Comments on: Tough Questions You Need To Ask About Every Service Dog Organization http://www.albrittain.com/service-dogs/tough-questions-you-need-to-ask-about-every-service-dog-for-veterans-organization/ Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:47:19 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: TailTrex http://www.albrittain.com/service-dogs/tough-questions-you-need-to-ask-about-every-service-dog-for-veterans-organization/comment-page-1/#comment-368 TailTrex Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:15:45 +0000 http://www.albrittain.com/?p=454#comment-368 Mr. Brittain: While I appreciate your concern and efforts to bring the subject to more light, I must disagree (ever so slightly, perhaps) with your contention to patronize (presumably by donation) only accredited SD organizations. Some organizations, such as ours for example, cannot gain ADI membership because we do not place dogs (by design) with clients. This certainly does not mean our expertise, intentions, motivation or long-range planning do not reflect high standards. To the contrary our operational standards far and away exceed those of some so-called “accredited” SD organizations. That said; were it possible to gain ADI membership through some type of dispensation based on our organizational functions, for instance. As Director I would gladly step-up and apply for ADI membership, and engage related requirements. So in this sense I agree with your call for attention to the details, where the devil often resides. Still; non-accreditation by ADI needn’t be the “big red flag” you propose. Perhaps a better tact might be to closely scrutinize the individual SD organization one may be considering for financial support, irrespective its affiliation with ADI? And that, at long last, is a safer bet no matter the intention or potential target for one’s donation dollars. Mr. Brittain:
While I appreciate your concern and efforts to bring the subject to more light, I must disagree (ever so slightly, perhaps) with your contention to patronize (presumably by donation) only accredited SD organizations. Some organizations, such as ours for example, cannot gain ADI membership because we do not place dogs (by design) with clients. This certainly does not mean our expertise, intentions, motivation or long-range planning do not reflect high standards. To the contrary our operational standards far and away exceed those of some so-called “accredited” SD organizations.

That said; were it possible to gain ADI membership through some type of dispensation based on our organizational functions, for instance. As Director I would gladly step-up and apply for ADI membership, and engage related requirements. So in this sense I agree with your call for attention to the details, where the devil often resides. Still; non-accreditation by ADI needn’t be the “big red flag” you propose.

Perhaps a better tact might be to closely scrutinize the individual SD organization one may be considering for financial support, irrespective its affiliation with ADI? And that, at long last, is a safer bet no matter the intention or potential target for one’s donation dollars.

]]> By: cissy stamm http://www.albrittain.com/service-dogs/tough-questions-you-need-to-ask-about-every-service-dog-for-veterans-organization/comment-page-1/#comment-215 cissy stamm Sun, 26 Jul 2009 00:18:53 +0000 http://www.albrittain.com/?p=454#comment-215 I have PTSD and have used a service dog since 1997. At that time there were no programs that trained dogs for mental illness and until very recently and because of IAADP, ADI lobbied for laws that were inclusive of only those with physical disabilities. The last time I Iooked, there were only 3 ADI SD organizations that listed themselves as psych dog providers. An organization has to have trained 20 dogs to be considered for ADI membership, and that doesn't mean 20 dogs for PTSD or TBI. ADI membership, IMO, is *not* the hallmark of a good provider organization. ADI is a professional membership organization with no recognition by the DOJ as having special training qualifications- despite their efforts to the contrary. In addition, there is very little screening skill within these organizations for determining for those with psych. disabilities who can or cannot responsibly handle and benefit from a service dog. The IAADP task list was created from posts to the assistance dog list from the ten or so long time civilian users of psych service dogs. We all owner trained - many with professional help for handling, obedience and public access skills.To the best of my knowledge, and I've followed this, there is only one organization that is doing it right and that's a Canadian program called K9 Helpers. Your concerns are very well-founded. I have never had an incident on public transportation where my dogs presented any kind of danger or disruption (except when snarked once by a bomb sniffer). I've had years of access problems that would have the potential to trigger PTSD. I sued my transit provider after 5 years of trying to educate (I'm a mediator). I was portrayed in the press as psycho bitch with a dangerous dog. The dangers of bad and sensationalized press - regardless of truth - is there for all people with mental illness, and I'm glad you brought it up. Having a vet's dog or a vet lose it - even with provocation - would in all probability garner harsh press. There *will* be a rash of new providers who don't know what they're doing. But limited availability to non-profits and ADI organizations is misdirected and contrary to public policy as no such requirement exists under the DOJ regulatory definition of a service animal. I wish I knew the answer. I have PTSD and have used a service dog since 1997. At that time there were no programs that trained dogs for mental illness and until very recently and because of IAADP, ADI lobbied for laws that were inclusive of only those with physical disabilities. The last time I Iooked, there were only 3
ADI SD organizations that listed themselves as psych dog providers. An organization has to have trained 20 dogs to be considered for ADI membership, and that doesn’t mean 20 dogs for PTSD or TBI. ADI membership, IMO, is *not* the hallmark of a good provider organization. ADI is a professional membership organization with no recognition by the DOJ as having special training qualifications- despite their efforts to the contrary. In addition, there is very little screening skill within these organizations for determining for those with psych. disabilities who can or cannot responsibly handle and benefit from a service dog. The IAADP task list was created from posts to the assistance dog list from the ten or so long time civilian users of psych service dogs. We all owner trained – many with professional help for handling, obedience and public access skills.To the best of my knowledge, and I’ve followed this, there is only one organization that is doing it right and that’s a Canadian program called K9 Helpers.
Your concerns are very well-founded. I have never had an incident on public transportation where my dogs presented any kind of danger or disruption (except when snarked once by a bomb sniffer). I’ve had years of access problems that would have the potential to trigger PTSD. I sued my transit provider after 5 years of trying to educate (I’m a mediator). I was portrayed in the press as psycho bitch with a dangerous dog. The dangers of bad and sensationalized
press – regardless of truth – is there for all people with mental illness, and I’m glad you brought it up. Having a vet’s dog or a vet lose it – even with provocation – would in all probability garner harsh press.
There *will* be a rash of new providers who don’t know what they’re doing. But limited availability to non-profits and ADI organizations is misdirected and contrary to public policy as no such requirement exists under the DOJ regulatory definition of a service animal.
I wish I knew the answer.

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