How to Go Anywhere with Your Dog

Last month we took a long family weekend in beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Scottsdale was warm and inviting, a lovely respite from Missouri's brutal polar temperatures and unending snow. Spending time with family was pretty awesome, too.

Above is one of the outdoor shots I took of the famous Barrett-Jackson auction. It's the one you've probably seen on television where people who live a totally different lifestyle from mine, think nothing of bidding 1.5 million to pick up a nice vintage vehicle. We spent a lot of time checking things out.

I could go on forever describing what we saw...amazing cars, celebrities, television moments, and vendors who arrived on scene to sell anything you can imagine...yes, even pianos.

But I want to focus on something else that interested me. I've never seen so many people with dogs wearing service vests in any place I've ever been. There must have been dozens and dozens of them, each with a vest displaying tags that looked very official. Some of the dogs even wore cute little outfits along with the vest.

I asked a few different handlers whether their dogs were in training or working. Each one smiled and said their dogs were working. Several mentioned that their dog did pet therapy.

Let me tell you, no one is more a fan of making dogs welcome in all places than me, but this was a no-dogs-allowed event EXCEPT for service dogs. I didn't notice anyone checking credentials, nor did I notice any millionaires lining up for pet therapy.

Later I went on-line and discovered something. Several companies will be happy to sell service vests to anyone along with patches, ID tags that include federal regulations mandating service dog entry into any building/area, and instructions on how one can travel by air with a service dog. (The service dog apparently flies free)

The websites selling the products have a disclaimer saying they aren't a certifying agency and they do not accept responsibility for any false information supplied to get the products. They add it's fraudulent to misrepresent a dog as a service animal, yet no certifying paperwork is required to make a purchase.

I know there are plenty of folks with highly trained service dogs for a specific and necessary purpose, but Barrett-Jackson made me wonder. Could it be that some people order vests and tags just so they can take their pup wherever they go?

Don't get me wrong, I love the idea of dogs and people spending time together, but something seemed a bit odd. Is it my imagination or is this a new way to travel anywhere with your dog?

Mom, I expect you to order a service vest for me immediately!

Canine Prescription

My name is Freddie. I used to be a homeless dog. No one wanted me because I'm older and have a badly broken front leg that turns out in a strange crooked way. My hips aren't what they used to be, either, so I tend to wobble when I walk. But that doesn't stop me from getting around. I had gotten so used to being passed by, I almost gave up hope of having a family, until one day a very nice lady looked at me and scratched my ears. It felt wonderful. Then she nodded and smiled, and the next thing I knew, she put me in a car and brought me home. And oh, what a home it is.

Now I live in an enormous house filled with lots of friendly people. It's a special place where older folks live when they need extra help. We have a lot in common. Many of them wobble when they walk, too. I'm always careful to give them plenty of room. I know how easy it can be to trip when you're not as sure-footed as you once were before arthiritis and fragile bones and vision problems take their toll.

My new friends like to sneak treats to me during meals while I sit under the table, quiet as a mouse. I especially enjoy it when someone strokes my fur and talks to me. Their eyes brighten and lips turn up, as though they're remembering something from a long time ago. I swish my tail in agreement with each one of their words.

But even though I now have a home and people who need me, I haven't forgotten how it felt to be alone. So it's my wish that every homeless animal has the same luck I did. Because no matter age or disability, we all want the same thing. The chance to prove that as long as our hearts beat, we'll love you.

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Please consider adopting a senior and/or special needs pet like Freddie. What you'll receive in return is priceless!