- Service dogs like Maisie assist owners with disabilities, providing crucial support.
- Public education on service dogs is vital to prevent distractions and ensure safety.
- Under ADA, service dogs have public access rights, unlike emotional support animals.
AMERICAN FORK — Abigail Allred and Mica Durant were on the verge of a crisis. Allred’s heart rate was rising during a graduation, and she needed to find a place to sit down before she passed out.
As her service dog, Maisie, was guiding her to a seat, her dog’s important work was interrupted by a well-meaning couple petting the dog.
The situation reflects many common experiences of those with service dogs. Service dogs on duty are busy protecting their owners, working in a team and providing necessary attention. When a lack of education about service dogs impacts the day-to-day life of owners, situations can get sticky, and owners can be seriously hurt.
‘She makes our lives so much fuller’
Allred and Durant, of American Fork, discussed the idea of getting a service dog for years. As she has post-traumatic stress disorder, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and hyper-mobility issues, a service dog could be a great support for Allred. Authentic service dogs must be used by an individual with a disability and be task-trained, according to the ADA. Allred and Durant thought a service dog would be perfect for them…