Driving with Doggie

[kittytech]

I'm on a discussion list, and one thing that's being discussed at the moment is the unwillingness of some people to transport people with their dogs. I have my own thoughts, which I've kept to myself since, as a non-dog owner, I suspect my views would be very unpopular. However, I'm curious to know what others think. This is definitely a touchy subject for dog guide owners, and I wonder how others feel. And, for those of you who drive, what are your thoughts on transporting service animals?

[Poll #1367279]

Comments

[pawpower4me.livejournal.com]

private property-- like cars, homes etc. is not subject to any laws like the ADA. Just like I have the right to say that children are not welcome in my home, people for sure do have the right to say that about dogs. I don't like kids, I don't like being around them, I don't want them in my house, end of story. People who visit me know this but I don't have many friends with children; Barb being the exception but her children are also the exception. I don't think I'd be friends with someone who didn't want my dog around for the simple fact that I need her, and as much as the potential friend could be all kinds of wonderful, I am not willing to give up my safety for friendship.

Just like people with kids usually aren't my friends because they want to be where their kids are welcome. Now if it were a work situation, and someone was taking the company van and said that they didn't want my dog there would be a huge ass problem.
I would fight for my right to have her in a work situation because that is different than private property.

dogs to go or not to go

[ravenc4me.livejournal.com]

Hey, I have a guide dog, a handsome male black lab named Rhett. He goes wherever I go. However, if it is a private vehicle the person has the right to refuse me because they aren't covered under the ADA. Because of this, I will usually find alternative ways to get to where I need to go because he goes with me everywhere. Rachel and Rhett

a muddy survey

[michael-m.livejournal.com]

I selected the "no one has the rite" option, but in reality, it depends who the friend is If it is a truly good friend, who accepts me and my dog, and has prooven that they understand that I and my dog have the rite to go almost anywhere, I will be much more likely to leave the dog at home.
Usually, when I went out with coworkers, we were in a group, and so I simply asked someone to drive me who I knew didn't mind a dog in their car.

[dahlia-and-balu.livejournal.com]

I did not fill out your survey because I come at the question from the other direction; I am the driver. As the driver, I have the right to refuse your dog because I also have the right to refuse you. I am not obligated to give you a ride at all, and if I do, I can say yes or no to the dog, to dropping off a package at your mother's house on the way, to your best friend's toddler, whatever. I might have a good reason and I might not, but it's my car and I always have the right to say no. If it is a work situation where everyone is carpooling to a certain location or something like that, then it is your boss's responsibility to make sure you and your dog have a ride, but not mine.

As a matter of common decency, I of course should think twice before saying yes to giving you a ride if I don't want to accommodate your dog, and I should take into consideration that the dog is not just along for companionship.

[imafarmgirl.livejournal.com]

I absolutely think it is the right of the person driving to decide whether they want a dog in their car. Same with their home. I can say though that if they ask me not to bring my dog into their car, unless they have severe allergies, that will be the end of my friendship with them. No one who is a true friend to me will attempt to limit my choice of mobility aids. Not only does my dog help as far as seeing but he helps a lot with my balance and keeps me from falling. I am much more steady walking with him than I would be with a cane. I have fantastic cane skills, but since my surgeries it is much easier to walk with a dog.