Right, but wouldn't the disability act also cover people who are allergic to dogs? Peanuts have been removed from schools, airplanes, and other venues to accommodate those with allergies; what about people who are allergic to animals? Why wouldn't they be considered?
This should be the case. I am all for the legit use of a service animal but there should (perhaps) be structure to it. For example, I can understand a blind person needing use of their dog full time to assist with mobility (stores, restaurants, etc.). However, I know of two people in wheelchairs who have service dogs to assist them in the office/home (handing them various items, etc.). Both are fantastic dogs and do a great job in their role; however, I don't see the need/use in a restaurant setting. They aren't exactly handing their owner food/utensils, etc. I'd be more agreeable in a situation such as fast food or when eating solo of course. To me, there needs to be a valid NEED for that animal in that setting - especially in consideration of people's potential conditions (allergies). In other words, I am OK with POTENTIALLY exposing others to POTENTIAL issues such as allergies IF there is a valid need for that animal in that setting. If that dog is simply sitting there, and not providing a service, not so much.
To the earlier post about non-service dogs being validated, I witnessed an extreme case of this a few months ago. I was working in Baltimore during my actual birthday and my wife and some friends came up to take me out for dinner. For some reasons, the choice was Fogo de Cho near the Harbor. Don't know why but just the same. About 15 minutes into our evening, a woman (maybe late 30's) came through the joint with a big dog (looked like a sheep dog - lots of hair). They sat several rows away from us thankfully. This dog did several things that easily outed itself as being valid: 1) it pulled on the leash the entire way through the place. 2) it put its nose up on the table during dinner seeking out scraps (the woman actually fed her table food), 3) it barked twice I'm assuming in an attempt to get more table food, 4) it didn't escort the lady to the salad bar.
I can only imagine that she pushed the issue at the door claiming it was a "therapy dog". I've seen many service dogs in use by those who need it. Quite impressive. This dog had worse manners than my mutt who struggles with sit and down.
BTW - Fogo de Cho is crap. Perhaps I waited 10 years too long to give it a try.
