The Latest "Scam"

Things aren't always as
they seem, skim milk masquerades
as cream. Be Aware!

~ carliewired

We noticed this phenomena last fall as we travelled through the National Parks in the USA. We would see someone leading a dog. It was obvious that neither the dog nor the owner was trained in any way. They were not a team. The dog was not aiding its owner. It was obviously a dog owner who did not want to have to follow the rules laid down in parks and other public places that stated clearly "No Pets". 

Dog owners have found convenient ways around the rules and regulations that ban their pets. One can go online to purchase some kind of 'certificate' that states the dog is an "assist dog" or some other convenient designation. The dog is on a lead with a harness and back cover sporting its label. 

I find this particular scam very offensive. It does such a disservice to legitimate service dogs, like those for the hearing impaired or visually impaired. This scam relies on our familiarity with these essentials dogs and masquerades a family pet so it can be dragged through stores, parks and all other places where a family pet is currently not allowed. 

There is also monetary gain for this scam. If someone flies with their service dog, there is no charge for the dog. However, if someone wants to bring the family pet on the flight with them, the cost can easily be $200 or more.  

I encountered these two in our local crafts store. It was pretty obvious that Fido served no real purpose. I had a nice chat with the manager of the store. He will now be asking for the permit our provincial government issues to real service dogs.