Category: Educational

Service Cats: Proper Training Methods

Published on by Service Cats U.S.45 Comments

Well here we are, another Miserable Monday. Da end of da weekend and da start of peeps goin’ back to work. We had sun fur da furst time in days yesfurday, but woke up to gray skies and dense fog today. Da weather just doesn’t know what it wants to do. Anyways, today is also Service Cat educational posty day. We didn’t get any questions after last weeks posty, so we’re not sure ifin ya’ll are losin’ innerest in these posts or not. So, ifin ya’ could let us know in da comments, we’d ‘purreciate it. As with all our educational postys, da following will be written in human English. Ifin you’ve missed any post, you can ketch up by clickin’ da linkys below.

 Dezi cocks head to the side in thought

Service Cats: What to Look For

Service Cats: Training Foundations 

Service Cats: How to Train Kitty to Massage Without Claws

Service Cats: Smelling Disease 

Service Cats: Do You Need One 

Service Cats: Who Bears the Cost

Service Cats: Housing Laws and Exceptions 

Service Cats: Accommodations and Common Sense 

Service Cats: What Happens When the Handler Dies 

We were asked a few posts back to talk about proper training methods. Training is something we think all animals, not just Service Animals can benefit from. We’ve all seen the totally out of control doggy and the doing as it pleases kitty. Unfortunately behavioral problems account for a large percentage of animals taken to shelters; and some of those behaviors could be changed with just a little training and patience. In our Training Foundations post we covered the beginning process mommy chooses to use.

 Raena laying on perch

 You’s have mines full attention mommy.

There are several acceptable methods of training. If your cat doesn’t respond to one, try another. Hitting, yelling and chasing your kitty Does Not work. Neither does drenching them with water from a water bottle or water gun. Clicker training is probably the best known method these days. It involves a small clicker that the trainer holds and clicks as the animal does what is asked for, followed by a treat. This method is very successful in dog training. Dogs are generally ruled by their tummy and will perform for a treat.

Clicker training can be successful with some cats. Mommy has never used this method per se’, but she does sometimes use a form of it. Long ago when mommy decided to start training Service Kitties she looked in to a clicker. We don’t know the cost these days, but back then it was pretty pricey, and mommy couldn’t afford it. She was already training kitties successfully so she couldn’t justify the cost. However, you can use a finger snap to mimic a clicker. Mommy usually snaps her fingers to get us to pay attention. She doesn’t however follow it up with a treat.  

 Raena playing with Petafe cheese and mouse toy

 What’s dat mommy? Did you need somethin’?

Treat rewards are the biggest problem mommy has with clicker training. Cats aren’t generally ruled by their tummies and a lot of cats don’t like treats. And too many treats means kitty won’t eat their meal, or they will, and then gain weight and become obese. Positive reinforcement is crucial to train any animal to perform a specific task. Mommy uses praise and love as our reward. It’s not fattening, and it means we will repeat the task even when we don’t get a treat, which would be impossible for her first thing in the morning. Something you may not know, is that most of the handlers of those Service dogs have to carry treats with them to reward the dog off and on throughout the day.

But what about training kitty NOT to do something, such as climb your curtains, stay off the kitchen counters or scratch your brand new leather sofa? Remember, hitting, screaming, chasing or drenching them with water Does Not work. Mommy says the water bottle has it’s place, but if you’re soaking kitty and he/she is still doing the inappropriate behavior, then it obviously isn’t working. And truly, you don’t want kitty to develop a fear of water. Let’s say you’ve ruled out any health issues for kittys’ behavior. Your next step is to offer an appropriate alternative.

Raena sits pose while playing Who me? I’s would never climb da curtains or

jump on da counters.

Let’s talk about inappropriate scratching. All scratchers are not created equal, and not every cat likes the same surface. There are vertical, horizontal and hanging scratchers. Watch kitty to see if he/she has a preference. There are many different textures as well, corrugated cardboard, carpet, sisal and wood. Again, your cat probably has a preference for one of these textures. It may take some time to figure out which, but once you do, you can successfully offer kitty an appropriate scratching surface. The best option would be to have several scratchers of different textures available, as well as vertical and horizontal. Always make sure the scratcher is the right size for your kitty and that it is stable. You can also make a scratcher for your kitty by covering a surface with their favorite material, especially if it’s leather. Place said scratcher next to the area kitty’s scratching and the next time kitty scratches, move him/her over to the new scratching surface and place their paws on it. Initially it might be helpful to take kittys’ paws and mimic scratching on the new surface, as this encourages kitty. And a little catnip on the new scratcher never hurt any kitty either. You must be repetitive in order to stop the offensive behavior completely.

 Dezi lays on cardboard scratcher

Dezi uses sisal scratcher

Raena lays on scratcher

Mommy says that you must speak with a firm tone when training, but Never react in anger. And if there are several people in a household, all parties must be on the training bandwagon. Especially for correcting inappropriate behavior. Now let’s talk a minute about that water bottle so many cat peeps have on hand. And yes, mommy has one too. Here’s mommys’ list of reasons to use the water bottle:

  • To break up a Cat Fight

  • To stop a fight you see coming on by distracting kitties

 Dezi sits on bench

Mommy says NEVER aim the water stream directly at kitty, especially not the head area. Depending on the proximity you are from kitty and where you hit them, kitty could actually be injured. (Mommy has seen some really powerful water bottles and water guns in the market) Instead, spray a few inches above kitty or in between kitties. Mommy says that clapping, snapping fingers, or a shaker can will also work. Again, don’t do this right in kittys’ ears. A clap from across the room is more than sufficient to get kittys’ attention. Whichever action you take, you should include a firm NO at the same time. Mommy always includes our name. She says that doing so makes sure there’s no mistaking who she’s correcting and what behavior is objectionable. There’s a lot of “No Raena’s” going on around here right now.

 Dezi bathing on top of the Liberty cat tree

 Me’s gonna get a quick bath in befur a nap.

Well, me’s just realized this is a really long posty, so me’s gonna wrap it up now and try to get a nap befur Raena starts in again. She’d put dat battery bunny to shame she has so much energy. Anyways, hope you all have a pawsum day.

Till da next time…………………………………..Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle    

Raena bites box

No Biteys Allowed

Published on by Service Cats U.S.30 Comments

Welcome all, it’s furinally Furiday!!! Me thought it would neeeeeeeever get here. It’s been a crazy week. But furst, didn’t ya’ll think our fly fishercats and doggies were pawsum? We really do wanna fank all of ya’ again fur purrticipatin’. This was our furst year ever purrticipatin’ ourselves. We had so much goin’ on we didn’t have da chance to enter any of da events, but we had a wonderful time hostin’ fly fishin’. There was so many cute inter-purrtations. You know we told ya’ll dat any foto of ya’ playin’ an inneractive game of ____________ was good enuff. We were so purroud to have some doggy entries, and we thought they were just as pawsum as da kitties. Anyways, we just wanted to share our thoughts on this. After readin’ some of da comments yesfurday, we didn’t want any kitty/doggy to feel slighted.

 Dezi stands back and sniffs Lexi's travel carrier

So,Why has our week been crazy? Me knows you wanna know. Well ‘member when Raena came to live with us and awnty Ellen sent her a pawsum Made with Luv ‘nip’ mat and she actually reacted to da nip? You know dat’s not normal. Kittens aren’t normally “nip” reactive till ‘round 6 – 8 months of age. Now let me tell ya’ there’s no real answer as to why dat is, but it’s purretty much common knowledge dat kittens just don’t respawnd. Da respawnse to catnip is caused by da scent, so it would seem dat ifin a kitty has a nose they could respawnd. But alas…  Anyways, dat silly Raena did respawnd!!! Sure nuff, she started rollin’ ‘round and wallerin’ all over dat nip mat. And then mommy gave her da Made with Luv toys dat awnty Ellen had sent with special nip blends included, and OMC  Raena couldn’t get enuff. Mommy’s respawnse was, “Well now, you’re gonna be an early bloomer little one.” Yep, an early bloomer is all mommy said.

 Raena rolls around in her catnip mat

Can you believe it? Mommy had told me dat me wouldn’t have to share da Yeowww nip toys till Raena was old enuff to know not to slobber all over ‘em. And here she was, wantin’ to play with da new Yeowww nip rainbow we got from Timmy and furmily fur Christmas. Don’t even get me started on how it was way to big fur her to be carryin’ ‘round. Then there’s those special times when mommy puts a little nip on one of da scratchers fur me to roll in and eat a bite or two. There me was rollin’ in utter joy, and here come Raena stickin’ her nose in my nip business. Me just can’t get away from her. Anyways, while all this was happenin’ she started getting’ mean and bitin’ like she meant business. Well now, we don’t allow no bitin’ in this house. No bitin’ lessen it’s food or treats or da occasional toy. What’s a girly to do, but tell mommy. Yep, me went and told on Raena. 

 Raena bunny kicks her made with love fish

     You sure did sissy. You tattle tale. Dat wasn’t very nice of you at all. 

Wasn’t nice of me? Well you bit me!!! Dat wasn’t very nice either.

     Maybe not sissy, but mines mouthy hurt and I’s didn’t feel so good. I’s didn’t mean to hurt you. I’s really sorry.

Yeah sis, me knows dat now, and me accepts your ‘pawlogy. Mommy ‘splained dat you were teethin’ and dat made your mouthy hurt and sometimes made you run a fever. She ‘splained dat there’s a lot of confusion ‘bout what age kittens get their adult teefies and so me asked her to tell everypawdy what da feline medical journals say. Mommy, will you tell everypawdy why Raena be teethin’ and what we do to keep her from bitin’ us?

Sweet Dezi on cat tree

Sure baby. Sometime around 3 – 4 months of age, the incisor teeth start coming in. Then between 4 and 6 months the canines, premolars and molars erupt. A kitten should have all 30 adult teeth by the age of 7 months. Of course there are always exceptions due to health and environment and the health of the mother. But as a general rule, teething begins around 3 months of age. Whether it’s painful or not is debated. I can tell you from personal experience, it’s painful for the kitten. They usually start biting or chewing hard objects. A kitten that didn’t previously bite, may now lash out. They sometimes run a fever. So just like with human babies who are teething, your fur babies are in some pain while teething also. There are a few toys on the market that your kitty or doggy may find appealing and satisfactory, but a thick box will also do.

You should also keep an eye on the baby (milk) teeth to make sure they all fall out. It’s not uncommon for a tooth to be retained. The reason for this isn’t clear, but could cause future problems. If you see any of the following symptoms, please see a VET to have the teeth looked at and removed if necessary.

  • Bad breath

  • Abnormally positioned permanent teeth

  • Swollen, red or bleeding gums around the baby teeth

  • Overcrowding

Now, kittens should learn about biting from their mothers and/or littermates. This doesn’t always happen and sometimes there isn’t a mother, or biting starts later. To deal with this and train motherless kittens (which was my specialty when I fostered), I gently bite the tip of the kittens ear when they are biting me and then say firmly, No or No Biting. Only apply enough pressure so that the kitten notices. They will immediately stop biting and may shake their head or look at you in horror, but it is effective and humane. Water bottles, squirt guns, air spray and yelling doesn’t work. Pinching the area works as well, but because of fingernails and amount of feeling in the fingers, I recommend the biting. Just because you know the exact amount of pressure you are applying. And of course the tip of the ear is the cleanest part of the kitten.

Fank you mommy. Me really purreciates you ‘splainin’ it to me and everypawdy else. Me was thinkin’ Raena was gonna be mean or somethin’, but she’s only bein’ normal, and fankfully it won’t last furever. 

 Raena bites box

 I’s really like chewin’ on boxes. 

     Yeah? Well I’s just glad to hear mines mouth ain’t gonna hurt furever and dat mommy ain’t gonna bite me again. Who knew I’s could break skin thru da sheets?. I was just so…so…and she just looked so…so… Well I just had to bite down. I’s had no idea she could jump like dat. Or dat blood was dat color. And I fur sure never ‘spected her to bite me back. I won’t ever be doin’ dat again. 

And dat’s why she did it Raena. Me thinks me ‘members her bitin’ me too. She even bit me once when me bit me’s sis Lexi. She said somethin’ ‘bout sissy not havin’ teedies and so she was defendin’ her. Well me learned real quick dat bitin’ with intent was off da menu. Anyways, Raena be teethin’ so she’s all over da place. Me can’t believe we’s in fur months of this. Strap in and get ready cuz we’re all in fur da ride of our lives. Me’s gonna try to get in a nap befur Raena starts up again. We’ll be by to visit with ya’ shortly.

 Dezi sleeps

     You furgot sissy. It’s Furiday and we’s joinin’ Rascal and Rocco fur da weekly Pet Parade. Hop on over and check it out. 

 Pet Parade banner new

Till da next time……………………………..Be Blest!!!

Dezi: Vibrant Blue 

Raena: Navy Blue

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle 

Service Cats: What Happens When the Handler Dies

Published on by Service Cats U.S.43 Comments

Here we are, another Miserable Monday. Dat means it’s time fur one of our educational Service Cat postys. As always, da followin’ will be written in human English so everypawdy includin’ google translate can read it. Our doggy brofur furiend Easy, really is on top of his game. He asked another great question last week dat we’re gonna try to answer this week. As always, ifin ya’ have any questions, or somethin’ specific you’d like us to cover, purrlease leave it in da comments, or send us an email. Ifin you’ve missed any of da posty’s in this series, you can ketch up by clickin’ da linkys below.

 

Dezi in her work harness on cat ledge

Service Cats: What to Look For 

Service Cats: Training Foundations 

Service Cats: How to Train Kitty to Massage without Claws

Service Cats: Smelling Disease 

Service Cats: Do You Need One

Service Cats: Who Bears the Cost 

Service Cats: Housing Laws and Exceptions 

Service Cats: Accommodations and Common Sense 

     Now that you’re all caught up, let’s get to today’s topics. So what did Easy ask, right? Well here it is, “What happens to a Service Animal when their disabled handler no longer needs them?” 

       We need to remind you that our answers are only as it applies in the U.S., if you live in another Country, the laws/rules may be different. So please check your local regulations.  

Raena reaching out from the perch to alert mommy
Raena Alerting to Syncope incident

So, your first question is probably why would they no longer need the Service Animal? In the event of death or admittance to a nursing home a person would no longer require the assistance of a Service Animal. You must remember as well, that these animals are purchased and under current laws, animals are considered property. For the purpose of this part of the explanation, we will discuss the Service Dogs that the ADA does recognize. Most of these animals are trained by individuals living across the States, belonging to one of a few different groups. Depending on the age of the animal and it’s specific training (ie: guide dog only) and the amount of time spent with the handler, they may opt to take the animal back and re-sell it to another disabled person. They will not refund your payment or pay you any fees for the animal. The family of the disabled handler may choose to keep the animal and let it live out it’s days as the family pet. Some breeds do better at this than others. Remember, these animals are working animals and not pets. They don’t understand retirement.

Before we get to the second part of Easy’s queston, let’s discuss the other Service Animals not yet recognized by the ADA, like cats. We have met a few people who have learned that their cats are alerting them to seizures, etc. that haven’t been trained. Altho’ the Cat/animal is performing a task, it doesn’t meet the current requirements of the ADA since it wasn’t specifically trained. For the purposes of this article, these cats/animals are not included in this topic as they are essentially still pets. So let’s get to those non traditional Service Animals (Cats)

    

Firstly, there are very few trainers for cats and other animals because they’re not recognized by the ADA , so there’s no money in it. And until recently, cats weren’t necessarily seen as trainable. So like us, the disabled handler often trains the animal themselves. Cats are a different species with different needs and bonding abilities. Unlike dogs, cats don’t feel the need to love everybody or make friends with every human they meet. Because of this, re-homing a Service Cat to work for another disabled person is nearly impossible. Altho’ mommy’s never seen or heard of it, we won’t say completely impossible, as it may be done in the future. We will say, we don’t recommend it, as the cat may not perform. Because of the bond that must be formed between a disabled handler and the cat, the services provided will only be for that one specific person for the lifetime of that cat.

 Dezi in stroller

Remember, these cats are working animals and not pets. It is possible for them to continue to live with any family they currently lived with. They will mourn and be confused but with the proper love and attention, it is possible for them to live out their lives peacefully. If there is no family however, what then? Depending on the age and training of the cat, they may or may not be able to rehome as pets. A young kitten, only starting training for example, may be rehomed as a pet or to another who needs similar tasks. Typically by the first year, a Service cat is so bonded with their handler they cannot be separated and thus cannot be rehomed. Keep in mind, these cats and their handlers are together 24/7/365. We don’t want to offend anyone, but no matter how bonded you think you are with your pet, it doesn’t match the bond between a Service Animal and it’s handler. The handler literally relies on the Service Animal for life and vice versa. In this instance humane euthanasia when the handler dies is the best outcome for the animal.

The last part of Easy’s question, was, “Do Service Animals end up in shelters like other animals?”  The idea of a shelter makes us sad for any animal, but the hard truth is, Yes Easy, it is possible for a Service Animal to end up in the shelter. These animals are often put to sleep because they have traits seen as undesireable by adopters, because adopters don’t understand what the animal is doing. A family of the deceased handler who doesn’t know, care or want to take on the animal may take it to the shelter. A working animal will always be a working animal. This speaks to the reason people need to understand a little about breeds before adopting a pet. A herding dog will herd, whether it’s children, sheep or cows. the Service animal will continue to try to perform tasks, and may be considered problematic.

 Raena sits pose

There aren’t currently any rescues specifically for Service Animals to go to live out their lives. However most of those types of places do want a donation or money left in a trust or will. There’s nothing wrong with that, but again, Service Animals are generally owned by people who are on fixed incomes. And again, Service Animals are working animals. They are not pets. Adjusting to life after the loss of their handler is easier for some species and breeds.

This is definitely something to take into consideration when deciding if you need a Service Animal and what kind. Altho’ most people with fixed incomes and considered poor do not leave wills as there’s nothing to leave; if you have a Service Animal we recommend you have a will or directive and someone specified to take care of your Service Animal in the event of your death. Please make sure your Service Animal doesn’t end up in the shelter. For that matter, if you have pets, please make sure you have a plan for them in the event of your death. And the, my ____________ will take care of them isn’t a good enough plan.

 Dezi looking around on the cat tree

Well this has been a really deep post, so we’re gonna wrap it up for now. We do hope we’ve answered your question, and given others something to think about. Again, please leave your questions, thoughts, or topics you’d like us to cover in the comments. 

Do you have a will or designated person to care for your pets in the event of your death? 

Have you discussed alternative solutions with your family and/or Vet? 

Till da next time………………………………….Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle    

Service Cats: Accommodations and Common Sense

Published on by Service Cats U.S.40 Comments

Dezi in a purple haze

Meowllo everypawdy and welcome to another Miserable Monday. No it’s not really miserable, but it is gonna be busy. We’re gonna bring you another installment of our Service Cats posts today. As with all our educational postys da following will be written in human English. While you’re readin’ our posty and goin’ ‘bout your day, me will be havin’ a mommy and Dezi day out. It’s time fur mommy’s monthly doctors ‘pointment and since we have a/c in da car again, mommy’s takin’ me fur da day. WooHoo   Ifin you’ve missed any of da posts in this series you can ketch up by clickin’ da links below.

Service Cats: What to Look For

Service Cats: Training Foundations

Service Cats: How to Train Kitty to Massage without Claws

Service Cats: Smelling Disease

Service Cats: Do You Need One

Service Cats: Who Bears the Cost

Service Cats: Housing Laws and Exceptions 

 Raena reaching out from the perch to alert mommy

Okay, Now that you’re all caught up, let’s get to today’s topic. As we discussed last week, certification isn’t required or regulated for Service Animals. Because of this, a lot of people claim their pet is a Service Animal so they can get around certain laws and rules. Unfortunately you may even know some one like that. Yes, there are some bloggers and others in social media right now that make such claims so that their animal can fly in the cabin with them for free. Others do it to avoid paying pet deposits and/or fees in housing, or to force a landlord to accept a breed or size of animal that they wouldn’t normally accept.

Our pawsum doggy brofur furiend Easy the Weimereiner asked last week, If a landlord doesn’t allow pets, would they have to allow a Service Animal in their property? Unfortunately Easy, YES. That’s right, the answer to that question is yes. Even if a landlord doesn’t want animals in their home or apartments, they have to make an exception for Service Animals. Now remember, they cannot ask for proof that said animal is in fact a Service Animal, they have to take your word for it. And because of the confusion about the definitions of Service Animal, Therapy Animal and Companion/Emotional Support Animals, they are often taken advantage of.

 Dezi laying in mommy's lap

 Just sitting in mommy’s lap with her petting me has a calming effect.

But this requires no training. This is what most Companion/Emotional

Support Animals do for their owners and is not classified as a Service Animal.

Now some of you really got riled last week when we posted that Companion/Emotional Support Animals are not considered Service Animals. For those who have emotional issues such as panic attacks, post traumatic syndrome and other emotional disabilities, know just how important their Companion/Emotional Support Animal is. We are all aware of the old saying, you can be alone/lonely even when you’re surrounded by people. These emotional issues can be very real, and may manifest physical trauma. None the less, Companion/Emotional Support Animals are not trained to perform an actual task. Instead, their very presence has a calming effect. But remember, a Service Animal is specifically trained to perform a task or tasks that enables their disabled handler to function daily.

 Raena's sleepy lap selfie

More than the specific task training, Service Animals are also trained and expected to be calm and almost invisible in any situation, or setting they may be put in. You won’t find a Service Animal barking, growling, hissing or acting out in public. This is not the animal that jumps on, greets, or approaches others or other animals. Regardless of the situation or their surrroundings, a Service Animal will enter a room or setting quietly and stay quietly by their handler. They are not the animal causing a scene or piddling on the floor, etc.   

We asked if you thought requiring certification would help. A lot of you said yes, absolutely. And we learned that at least Canada does require certification, and the program is run by the government. If you don’t live in the U.S., you need to check with your local laws about Service Animals. For obvious reasons, we aren’t familiar with those laws or rules outside of the U.S.. Our posts are based on laws and rules of the U.S. since that’s where we live. Altho’ we agree 100% that certification would help, it’s not as easy as it sounds. Who would run the program? What would it cost and who will pay for it? As we’ve said many times, those who need Service Animals are more often than not, living on a fixed income. What tasks should be tested for, and where would those tests be held? Indeed the laws need to be changed, but we do understand it would be a huge undertaking, and would be very costly.

 Dezi bright eyed looking out of stroller

The current rules were made because the ADA (Americans with Disabilities) realized too many people were taking advantage of the lax laws regarding Service Animals, and the general publics’ ignorance regarding Service Animals. Not everybody finds comfort in the traditional idea of a pet. What about reptiles, farm animals, and other species? We have nothing against reptiles, rodents, etc., but we’ll be honest and tell you that we don’t want to sit next to the person claiming their 8 foot anaconda is a Service Animal. Nor would we want to eat in a restaurant where a pig or horse (miniature or otherwise) is swishing their tails and relieving themselves on the floor. This brings us to our point for today: Common Sense. We think the disabled person should exercise some common sense when taking their Service Animal in public. It also takes us back to mommy and Raena’s day out Friday.

 Raena looks out of the stroller

After leaving the VETs office Friday, they headed to Walmart to get some treats for Raena and me. As soon as they entered the store, a woman came over and commented and asked about Raena who was laying quietly in the stroller. Mommy explained that She was a Service Cat in training, and that she alerts before mommy passes out. The woman thought that was amazing and wonderful. She then went on to ask why Raena was confined to the stroller and not out walking on the leash that was attached to her harness. She remarked that earlier she had run across a  “Service Chihuahua” in the store that tried to bite her as she walked passed. Well now, we’ve finally gotten to the common sense part. We are so grateful for our stroller, but before we had one, mommy used a soft sided carrier when taking us out in public.

You see, a lot of people are allergic to cats. And most people, including mommy doesn’t really want to eat cat hair. But mommy really does need at least one of us when she’s out of the house. So, how does mommy get the benefit of our training while not offending or causing problems for the rest of the store, restaurant, etc.? Our stroller. Yep, we are fully enclosed so that any shedding fur or dander won’t float thru the air, or get on everything around; but we are still able to see and smell everything including mommy. And we have sufficient room to stand, sit, or lay in order to alert mommy. Altho’ this particular lady was not allergic to cats, she proclaimed her appreciation for mommys’ attempt at being considerate of others.

 Raena harness profile pose

As mommy and Raena continued on in the store, they encountered lots of children who were accompanying their parents for back to school shopping. With each encounter, Raena performed perfectly and showed people how a true Service Animal reacts to all that excitement…She did nothing but lay quietly in the stroller. One very uneducated woman asked, “Have you ever encountered a Service Dog that wanted to bark at or eat your Service Cat?” (she must have been thinking about that “Service Chihuahua”) Yeah, mommy’s blood was boiling, thinking about all those unruly dogs at BlogPaws in Nashville. But, she remained calm and took the opportunity to educate this person and all those who were now listening in. Mommy calmly replied. “A true Service dog would never do such a thing. Service Animals are trained to Not React”, just as Raena was doing that very moment. Altho’ the stroller had become surrounded by screaming pointing children, Raena remained quiet and non reactive. As a matter of fact, before they left the store, a manager came up and told mommy how much he appreciated Raenas’ behavior and mommys’ consideration of everybody else in the store. Which of course made mommy really happy. The atmosphere is changing.

Now we told you all of that, to tell you that we think disabled handlers should try to be considerate of others. Had that always been the case, Service Cats might still be accepted by the ADA. Unfortunately, people in general are selfish, and everybody thinks everybody else owes them something. Yes, as a disabled person, mommy wants a parking space close to the door, and yes, she needs a few special accommodations when she’s out in public. But, she’s not the whole public, and her needs aren’t any more important than everybody else’s. Just a few considerations, and we are welcome right alongside mommy anywhere she goes. No one has the right to force their lifestyle on another.

 RaenaBelle in harness

Mommy has never asked a landlord who doesn’t want pets on their property to rent to her. It’s called respect for others. There are plenty of places that do allow animals, that mommy can rent from. We realize that might not be the case everywhere, but we still think you should exhaust all other avenues before forcing someone to do something they don’t want to. If you are going to be with others in public that could assist you in the same or similar manner as your Service Animal, think about letting the animal have a few hours off. Especially if your Service Animal of choice isn’t the accepted norm (ie: dog or cat). Once every few years or so, someone will show up and offer to take mommy out fur a meal or something. While they obviously can’t alert before she passes out, they can assist her and stay with her if it does happen. So mommy almost always leaves us at home on those occasions. Again, it’s all about Common Sense and Respect for yourself and others.

 Dezi in harness

Well me’s gonna wrap it up fur now. We think we’ve given ya’ a lot to mull over. Remember, if you have any questions, or specifics you would like us to cover, please leave your thoughts in the comments, or feel free to email us. Like me said earlier, we’s goin’ to mommy’s doctor today, so we’ll be by to visit with you as soon as we can.

 

 

Is there a particular animal you can’t see as a Service Animal?

How many “tasks” do you think should be required to make an animal a Service Animal?

 

Till da next time……………………………………….Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Deztinee and RaenaBelle