Service lizard

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http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/l ... ls19m.html

If I can't bring my bearded dragon, Pippin places with me I have a panic attack. She helps me avoid them by keeping me calm as I hold her. She's been handled and socialized religiously since she was a baby and has never tried to bite and has only bearded twice because she thought she was going to fall. If total strangers pet ot touch her she is perfectly fine with it. So far the only service animal I can have is a dog. I don't have the emotional resourses right now to take care of a dog, i.e. taking it outside, house breaking, ie. I don't even like dogs but society has this stupid idea that they are the only "safe" animal. So far there are far more recorded dog bites than bearded dragon bites. There has also NEVER been a reported case of samonelia froma bearded dragon. I take her to public places aside from grocery stores and resturants and people are enthralled by her and are overjoyed when I ask them if they would like to pet her. She dosen't bother anyone and just sits on my shirt and looks around at everything. Would you allow me to have a "service lizard"?

My panic attacks can be so bad I can't leave the house without Pippin. I avoid the places she is not allowed into. Around here that's only resturants and grocery stores or supermarkets, everywhere else she is allowed so far. I won't even go to church becuase my parents say they would kick me out. I was brought up to believe that church was God's house but now I can see that is just a lie. God wouldn't mind having his own creatures into his house. I NEED Pippin in order to function around other people. If I did not want to go to college, I would just have my groceries delivered or grow my own produce and raise dairy animals and become a shut in. I'm destined to be the "crazy old lizard lady". But I need to go to college and to vet school. I need her officaly reconised as a service animal so I can attend and not have problems. I could make her a little vest myself.

I think that a service lizard would be good for you.

I think it's great that you have found what works for you.

Yes, I think it's a good idea. I think you should ask a psychiatrist/psychologist/whatever about writing a letter to explain to anybody who really needs to see it that you have a disability with which your lizard helps you. A little lizard-sized vest would be a good idea, so you don't have to explain every time. You're going to have to explain more than most people, though, because the general idea of a service animal is of a dog and many people don't know what a psychiatric service animal is.

Incidentally, I'm pretty sure that my church, at least, wouldn't mind a clean, well-behaved lizard if you explained it ahead of time. I don't know whether your mom is right about your church; but why not try pitching the idea to your pastor/minister/priest (write a letter if you have to), and asking? It really doesn't hurt to ask, and if you emphasize that your lizard is well-trained, they might OK it.

You may have to get your groceries delivered; though salmonella from lizards is a very small risk, they can justify it, and I don't think you'll win that battle.

The one problem I can think of is that many places may require a leash or some other sort of restraint for service animals; can you put a leash on your lizard, or keep him in a portable container of some sort?

So what happens when you meltdown with Pippen under your control? If you have a pre-plan for that it might be helpful while lobbying for your service lizard. Personally I think it would be a hoot! (i.e. fun and creative). I can see why he/she can't be around food, though.

Merle

Make her that vest, get the letter from a professional, and I bet you could bring her to 99% of places you go. You could get someone to embroider "Service Lizard" on the vest. People would be so charmed, they wouldn't think of denying you.

I remember hearing of a 'therapy animal' category that would allow certain pets to be taken to places where they are usually forbidden. This is a really cool project - keep us posted!

omgosh i sooo agree with u on service lizards!! ! I love my beardie, and whenever I take her out, i seem to be more calmer, more relaxed, less bouncing around, less touching everything in sight etc. I also whenever I'm melting down or freaking out, I hold her and i sorta jus dead stop, not awlays but a lot of the time yes, and i could never figure out why. My cat gets in my way during a metldown or dog for that matter i wouldnt care one bit or notice they were there or if i did i might try to lash at them or bite them lol ive biten my cat once and whoa she bit me harder back lol, but my dragon idk what is about her its jus different. She almost died as an baby and my mothe nursed her back to health with hand drops of water, now shes almost 7 years old and doing amazing i love her, idk if its cuz lizards are more unpredictable then cats or dogs, maybe its cuz of ther skin, maybe its cuz they look sorta like dinosaurs, maybe cuz their so intersting to watch, i jus dont know! I do know i would love to make my bearded dragon lizard a service lizard, put on a little tshirt that says "Service Animal for Autism" lol omgosh itll be sooo cute haha. And best part is she wouldnt care one bit if it was on her lol,unlike my cat or dog who may be bothered by it and give me dirty looks lol. Good post, and good idea punkycat!

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Being Normal Is Vastly Overrated

Wouldn't having a lizard with vest attract attention? I would think that can cause more anxiety. On my bad days I want the least amount of attention possible.

But if she (or he) is a help, you should be allowed to have a service lizard. Maybe if you wore a hoodie and placed her in the hood part behind your neck it would keep her from being as visible in places like church. This way no one would object or be startled. I think God's house should welcome all creatures too, but people tend to God's house and people have misunderstandings. I am sure God understands. Good thing she isn't a snake because Christians have some issues with them I hear LOL.

http://usarplus.com/homepage.asp
I am not saying you should spend the money but make somethiing like this and you meet this criteria for sure