Housing act.”
Back to the top
What access rights do disabled people with service dogs have?
The qualified disabled person is the one who has the right to be accompanied by a specially trained
assistance dog.
There are three elements that define the right to be accompanied by a Service Dog in all places of
public accommodations as per the ADA:
1. The disabling condition must be severe enough to substantially limit one or more major life
activity, such as the ability to see or hear, speak, breathe, learn, work, think, or take care of your self.
2. The dog must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks, which serve to mitigate the
disabling condition. (Seventh Circuit decision, Federal Court of Appeals in Bronk vs. Iniechen).
3. The dog must be well behaved and under control. Business owners and other representatives of
the places of public accommodation have the legal right to exclude any dog that displays aggressive
behavior or are out of control. They also may exclude any dog whose behavior disrupts the provision of
goods or services, such as a dog barking in a movie theater.
“Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public
must make that business or organization accessible to people with disabilities to bring their service
animals into all areas of the facility that are open to the public. This federal law applies to all businesses
open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, taxis and shuttles, grocery and department stores,
hospitals and medical offices, theaters, health clubs, parks, and zoos. It does not cover places that are
for private use like a Church, Private Country Clubs, any places that are run for members only, not
opened to the public. It is up to that place if they allow the dog in or not.”
Jake goes to church with me and he is very much welcomed there. There are many Churches that are
the same way and Jake and I have gone to other Churches with no problems. Your dog MUST be very
well behaved to pass as a service dog. If you are renting, Service Dogs cannot be refused. It’s against
the ADA laws and they can be sued for refusing you. (It is a denial of civil rights)
I am always nice when talking to people because most do not understand what a Service Dog is. If I’m
not feeling well and it’s in a store and it’s not a clerk, I tell them to look it up on the computer. There are
times that I just don’t want to get into explaining what a Service Dog is and there is nothing wrong with
that. Just say it as nicely as you can. I carry business cards that list politely the proper etiquette when
you encounter an assistance dog team and I pass them out freely to help educate the public.
How are Service Dogs Selected, Trained, and Registered?
Back to the Top
If you are renting, you need to obtain a note from your doctor on a prescription slip stating, “I’m
disabled and a dog is a part of my treatment program.” The disability should not be listed. (Each state’
s codes must be checked…State and local laws and requirements may differ depending on which state
you live). You do not need to tell anyone what your disability is. They will not understand TN first of all
and second, it’s none of their business. Unless the organization you are getting the dog from requires a
Doctors evaluation, you do not need a note to get an assistance dog. This sounds a bit confrontational
but we as a disabled community would like to educate in a more positive manner. Our civil right to
privacy covers any inquiries that become too personal and invasive.
My suggestions when looking for a Service Dog: I would definitely take someone (with dog training
experience) along with you. This is because you can be looking at a dog that you like, but it keeps
running away from you. Meanwhile, there is a dog that you don’t notice that is trying to get your
attention and your companion may see this while you are so focused on the other dog. The dog paying
attention to you is the one that you want. This dog senses something about you, but the dog running
away could care less. Health history and health examinations are high priority for the sake of the dog
and the future of the partnership
Service Dog training starts with obedience training and socialization and you can look for that in your
area. Find someone who is qualified to help you train your dog for what you need. Try Googling in your
area to see for “financial help with a service dog” or call the city “Parks and Recreation” and as ask if
there is an obedience-training program that they might offer and as (and local veterinary hospitals and
humane society offices) ask if there is an obedience-training program that they might offer.
Those who are interested in owner-training may find a support club of owner-trainers of SD’s in your
area that will assist in sharing training information and socialization groups…socialization is very
important is the early development of a SDIT. Involve your caretakers, physical therapist and medical
support personnel in this process. If you need financial help with the training, I would check out your
state. I Googled CA like (http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/Assistance_184.htm) California
Department of Social Services, Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) Program).
You might try the “Optimist Club” (fraternal organizations, private grants and religious organizations in
your area. (Do not overlook supportive friends and family who can help with fundraisers.) You have to
do some “seeking out” for this. Also check out www.deltasociety.org and www.iaadp.org for more
suggestions and lots of information about Service Dogs.
When partnered with an assistance dog there are many other important considerations that will
become part of t your daily life. Wherever you go the dog needs to be trained to sit under your seat, don’
t feed them at the restaurant, take a bottle of water with you when you go out. Don’t let them walk on
pavement hot enough to burn their feet, or on surfaces that may cut the pads of their feet. Use steps or
elevators only, NO ESCALATORS. A dog can get his toes caught at the top or bottom of the escalator
and that would be horrific. There are trainers that teach you how to use escalators with a Service Dogs
but I am NOT one of them and there are other trainers that do NOT use them. Too much can go wrong
and I do not want to hurt my dog.
For Guide Dogs for the Blind ONLY they are taught to use escalators (others should not). Sometimes
it's hard for a blind person to use an elevator if they don't understand Braille, and sometimes it's difficult
to use stairs. So that is the one exception to that rule. As the person is working in training with the dog,
escalators are a whole day of working together. You have to do it to graduate with the dog. The dog is
taught to almost jump on and off the escalator.... they don't touch the beginning or the end of the thing.
I use the Timex timer, which has 7 days worth of containers that you can put your medication into. http:
//www.comforthouse.com/comfort/pocpilboxwit.html (Comfort House 1-800-359-7701 Worldwide 1-973-
242-8080 Fax 1-973-242-0131 Telephone Hours: 8:00AM-4:00PM Eastern Monday-Friday) Jake alerts
me if I don’t hear the timer Jake barks to let me know that the timer has gone off and this is what makes
him a “Medical Alert and Response” Service Dog. The training should be done by touch and not
barking. The reason is that if you are in a restaurant or movie theater, you don’t want the dog barking.
Let the trainer know what the timer is for and they will teach you how to do the training. I use the
“nudging” method for training.
Back to the Top
Specially trained Service Dogs (Medical Alert and Response Animal) is what is good for us with TN.
We have to take our medications on time or there can be repercussions. There are times that we can
sleep through the when we are supposed to be taking our medication. This may be a time that a
Service Dog needs to bark to wake you up since we do NOT want them licking our face and there are
some people who do NOT want to be nudge on parts of our bodies due to things like Fibromyalgia, etc.
This may be a time that a Service Dog needs to be trained in two different ways.
In CA licensing your SD is free and there is a Form 30000850 to fill out for a medallion stating that this
is a Service Dog, which you can get through the Animal Shelter. I don’t know if the form is the same in
all states, but I did find out that in New York, Oregon and Arizona there is help. So you will have to do
some checking in your area. You will be sent a form to fill out, and certain papers need to be sent along
with this form. Licenses are free for service animals in CA. Wherever you live you need to call your
county to see if it is free. I called the Dog License phone number here in Oregon and was asked the
question, “Do you mean for the blind?” and I had to explain to her that there are many different services
that a dog can provide. She understood what I was talking about and in that County it was free.
For those who are on SSI or SSDI you can receive a check for care and maintenance of your Service
Dog in the amount of $50 if on SSDI, and $35 if only on SSI. If you are on both, you get only one check
for $50 each month. This is in CA and if you live in another state, I would definitely check it out for your
state. For CA the phone # is (916) 657-2628. This helps towards the food, grooming and vet bills.
Some trainers have scholarship or financial assistance programs. Since service dogs meet health
needs, people should investigate whether their medical insurance or entitlement (Medicare, Medicaid,
VA benefits) will cover any of the costs. Civic and charitable organizations sometimes provide financial
assistance. These organizations can include local:
· Lions.
· Elks.
· Chamber of Commerce.
· Diagnosis-related associations.
· Alumni associations.
· Other resources
· Network within your community and the resources listed Delta Society web site to locate possible
funding sources.
Conclusion
I hope that I have been able to show you the many different positive roles that a Service Dog can play
in the lives of the disabled, as well as the access rights of the disabled regarding the use of their
Service Dogs. We have covered the difference between a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and Companion
Dog, and the selection, training, and registration of Service Dogs. I have included links in my handout
for those seeking additional information on this subject.
You might be thinking that this lady is standing up here talking about a dog and I’m sitting here in
horrific pain!!!! I also have had TN for 23 years and now have AD along with a multiple of other invisible
disabilities. I am speaking to you from the experience of years of disability and the life sustaining
partnership of a service dot/assistance do at my side.
There is growing evidence that pets, service dogs, etc. have a positive effect on our health. Seniors
with pets go to the doctor less often. Therapy dogs that go to nursing homes use fewer prescription
drugs. They can’t cure illness, but they have a therapeutic gift that they are only too happy to share
with us. Animals can help individuals with low self-esteem by placing the focus on the animals rather
than themselves. “When you share your joy, it multiplies; when you share your pain, you cut it in half.”
Animals are capable of doing a lot more for us than people give them credit for. I know from my 53
years of having dogs in my life how they can motivate you, how they can help us to forget our troubles,
and how an animal can elicit a smile, stimulate conversation, evoke memories and show the unending
“unconditional love” that they have for us.
Animals are great teachers and one of the most important things that they can teach is for us to “live in
the moment”. I call Jake my little angel sent by God.
Back to the Top
Bibliography
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/qasrvc.htm commonly asked questions about SD’s in the Business place
http://www.iaadp.org/ This is an organization that if you have a fully trained service dog you can join.
They send you a great quarterly, very informative, newsletter. They also always are working for those
of us who have SD’s. The membership is $20 a year and one of the benefits is FREE Advantage for a
year. That is at least a $67 value.
http://www.sitstay.com/ For the vest and decals. Please make sure that you dog has been trained as a
SD.
http://www.ada.gov/t3compfm.htm to file a complaint
http://www.ada.gov/adahom1.htm Home page to ADA
Here is a Testimony from a TN patient:
“A service dog or companion animal (that would be used only at home) really gives a person a greater
sense of purpose. When someone else is relying on you to be alive and be awake, it motivates one to
rise to the occasion and not just stay in bed all day wondering if you would be better off dead. On the
other side, it is important to not be alone when in pain. A service/companion animal is much much more
than a pet. It is a lifeline. It is there during the darkest hours and loves you regardless of what you may
feel about yourself. Depression eases its way into the life of a person in chronic pain. It is difficult to
realize and more difficult acknowledge and accept that somewhere along the line depression seeped in
and is now added to the already full cup a person in pain is holding. This is really not the time to be
alone. Human companionship is not always an option. A service dog or companion animal is often times
a better option than human companion or in addition to human companion and is be granted the right to
go where you go.”
Cherie Sato 30 year experience in training dogs
760-729-8987
ticnews@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.ticnew.org
Return to Home Page
September 14, 2006
Purpose: To inform the audience about the usage of service dogs by the disabled.
Central Idea: Service dogs can help the disabled in many ways.
Main Points:
1. Introduction
2. What is the role of a Service Dog in the life of a Disabled person?
3. What is the difference between a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and Companion/pet?
4. What access rights do disabled people with service dogs have?
5. How are Service Dogs selected, trained, and registered?
6. Conclusion
7. Bibliography/Links
Introduction
Hi, my name is Cherie Sato and I am here to talk to you about “Service Dogs” for the disabled. TN and
other facial pains are very disabling.
“The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has a three-part definition of disability. Under ADA, an
individual with a disability is a person who: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially
limits one or more major life activities; OR (2) has a record of such impairment; OR (3) is regarded as
having such impairment.
A physical impairment is defined by ADA as "any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic
disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: neurological,
musculoskeletal, special sense organs, respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular,
reproductive, digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine." (1)
A Disability affects a major part of your life. This does not mean that you have to be on SSDI or SSI.
What is the role of a Service Dog in the Life of a Disabled Person?
I am talking to you about Service Dogs today because TN has turned our lives upside down. Many of
us cannot go outside, go to the movies, eat out, or talk, along with other major things in our lives. Some
have become disabled with TN, AD or other facial pain. A Service Dog is a wonderful thing to be able to
have in our lives. Some people may live alone while others have husbands or wives that are gone to
work. When you have a Service Dog, there is always “someone” right there with you to help you through
difficult times and remind you to take your medication.
It is a privilege to have a Service Dog because they make a huge difference in our lives. If you are
able to go out at anytime, you have your dog right with you. There is depression that can go along with
any disability and having a Service Dog with you can help to lessen the depression or even make it go
away. Sometimes they can even help with the pain that you are having. Dogs are very intelligent and
most know when their owner is in pain. You can be lying on the bed with your dog and this can be a big
comfort for people by the physical touching an animal. There is no judgment, no demands and only
unconditional love for you.
What is the Difference Between a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and Companion/Pet?
“Service animals are legally defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and are they are
trained to meet the disability-related needs of their handlers who have disabilities. Federal laws protect
the rights of individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals in public places.
Service animals are not considered "pets." Service animals are animals that are individually trained to
perform tasks for people with disabilities such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are
deaf, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other
special tasks. Service animals are working animals.
Federal law does not legally define therapy animals, but some states have laws defining therapy
animals. They provide people with contact to animals, but are not limited to working with people who
have disabilities. They are usually the personal pets of their handlers, and work with their handlers to
provide services to others. Visiting hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, with their human
partner. Federal laws have no provisions for people to be accompanied by therapy animals in places of
public accommodation that have "no pets" policies. Therapy animals usually are not service animals.
A Companion animal is not legally defined, but is accepted as another term for pet. "Social/therapy"
animals or Emotional Support” animals likewise have no legal definition. They often are animals that did
not complete service animal or service dog training due to health, disposition, trainability, or other
factors, and are made available as pets for people who have disabilities. These animals do NOT have
public access rights, however they do have rights in housing under the HUD Fair Housing act.”
Back to the top
What access rights do disabled people with service dogs have?
The qualified disabled person is the one who has the right to be accompanied by a specially trained
assistance dog.
There are three elements that define the right to be accompanied by a Service Dog in all places of
public accommodations as per the ADA:
1. The disabling condition must be severe enough to substantially limit one or more major life
activity, such as the ability to see or hear, speak, breathe, learn, work, think, or take care of your self.
2. The dog must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks, which serve to mitigate the
disabling condition. (Seventh Circuit decision, Federal Court of Appeals in Bronk vs. Iniechen).
3. The dog must be well behaved and under control. Business owners and other representatives of
the places of public accommodation have the legal right to exclude any dog that displays aggressive
behavior or are out of control. They also may exclude any dog whose behavior disrupts the provision of
goods or services, such as a dog barking in a movie theater.
“Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public
must make that business or organization accessible to people with disabilities to bring their service
animals into all areas of the facility that are open to the public. This federal law applies to all businesses
open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, taxis and shuttles, grocery and department stores,
hospitals and medical offices, theaters, health clubs, parks, and zoos. It does not cover places that are
for private use like a Church, Private Country Clubs, any places that are run for members only, not
opened to the public. It is up to that place if they allow the dog in or not.”
Jake goes to church with me and he is very much welcomed there. There are many Churches that are
the same way and Jake and I have gone to other Churches with no problems. Your dog MUST be very
well behaved to pass as a service dog. If you are renting, Service Dogs cannot be refused. It’s against
the ADA laws and they can be sued for refusing you. (It is a denial of civil rights)
I am always nice when talking to people because most do not understand what a Service Dog is. If I’m
not feeling well and it’s in a store and it’s not a clerk, I tell them to look it up on the computer. There are
times that I just don’t want to get into explaining what a Service Dog is and there is nothing wrong with
that. Just say it as nicely as you can. I carry business cards that list politely the proper etiquette when
you encounter an assistance dog team and I pass them out freely to help educate the public.
How are Service Dogs Selected, Trained, and Registered?
Back to the Top
If you are renting, you need to obtain a note from your doctor on a prescription slip stating, “I’m
disabled and a dog is a part of my treatment program.” The disability should not be listed. (Each state’
s codes must be checked…State and local laws and requirements may differ depending on which state
you live). You do not need to tell anyone what your disability is. They will not understand TN first of all
and second, it’s none of their business. Unless the organization you are getting the dog from requires a
Doctors evaluation, you do not need a note to get an assistance dog. This sounds a bit confrontational
but we as a disabled community would like to educate in a more positive manner. Our civil right to
privacy covers any inquiries that become too personal and invasive.
My suggestions when looking for a Service Dog: I would definitely take someone (with dog training
experience) along with you. This is because you can be looking at a dog that you like, but it keeps
running away from you. Meanwhile, there is a dog that you don’t notice that is trying to get your
attention and your companion may see this while you are so focused on the other dog. The dog paying
attention to you is the one that you want. This dog senses something about you, but the dog running
away could care less. Health history and health examinations are high priority for the sake of the dog
and the future of the partnership
Service Dog training starts with obedience training and socialization and you can look for that in your
area. Find someone who is qualified to help you train your dog for what you need. Try Googling in your
area to see for “financial help with a service dog” or call the city “Parks and Recreation” and as ask if
there is an obedience-training program that they might offer and as (and local veterinary hospitals and
humane society offices) ask if there is an obedience-training program that they might offer.
Those who are interested in owner-training may find a support club of owner-trainers of SD’s in your
area that will assist in sharing training information and socialization groups…socialization is very
important is the early development of a SDIT. Involve your caretakers, physical therapist and medical
support personnel in this process. If you need financial help with the training, I would check out your
state. I Googled CA like (http://www.dss.cahwnet.gov/cdssweb/Assistance_184.htm) California
Department of Social Services, Assistance Dog Special Allowance (ADSA) Program).
You might try the “Optimist Club” (fraternal organizations, private grants and religious organizations in
your area. (Do not overlook supportive friends and family who can help with fundraisers.) You have to
do some “seeking out” for this. Also check out www.deltasociety.org and www.iaadp.org for more
suggestions and lots of information about Service Dogs.
When partnered with an assistance dog there are many other important considerations that will
become part of t your daily life. Wherever you go the dog needs to be trained to sit under your seat, don’
t feed them at the restaurant, take a bottle of water with you when you go out. Don’t let them walk on
pavement hot enough to burn their feet, or on surfaces that may cut the pads of their feet. Use steps or
elevators only, NO ESCALATORS. A dog can get his toes caught at the top or bottom of the escalator
and that would be horrific. There are trainers that teach you how to use escalators with a Service Dogs
but I am NOT one of them and there are other trainers that do NOT use them. Too much can go wrong
and I do not want to hurt my dog.
For Guide Dogs for the Blind ONLY they are taught to use escalators (others should not). Sometimes
it's hard for a blind person to use an elevator if they don't understand Braille, and sometimes it's difficult
to use stairs. So that is the one exception to that rule. As the person is working in training with the dog,
escalators are a whole day of working together. You have to do it to graduate with the dog. The dog is
taught to almost jump on and off the escalator.... they don't touch the beginning or the end of the thing.
I use the Timex timer, which has 7 days worth of containers that you can put your medication into. http:
//www.comforthouse.com/comfort/pocpilboxwit.html (Comfort House 1-800-359-7701 Worldwide 1-973-
242-8080 Fax 1-973-242-0131 Telephone Hours: 8:00AM-4:00PM Eastern Monday-Friday) Jake alerts
me if I don’t hear the timer Jake barks to let me know that the timer has gone off and this is what makes
him a “Medical Alert and Response” Service Dog. The training should be done by touch and not
barking. The reason is that if you are in a restaurant or movie theater, you don’t want the dog barking.
Let the trainer know what the timer is for and they will teach you how to do the training. I use the
“nudging” method for training.
Back to the Top
Specially trained Service Dogs (Medical Alert and Response Animal) is what is good for us with TN.
We have to take our medications on time or there can be repercussions. There are times that we can
sleep through the when we are supposed to be taking our medication. This may be a time that a
Service Dog needs to bark to wake you up since we do NOT want them licking our face and there are
some people who do NOT want to be nudge on parts of our bodies due to things like Fibromyalgia, etc.
This may be a time that a Service Dog needs to be trained in two different ways.
In CA licensing your SD is free and there is a Form 30000850 to fill out for a medallion stating that this
is a Service Dog, which you can get through the Animal Shelter. I don’t know if the form is the same in
all states, but I did find out that in New York, Oregon and Arizona there is help. So you will have to do
some checking in your area. You will be sent a form to fill out, and certain papers need to be sent along
with this form. Licenses are free for service animals in CA. Wherever you live you need to call your
county to see if it is free. I called the Dog License phone number here in Oregon and was asked the
question, “Do you mean for the blind?” and I had to explain to her that there are many different services
that a dog can provide. She understood what I was talking about and in that County it was free.
For those who are on SSI or SSDI you can receive a check for care and maintenance of your Service
Dog in the amount of $50 if on SSDI, and $35 if only on SSI. If you are on both, you get only one check
for $50 each month. This is in CA and if you live in another state, I would definitely check it out for your
state. For CA the phone # is (916) 657-2628. This helps towards the food, grooming and vet bills.
Some trainers have scholarship or financial assistance programs. Since service dogs meet health
needs, people should investigate whether their medical insurance or entitlement (Medicare, Medicaid,
VA benefits) will cover any of the costs. Civic and charitable organizations sometimes provide financial
assistance. These organizations can include local:
· Lions.
· Elks.
· Chamber of Commerce.
· Diagnosis-related associations.
· Alumni associations.
· Other resources
· Network within your community and the resources listed Delta Society web site to locate possible
funding sources.
Conclusion
I hope that I have been able to show you the many different positive roles that a Service Dog can play
in the lives of the disabled, as well as the access rights of the disabled regarding the use of their
Service Dogs. We have covered the difference between a Service Dog, Therapy Dog, and Companion
Dog, and the selection, training, and registration of Service Dogs. I have included links in my handout
for those seeking additional information on this subject.
You might be thinking that this lady is standing up here talking about a dog and I’m sitting here in
horrific pain!!!! I also have had TN for 23 years and now have AD along with a multiple of other invisible
disabilities. I am speaking to you from the experience of years of disability and the life sustaining
partnership of a service dot/assistance do at my side.
There is growing evidence that pets, service dogs, etc. have a positive effect on our health. Seniors
with pets go to the doctor less often. Therapy dogs that go to nursing homes use fewer prescription
drugs. They can’t cure illness, but they have a therapeutic gift that they are only too happy to share
with us. Animals can help individuals with low self-esteem by placing the focus on the animals rather
than themselves. “When you share your joy, it multiplies; when you share your pain, you cut it in half.”
Animals are capable of doing a lot more for us than people give them credit for. I know from my 53
years of having dogs in my life how they can motivate you, how they can help us to forget our troubles,
and how an animal can elicit a smile, stimulate conversation, evoke memories and show the unending
“unconditional love” that they have for us.
Animals are great teachers and one of the most important things that they can teach is for us to “live in
the moment”. I call Jake my little angel sent by God.
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Bibliography
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/qasrvc.htm commonly asked questions about SD’s in the Business place
http://www.iaadp.org/ This is an organization that if you have a fully trained service dog you can join.
They send you a great quarterly, very informative, newsletter. They also always are working for those
of us who have SD’s. The membership is $20 a year and one of the benefits is FREE Advantage for a
year. That is at least a $67 value.
http://www.sitstay.com/ For the vest and decals. Please make sure that you dog has been trained as a
SD.
http://www.ada.gov/t3compfm.htm to file a complaint
http://www.ada.gov/adahom1.htm Home page to ADA
Here is a Testimony from a TN patient:
“A service dog or companion animal (that would be used only at home) really gives a person a greater
sense of purpose. When someone else is relying on you to be alive and be awake, it motivates one to
rise to the occasion and not just stay in bed all day wondering if you would be better off dead. On the
other side, it is important to not be alone when in pain. A service/companion animal is much much more
than a pet. It is a lifeline. It is there during the darkest hours and loves you regardless of what you may
feel about yourself. Depression eases its way into the life of a person in chronic pain. It is difficult to
realize and more difficult acknowledge and accept that somewhere along the line depression seeped in
and is now added to the already full cup a person in pain is holding. This is really not the time to be
alone. Human companionship is not always an option. A service dog or companion animal is often times
a better option than human companion or in addition to human companion and is be granted the right to
go where you go.”
Cherie Sato 30 year experience in training dogs
760-729-8987
ticnews@sbcglobal.net
Website: www.ticnew.org
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