Pointless Assist

Let's get something straight: if your "therapy" dog shows signs of aggression while it’s working – toward another dog, toward another human, toward a leaf – you don’t have a therapy dog. Period. I don’t care what you’re using it for, who licensed it, or how he’s just being “protective.” Just shut up. And don’t go trying to sue some entity for not allowing your “therapy” dog access.

Therapy dogs are amazing. They assist the blind, bring joy to the lives of terminally ill children, and provide much needed, life-enriching support to the emotionally unstable. Unfortunately, there is no true standardization process for certifying some types of canine support. The seeing-eye dog training programs are insanely detailed and rigorous. Can you imagine the disatrous outcomes if they weren't? I know someone who adopted the most incredibly well-trained black labrador who wasn't able to work as a seeing-eye dog because he was a little wonky on the stairs. Otherwise he was perfect. And there's no way you or I could recognize his shortcoming. But, this standard of perfection makes sense. No explanation necessary.

On the other hand, if you get your psychiatrist to say that Pookie is essential to your emotional well-being as you navigate through your daily routine, then you've got a ticket to bring your dog just about anywhere dogs aren't normally allowed. Yes, there's generally some basic training at ASPCA or Delta Society that you have to pass through; but, I've been to these classes -- they are not anywhere near as thorough as they could be. Don't get me wrong: I'm all for pushing the limits of the system; cheating it a little, if you will. If you live in a building that arbitrarily doesn't allow dogs, screw 'em! Fight these rules anyway you can -- first through legal channels, then by nefarious means, if necessary. And, I firmly believe dogs belong in bars and pubs, no questions asked. But, if you have a large, menacing looking beast that you plan on bringing on a bus or an airplane, then that dog had better have angels' wings sprouting out of its back. There's no better way for dog owners to have our already scant rights eroded even further than by routinely abusing or taking advantage of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Look, I've said it before: not everyone loves dogs. That's their right. They do have to co-exist with dogs assisting those with disabilities, however. That's the right of the disabled. But, if the dogs can't behave in public, those rights will be taken away.

So, let's just revist that opening sentence: if your therapy dog shows signs of aggression while it's working . . . it's not a therapy dog. Don't claim that it is. Go get it properly trained. Or, keep it as a pet and get another dog to provide your therapy. Period.