Service Dogs?

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We got a service dog for our son and he has helped a lot. Our dog is trained in search and rescue just in case our son gets lost. We got our dog from the Dogwish Foundation.

Here is an article about our dog in a local LA newspaper:
http://www.rafu.com/puppy.html

get a dog as a friend. I wouldn't get a service dog. I just got my dog... I love her to death!
She is always here for me and helps me feel not so lonely. I always have a buddy.

Not many who train for austism.

http://web.syr.edu/~jisincla/getadog.htm

I have and autism service dog and I think she helps ALOT and she means the world to me

If your goal is a "normal" life, then I really wouldn't recommend a service animal. It's like slapping a giant "look at me" sign on your forehead, and can lead to some really sticky situations. Even though they technically "aren't allowed" to ask you why you have an animal in their store/bus/public building, it doesn't mean that they won't. Most people who threaten lawsuits don't follow through and business owners know that (especially "mentally handicapped people").

Essentially, if you thought that people thought of you as weird or suspicious beforehand, then it will only get worse when you get a service animal.

That, and they are horribly expensive. It's much more cost efficient to just get a pet.

Yes they can be kinda costly but most organizations will have you fundraise not pay out of pocket and there are some health insurance plans that cover care of a service animals you can also train your on service dog.

As far as people trying to deney you access yes that will be a challenge at times though it doesn't happen often. However it IS illegal to deney access to anyone with a service animal and you can remind them and then inform them that if they do keep pushing it you WILL sue them and write the owner of the company. I don't think it matters if OTHER don't fallow through just make sure if this does happen you do fallow through and sue them and fight for your rights.

We have only been challenged 4 time since we have had my dog and all we have had to do thus far i say "This is a service animal and is covered by the ADA and it is illegal for you to deny us access," We also have a copy of ADA law on the back of her ID;

Yes the animal will draw some attention to you mostly people admiring you service dog and even some who are curious and want to get one for someone they love who has autism.

Like I said before I have an autism service dog and she has helped me ALOT and it is WELL worth ANY challenge we will face.

If any one want to challenge us far enough that we take it to court let them! They will end up paying my lawyer and maybe even a new vet for my dog. I perfer to educate if I can but I don't like people who think they can get away with discriminating against anyone for any reason.