That’s the big question. Here we have this doggie who needs to experience a ton of environments, scenarios, people, etc. to pass training and become a certified therapy dog, but until she is a Certified Therapy Dog we have no legal muscle to gain access to these environments, scenarios and people. It’s a monster Catch 22. But I understand it. When is the adorable pup a real service dog in training and when is it an excuse for the owner to drag Precious into a nail salon? I’m the first to say I don’t want to experience Barking Dog Solo during my Dinner Out conversation and I definitely don’t want to worry about poop piles at the mall.
People shouldn’t be allowed to take their dogs anywhere because people are dopes. Watch how they let their kids act in a movie theater. Why would they take any more responsibility for the behavior of their pets? That’s why I can’t blame the staff at The Oread when they cocked an eyebrow at my mumbled “she’s a therapy dog in training” lame excuse. They let me slide and come on in with her, but I knew, deep in their hearts, they were saying “Pull the other one. Its got bells on it.”
But I am a responsible owner and Scout is not a Purse Dog, she is, or will be, a Therapy Dog. With The Oread experience fresh in my head, I knew she would have to start looking like one. I went to WireDog. They’ve got everything and in the mini sizes we needed. We chose a “breathable, yet attractive,” mesh vest with “accompanying service designation.” Love It! Appropriately, WireDog warned us that you can’t claim your dog is a Service Animal without it actually being a Service Animal. Understood! We’re not claiming anything we aren’t doing. I could have added the “In Training” tag, but Scout is only so big. Where would it go?
I must say, the Vest is a bit magical – walk it up to any door and the door opens. Just so you know I’m not taking advantage, I always let the business know that we are ‘In Training.’ They can kick us out, but, so far, nobody has. What I’ve gotten is reactions like the guy at KU Edwards coffee shop. He said, “We all have to learn sometime. And she’s soooo cute!”
Who has made my life easy? Who has helped train a Therapy Dog? Who is Covered in Awesome in the KC Metro Area?
Free State Social – Especially Whitney Mathews and Ben Smith! they took the first chance on us and let Scout attend their Social Media Conference. (more in another post)
LaMar’s Donuts – Good donuts and great staff.
KU Edwards Campus – They totally get the need to train and welcomed Scout back anytime!
Prairie Star Elementary School – PSE was Harris’s first school here in Kansasand they’re still helping him! If Scout is going to go to class with Harris, she needs school time. PSE has been invaluable. Scout has visited multiple classes and the library.
Rob Sight Ford Dealership – She made many friends so they’ll probably make a sale, someday soon I hope.
Christ Church Anglican – All are Indeed, Welcome! She helped teach Sunday School. Matt 25:40 “I tell you the truth. Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.”
Thanks KC Metro! Watch for us. We’re out there (in training).
FYI: I always carry a bag stuffed with Nature’s Miracle, poop bags, paper towels, water, treats and toys (so glad we haven’t needed it).
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