Redditor Tells Dog Handler To Take Her Fake Service Dog Out Of The Store Since She Had No Medical Emergency, Dog Handler Gets Defensive

"Get your fake service dog out of the grocery store"

Maryjane

• Published in Animal Stories
• September 27, 2023

People's motivation to denounce fake service dogs grows as more people become aware of their essential contributions. A service dog is, by definition, trained to carry out tasks associated with the impairment of its handler, such as warning the person of an impending seizure.

You'd think the issue is simple if you listened to the typical accusations of fake service dogs. Then you'll know that some dog owners are merely careless.

Perhaps they are unaware of or simply don't care that their behavior may distract real service dogs and damage their reputation. The laws governing service dogs and those governing emotional support animals (ESAs) are sometimes misunderstood.

ESAs are not permitted in establishments like restaurants and doctors' offices; however, they are permitted in "no pets" residences and commercial aircraft. It's also true that some individuals just want to bring their animals and ESAs to locations where only service dogs are permitted.

Just like in today's story, the OP went to a store that is obviously not a dog-friendly place. Also, this store is not a very large place, and she spotted someone with a dog wearing a service dog vest.

The dog was yappy, and the OP had to ask the handler if they had a medical emergency, and they said no. The OP had to tell her to get her fake service dog out of the grocery store.

The OP kicks off the story but not without the headline

The OP encounters dogs because they are everywhere nowadays, even at places they shouldn't be

OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the a-hole:

AITA because I called a service dog f*cking fake? I'm the a-hole because i cussed at her and told her the dog did not belong in the store.  

Comments came in, in their hundreds and here are a bunch of the topmost ones

A true service or support dog undergoes strict training from a young age

This whole service animal vest thing has got to stop

An Emotional Support Animal shouldn't have a vest on for service animal

Even toddlers are able to put down their favorite toy before leaving the house

It is literally against the ADA for constant barking

She is putting genuine patients at risk and she needed to be stopped

She's going to be mad if a stranger gets in her business

It would only be logical to check on the person

It's a valid question because that could very well have been alerts

The OP clearly saw some behaviors that would indicate the dog isn’t a trained service dog, which is why the question had to be asked. Redditors were on the OP's side and the not the AH verdict was given.

Do you agree with this verdict? Drop your replies in the comments section below and share this post with your loved ones to get their verdicts as well.

Maryjane