The TRUTH About Service Dogs & ESAs

08/24/2026

Admin Tiffany here

I know, like the other admins here, I have been MIA and if I’m being honest, I don’t really come on Facebook anymore. However, I just recently moved to Virginia and I’ve had multiple great conversations regarding service dogs in the last few days, one with another handler at the hospital and one with another handler (sans dog) at my kids school. Conversations about getting accommodation for housing and not allowing that housing to try and demand things they legally cannot. Conversation about how “no” is a complete sentence and we don’t have to explain ourselves when we tell people not to touch our service dogs, and while I do enjoy educating from time to time there’s a time in place for it and I don’t always have to explain myself to random strangers.

Anyway I just wanted to give an update on what’s going on with us personally. Jax is semi retired. Basically he only goes out with me on short outings, typically to the doctor or for a few errands where I know I will be up on my feet. For longer outings (more than 3-6 hours) I’m using as my support person and mobility aids while leaving Jax at home as he has slowed down with age. His medical alert is still as good as ever but if he tries to work a full day he’s pooped by the afternoon.

Roxie is still Jax backup but her medical alert is nowhere near as consistent as Jax so primarily she just does mobility assistance on days that I need it.

I do have plans for my next service dog but it may be some time as I don’t think I could give my full attention to a new puppy and the required training at this time. More than likely, I am going to be using a trainer or I may look into a program. I don’t think I can physically do all the things to train that I used to be able to do just due to my disabilities.

But I’m still here still kicking and still have my Service Nutella.

*pictured Roxy tricolored GSD mix laying across bed with Jax white and tan husky mix curled in a ball with plush that resembles a jar of Nutella wearing fake service dog ID.

08/18/2026

This is a local story for me. This family could need help to afford a seizure alert dog for their child. If you cannot afford to give a donation, sharing it is totally free and can directly help them reach their goal!

The George family is seeking community support to help get Luca a potentially life-saving seizure-alert dog.

08/14/2026

Text of screenshot: Some people in this community have no damn clue how the laws work. The ADA doesn't apply to SDIT, housing, or air travel. State laws may apply to SDIT but they don't give ADA coverage. Similar coverage, sure. Oh, and you can't "call the ADA", it's a law! You can call the ADA helpline at the department of justice. Ugh!

08/11/2026

I have not publicly commented on this story because I knew in my heart some details were likely jumbled.

Regardless of the exact spot it happened and other details about the handler and dog and what sort of condition/training/etc they had, I agree fully with Pluto the Service Dog here.

I retired Arya recently because she has become less heat tolerant. She also has never ever liked to wear her boots and in the last 2 years she has all but went on strike with them on. She used to tolerate them but eventually she just doesn't want to move with them on. We tried different styles and everything and ultimately I went to the paw wax made for hot pavement but mostly, we just avoided going out or taking her out and I relied on help from family and friends. I'm sad to retire her but that's the best choice for her health and safety, both physical and mental.

With my new service dog, Tilly, she is younger, more active and more heat tolerant. I keep her in a short kennel clip for the summer (she is a standard poodle). She also LOVES to wear her shoes. First time I put them on her at 6 months old and this girl acted like they gave her extra speed. It's helped my confidence as well tremendously seeing her take so well to them. But for now, we are avoiding theme parks till fall. We went to a night time zoo event the other night and it was hot but certainly not as bad as midday.

This is why I say it's not always fun to have a dog that can go everywhere with you. We have a responsibility to our service animals. Their health MUST come before our own, otherwise, what are we even doing? A sick or injured service animal cannot properly work.

It's hot everywhere, please be careful. Keep in mind with dogs being closer to the ground, it's hotter from their vantage point. The heat from above and the heat from below sandwiches them right in the middle. They can overheat quickly. Take frequent breaks. If you are using a cooling vest, ensure it's staying wet, a dry cooling vest is not effective and can actually make the dog hotter. Walk on grass and dirt when possible. If it's the middle of the day, take that time to be indoors...be it in a business, in your hotel room or at home. Offer water frequently.

To the service dog handler who's dog lost it's life, you have our deepest condolences for your loss.

08/02/2026

Admin Crystal here

I know I've been kinda MIA. We all have. Life just be life-ing.

Over the last 2 years I have been slowly phasing Arya out of service work for me. She getting older. She's healthy and doing well but she doesn't have the stamina she used to and more of an issue is she has become less heat tolerant. And in Florida, that's a big issue. She won't wear boots anymore either. She used to just tolerate them but now if I put them on, she is like NOPE and loses interest and desire in working with them. We moved to the paw wax which she does great with but I trust that less than boots for walking on hot concrete and sand here. I ultimately retired her last week.

Last year we added a new family member to the pack, Tilly. She is a parti-colored standard poodle. She went to a board and train with Indigo Canines Co. here in Florida and returned an even better dog with new skills! Very proud of her! I'm hoping with this new lease/leash on life for me, it will encourage me to get back out more and get more involved in the activities and events I have missed and loved.

Don't worry about Arya. She is enjoying her retirement at home in the AC. Playing with her favorite toys and relaxing. Arya will still go out with us to pet friendly events when the weather cools down.

(pictured below a photo of Arya laying on a bed with a triceratops plushie. Arya is a boxer/hound/heinz 57 mix.
Second picture is of Tilly, a black and white parti colored standard poodle at Bass Pro Shops)

08/02/2026

"I wish I could bring my dog everywhere too"

No you don't.

I certainly love to have my service dog with me when out and about but it's not all sunshine and rainbows.

You have a responsibility to your service dog. You have to ensure they maintain their health and wellness. You need to make sure they are well hydrated and have the energy to work. You have to deal with the public constantly judging you.

Don't have boots on your service dog? Judgement. My (now) retired service tolerated boots till she didn't and it was like shut down. So I used the paw wax and people assumed I used nothing to protect her paws.
Use boots on your service dog? Still judgemental comments happen. "Poor baby looks ridiculous"

Comments constantly about how your dog is panting and asking if they need water when you just offered water to them 2 minutes ago. They are wearing a cooling vest and you know your dog and know it's normal panting.

You have to stay vigilant. My service dog has almost been attacked on a number of occasions by both other dogs and even people! Recently a child who was old enough to know better nearly kicked my dog in the head very much on purpose. On the same day, a person driving a large motorized scooter at full speed, while completely looking to her right and not paying attention almost ran over my dog. My back is turned for one second in line and a toddler is stepping on her paws.

Having a service dog helps me tremendously but it also is a lot of responsibility and it's not always fun to bring your dog places. You are expected to advocate and educate constantly. You are obligated to protect your dog. And you just have to exist. It's exhausting somedays. Today was one of those days.

/End rant

- Admin Crystal

(Picture below of a parti colored standard poodle in a purple harness at a Bass Pro store)

06/19/2026

Nutella still getting love

The will be 8 this summer!

04/16/2026

01/05/2026

Just don't.

01/05/2026