Why We Continue to Talk About Service Dogs

I know posts about service dogs and ADA laws can feel repetitive, and some people may be tired of seeing them. But the truth is, these conversations are still necessary—because the harm caused by fake service dogs and public misunderstandings hasn’t gone away.

For me, this is personal. My service dog, Finn, has been attacked twice by fake service dogs. While he’s still able to work, other handlers I know haven’t been so lucky. One attack or disruption can destroy years of training, cost thousands of dollars, and take away the critical support that service dogs provide. For veterans in particular, service dogs are often lifelines, helping them navigate PTSD, mobility challenges, and more. Losing that support isn’t just inconvenient—it can be life-altering.

And then there’s the everyday misunderstanding that can make a handler’s life even harder. Parents often let their kids run up to Finn and try to hug him, or people simply try to pet him. One woman tried to pet Finn, and when I told her, “He’s working,” her response was, “I know, he’s a service dog, and that means I can pet him as long as I want.”

Let me be clear: a service dog is not a pet. When they are working, they are focused on supporting their handler. Distractions like petting, hugging, or trying to engage with them in any way can interrupt that work and even put the handler’s safety at risk.

This is why I continue to speak out. I want to educate the public so that service dogs and their handlers can be respected and supported. I work with city and county organizations to raise awareness about service dog laws, but the more people who understand, the safer and more inclusive our communities will be.

I don’t share this to complain—I share it to make a difference. Every time someone learns something new, it’s worth it.

Thank you for taking the time to listen and learn. If you want to understand more, here’s a great resource: https://www.ada.gov/resources/service-animals-faqs/.