We are still talking about an unfortunate trend in the country right now: Pet owners passing off their dogs as service dogs. People with disabilities and advocates say that the practice is making it harder for service dog teams (handler and dog) to go into public places without being questioned. The fault lies not only with the pet owners who want special treatment for their companions, but with Internet companies that are all too willing to sell specially marked "service dog" gear, including vests, harnesses and patches to anyone.
Advocates want 'fake' service dogs to lie down and stay out
If we haven't done it ourselves, we have all seen it done: As we circle the grocery store parking lot for an empty space, a customer who clearly has no disability -- and whose vehicle has no hang-tag or special license plate -- pulls into the accessible parking space next to the door. When challenged by another customer, the miscreant replies, "I'll just be a minute!" and disappears inside.
Advocates want 'fake' service dogs to lie down and stay out
If we haven't done it ourselves, we have all seen it done: As we circle the grocery store parking lot for an empty space, a customer who clearly has no disability -- and whose vehicle has no hang-tag or special license plate -- pulls into the accessible parking space next to the door. When challenged by another customer, the miscreant replies, "I'll just be a minute!" and disappears inside.
VA 'surges' forward to clear backlog of disability claims
If you have noticed more New Yorkers taking Fridays off to enjoy what the city has to offer, it could be because the sequester has kicked in. Those seemingly carefree people strolling through Midtown are taking a mandatory day off so their employer can meet the budget cuts under the Budget Control Act.
