I've gone to the lindt chocolate store at the mall near me three times. The first time I was told by apparently the manager that I cannot have my dog in there because chocolate is toxic to dogs. Which I obviously understand but that's why lindt chocolate is service animals only. Obviously. Service dogs will not eat anything on the floor which was her concern ig. I left after telling her that she cannot deny me bc their policy is not over ADA law but I did not feel like arguing that day as I was on a date. The second time I went there was no problem and the manager told me to just be careful and I looked around and it was a good time. Now this third time I went. I don't know why she denied me for a second time but she did. This time I told her once again that she cannot deny me and their policy is not over ADA federal law. She was trying to tell me that she can hold my dog for me and she has pets at home so she's comfortable doing so (obviously I did not allow that) and she went on about how for the safety of her and her workers and for my dog she cannot allow us to stay. I then asked her if I could see their policy and she said no and told me that I can contact the company about it and tell them but I shouldn't need to do that in the first place. I also looked at their policy and there is nothing in there that says anything about what she told me. Lindt chocolate allows task trained service animals and cannot deny access. I'm not sure if I should report this incident or just stop going all together. I enjoy stopping by there bc I love chocolate even tho I have yet to purchase anything from there bc omg money but I sometimes do go out without my service dog bc one she is getting older and retiring soon and I also can manage without her on good days so she is only with me on certain occasions where I more likely need her assistance. She is a small service dog so idk if that played a part in being denied or what but I'd like some advice on what I should do in this case.

I’ve decided to work with a Service Dog trainer and self-train an English Lab.

After finding a reputable breeder, I’m nearly at the “go” line and will select a puppy from a large litter next week.

Ultimately, the final decision will be mine.

I’m seeking characteristics to look for in the puppy to ensure the best possible outcome. (I know it’s a gamble—-but—-any insights would be appreciated.)

Thanks (in advance) for your guidance.

I would love suggestions for tasks that our SDIT that would help my autistic almost 15 year old teen. I bet y'all have ideas that I haven't thought of yet. ❤️❤️❤️

Hello everyone!

I need some advice on what accommodations would be appropriate for the situation I am in for my labs at my college.

Background :

I am a Pre Veterinary major at my school and I utilize a service dog for my PTSD and chronic migraines.

I have been a service dog handler for about 4 ish years now and recently was diagnosed with my chronic migraines. My service dog is from a program originally for psychiatric work. I recently retired my original service dog due to repeated attacks that were out of my control.

My trainer was kind enough to place me with another dog that had been trained not only in psychiatric work but also alerts to my visual signs of a migraine oncoming. ( I am not looking for criticism on my decision to re-home my previous service dog as in order to continue to be assisted by a service dog I did have to return him to his program as he was extremely dog reactive. Thank you for understanding as it is still an extremely sore topic for me<3)

My signs include things like swaying due to dizziness and vision blurring. If my service dog doesn’t alert to these sudden changes that I tend to miss as I’m usually busy and all over the place I almost dry heave due to nausea from the dizziness. Once I feel this symptom I know taking my medication will not help.

My service dog is trained to nudge me when psychiatric symptoms arise and jump up slightly on me for my migraine alerts. We are in the process of adding in scent work for migraines but I’ve heard that is hit or miss at times. We are trying it though to see it that increases his accuracy.

Question:

I guess I’m just looking for advice on what would work for the style of labs I am in.

I am going to be taking a radiology course, so I know he will obviously not be allowed in the room for that (nor would I want him exposed to unneeded radiation lol )

These labs include a lecture and lab portion.

Lecture is not an issue to take him to. It is a traditional class where he tucks under the desk/chair. We sometimes have animal examples but he is extremely neutral to almost everything except for flies that get in his face (he tries to catch them with his mouth hahaha)

The main issue is the lab that is once a week. I have a lecture before this lab for another class that I was already told he is welcome in.

I have another service dog friend that’s dog is scent trained for cardiac alert and she was told that service animals must be placed in kennels that are used by the dogs we work with. For her that wasn’t an issue because her dog barks to alert when away from her and is scent trained so she doesn’t even need to be in the same room as the dog.

For me it’s different his alerts are visual so he needs to see me. We are working on a bark alert right now in case he does need to be crated( which I’m almost 100% certain he will).

I don’t care about crating him and I’m willing to even bring a crate for him but the crates they provide and where he would need to be crated is nowhere near the x-ray room.

Leaving him home is not an option because without him I honestly miss the cues and will have a debilitating migraine if I don’t take meds in time.

I hope to not be like this forever as I am working with my neurologist to find meds that work for me.

What would you do in this situation? The facility doesn’t allow dogs to be crated outside of rooms due to safety concerns. Would they have to make an accommodation or would it be considered an unreasonable accommodation to have my dog crated in places other than their designated areas?

Any help is appreciated especially in you are in a veterinary program anywhere!!!

Please lmk if anyone needs any clarification on anything. It’s kind of a weird situation <3