Wednesday, June 27, 2012

I had a great day yesterday, even though the liquid sunshine was pouring down we went out. First we went to the fish store, mom left me in the car because they have a cat in that store that attacks other animals, so mom says it is best for me not to go in. She bought these funny looking little swimming things with lots of little legs, I think she called them "shrimp". Then we went to my favorite store Petsmart, I love it there. We walked around and I got lots of pats, they love me at my store. Mom and auntie got us some yummy canned food, then we went and got food for the kitty and then off to the fish. On the way of course I got to get a treat by the training room, then we passed by the little furry critters. I get so excited watching them. Then we turn the corner and I get to see the birds I love them too. Mom picked out some fish and we went to the check out. At the check out I always get a cookie or two and lots of pats.

When my mom brings in new animals, even though most only stay a short time here as rescues until we find them new homes, I can get those green eyes that can make me sad.

This is a great little article about adding new pets.

The Green-Eyed Monster Named Jealousy

One day you bring home another furry bundle of joy. The problem is, the dog currently in residence - the one you adore, who always came to you for pats and snuggles - suddenly decides he wants nothing to do with either you or the new family member. What to do?

The Adjustment Period

Pets can display jealousy too, and to help smooth the transition to a more-than-one-pet household, try to:

Continue to lavish attention on your "first" pets. It's so easy to get caught up with the newcomer ... but your other pets may be feeling a bit put out. Spend plenty of time with them reassuring them that they're still a special part of the family.
Take things slowly; don't force your pets together. Introduce them in controlled situations, and give them time to adjust at their own pace. Allow them to gain confidence and decide when they'd like to face their new housemates.
Feed them away from each other. Use separate food and water bowls, and keep them physically separated when eating. Do not tolerate aggressive behavior.
Always supervise your pets until you are sure they get along. For the first couple of months, we left one of the dogs in the kennel and the other free whenever we had to go out. Some pets will adjust quickly; others may take weeks or even months before they're fully adjusted.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Service Dog and handler asked to leave

http://www.dogstarspace.com/forum/topics/disabled-woman-and-service-dog-kicked-out-of-ann-taylor-store

I work as a service dog for my mum and we have encountered this stupidity also. It is sad employers do not take the time to educate their staff on this matter.

For all you business owners please please know the law and educate your staff accordingly

Please, help other to educate themselves on the Americans with Disabilities Act

U.S. Department of JusticeCivil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section

Service Animals

The Department of Justice published revised final regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for title II (State and local government services) and title III (public accommodations and commercial facilities) on September 15, 2010, in the Federal Register. These requirements, or rules, clarify and refine issues that have arisen over the past 20 years and contain new, and updated, requirements, including the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design (2010 Standards).

Overview

This publication provides guidance on the term “service animal” and the service animal provisions in the Department’s new regulations.

Beginning on March 15, 2011, only dogs are recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the ADA.
A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability.
Generally, title II and title III entities must permit service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas where members of the public are allowed to go.

How “Service Animal” Is Defined

Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Examples of such work or tasks include guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling a wheelchair, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, reminding a person with mental illness to take prescribed medications, calming a person with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during an anxiety attack, or performing other duties. Service animals are working animals, not pets. The work or task a dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA.

This definition does not affect or limit the broader definition of “assistance animal” under the Fair Housing Act or the broader definition of “service animal” under the Air Carrier Access Act.

Some State and local laws also define service animal more broadly than the ADA does. Information about such laws can be obtained from the State attorney general’s office.

Where Service Animals Are Allowed

Under the ADA, State and local governments, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. For example, in a hospital it would be inappropriate to exclude a service animal from areas such as patient rooms, clinics, cafeterias, or examination rooms. However, it may be appropriate to exclude a service animal from operating rooms or burn units where the animal’s presence may compromise a sterile environment.

Service Animals Must Be Under Control

Under the ADA, service animals must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal, or other effective controls.

Inquiries, Exclusions, Charges, and Other Specific Rules Related to Service Animals

When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.
Allergies and fear of dogs are not valid reasons for denying access or refusing service to people using service animals. When a person who is allergic to dog dander and a person who uses a service animal must spend time in the same room or facility, for example, in a school classroom or at a homeless shelter, they both should be accommodated by assigning them, if possible, to different locations within the room or different rooms in the facility.
A person with a disability cannot be asked to remove his service animal from the premises unless: (1) the dog is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it or (2) the dog is not housebroken. When there is a legitimate reason to ask that a service animal be removed, staff must offer the person with the disability the opportunity to obtain goods or services without the animal’s presence.
Establishments that sell or prepare food must allow service animals in public areas even if state or local health codes prohibit animals on the premises.
People with disabilities who use service animals cannot be isolated from other patrons, treated less favorably than other patrons, or charged fees that are not charged to other patrons without animals. In addition, if a business requires a deposit or fee to be paid by patrons with pets, it must waive the charge for service animals.
If a business such as a hotel normally charges guests for damage that they cause, a customer with a disability may also be charged for damage caused by himself or his service animal.
Staff are not required to provide care or food for a service animal.

Miniature Horses

In addition to the provisions about service dogs, the Department’s revised ADA regulations have a new, separate provision about miniature horses that have been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. (Miniature horses generally range in height from 24 inches to 34 inches measured to the shoulders and generally weigh between 70 and 100 pounds.) Entities covered by the ADA must modify their policies to permit miniature horses where reasonable. The regulations set out four assessment factors to assist entities in determining whether miniature horses can be accommodated in their facility. The assessment factors are (1) whether the miniature horse is housebroken; (2) whether the miniature horse is under the owner’s control; (3) whether the facility can accommodate the miniature horse’s type, size, and weight; and (4) whether the miniature horse’s presence will not compromise legitimate safety requirements necessary for safe operation of the facility.

For more information about the ADA, please visit our website or call our toll-free number.

ADA Website

www.ADA.gov

To receive e-mail notifications when new ADA information is available,

visit the ADA Website’s home page and click the link near the top of the middle column.

ADA Information Line

800-514-0301 (Voice) and 800-514-0383 (TTY)

24 hours a day to order publications by mail.

M-W, F 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Th 12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Eastern Time)

to speak with an ADA Specialist. All calls are confidential.

For persons with disabilities, this publication is available in alternate formats.

Duplication of this document is encouraged. July 2011

I went to Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO from April 30 - May 3, 2012. They have a wonderful facility and are excellent hosts

http://www.purina.com/purina-farms/purinafarms.aspx

If you follow this link you can see some great photos of the center http://www.flickr.com/photos/purinafarms/page7/

We stayed at the Holiday Inn at Six Flags St. Louis it was so beautiful. They even had a special building for me and the other dogs to get bathed and groomed and a great big area for my walks. It was so beautiful inside and they where very welcoming. I had a great time.

It was sooooo cooool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The 2012 Irish Wolfhound Club of America Specialty was so much fun.

I met so many new people, I cannot remember all the names, but everyone was so nice.

These were the results

http://www.iwclubofamerica.org/2012_Specialty/2012_Specialty_Show_RESULTS.htm

there are other pictures taken you can see at this link http://imagesbydearil.zenfolio.com/p1069532390

Next years event

Nathaniel's Hope Make 'm Smile

On June 2nd, 2012, I went to Nathaniel's Hope Make 'm Smile at Lake Eola in Orlando. I had a howling good time. I made a lot of new friends and got my picture taken with oodles of people. When the kids and adults see me their little faces just light up with joy.

Next year we hope to have my own booth at the event so that everyone can come and visit me. I sure hope you all mark your calenders to come out. http://www.nathanielshope.org/events-programs/make-m-smile/save-the-date/

This first picture is with my Buddy Family, I was so proud to be their buddy.

Look at these pictures, did we have fun or what!

Friday, June 22, 2012

Introduction

Hey, this is Hambone, some folks call me Hammy, either is alright with me. I can't wait to share my adventures with you. I get to go so many places, I just have to tell y'all or I will burst from excitement.