Service Dog Owners!!
Iv been reading how some or many of you perhaps have been threatened or questioned about what type, or why you have a service dog......

**Remember the laws here i explain are on for California, plz check ur local laws on service dogs for this year**

I myself have a 15 year history of owning small service dogs under 10 lbs. I have a service dog, who is 7lbs, a male Shih-Tzu, an he is for pain therapy.
Im 24 and i live in California.I suffer from a rare nerve disease and also a rare 1 foot spinal tumor. none of which are invisable to anyone else really.
My issues are many and are severe, so severe yet invisable to everyone bc of how well ive learned to hide my pain and issues (since age 9) I therefore am questioned a lot. Many of the times ive been threatened to be kicked of a bus, or out of a store, only bc one person is having a crappy day and wants to take it out on you and your dog.

Legally in Ca.: (in 2012 when i did heavy research)
A service dog doesnt have to be "registered", all you need is your Dr reccomending that it would better your health.
I do NOT have to have a vest on my dog or with me.
Upon being asked aloud, I do NOT have to disclose what my dog does as a service (because this is a violation of mymedical and personal privacy)
They cannot make me leave.

Establishments can be sued for not accompanying a disabled person and not allowing them to have their service dogs with them, no matter the reason or size of dog. (Places usually seem to care less if i carry or have them in a cart on my own blanket as they sleep or chill)
Ive had to be stearn and stand up for myself. Ive gotten into many an arguement with store personel who think they know the service animal laws better than i.having on a vest helps a lot along knowing your rights.

**Get to know your state/county's laws and get as educated as possible so you can adequetely defend yourself when the time arises.***

I do tho Always carry on me a current reccomendation from my Pain Mgmt Dr. descibing the typs of dog and reccomending I my service dog with me at all times. This is usually hand written on a prescription blank. Mine discloses the reason for having my service dog from my Pain mangament Dr. It doesnt have to say the reason though, but in my case i didnt care.

**If you are in the right (law wise), be sure to stand your ground, dont back down or seem uneasy!!
I'm not sure about other places but here in Ca. having a service Dog in an establishment is a right.
I wish you all the best with your little doggy companions!

Jamie Marie