first, Hugs! ok one more

As far as your service animal in new york you ARE expected to provide documentation ONCE to obtain a special tag for its collar.

Service Dogs
All dogs, including service dogs are required to purchase a standard NYC Dog License and to renew annually. Owners of service dogs may request, free of charge, a separate Service Dog Tag. An applicant will be required to submit a written statement from a trainer, whose education, experience and training are acceptable to the Department, stating that such dog has been specifically trained to perform a task or tasks for the person applying for the tag. All documentation submitted for a Service Dog Tag must be verified and approved by the Dog Licensing Unit.

The Americans With Disabilities Act defines service animals as such; "Service animals are animals that are individually trained to perform tasks for people with disabilities – such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other special tasks. Service animals are working animals, not pets."

Please call the dog license place and ask how to get your own tag. All states have different requirements on dogs, and all places within the state have their own rules. Like...Columbia university says that an animal will be allowed without question, but Kennedy airport requires proof from a licensed MD that the dog is a requirement for you. Its always best to have that license in place. You get it at the exact same spot you get the regular doggie license, which IS a requirement by law in New York state. I am sorry that the cops took it so far, and I hope you have retained a lawyer.

As for your 12 step group, please remember most of these folks are wounded, struggling, and come from a place of not being able to make great decisions for themselves without struggle, turmoil and assistance. Continue to be your same sweet self, and in the end, the other ugly personality will shine thru and others will continue to see the same sweet side to you. NO ONE has permission to touch your animal. not to pet him, or strike him. Good for you to protect him.

As for your helper at home, its time for a sit down chat. PLEASE be calm. Make a list of things you expect. Tell her how much she has meant to you in the past and how her help has been so valueable to you, BUT in recent days since your move to moms place, you have noticed a shift in her actions, behaviors, and attitude and this must change. you cannot and will not have this type of behaviors in your home. Since you are paying her to WORK, she should NEVER be playing games on your time. unless its to keep you company. She should not be checking her email, or taking personal phone calls. If she is due at 8am, then at 8:15 she is considered absent for the day, unless she calls to explain why she is running late BEFORE 8:15. A continuous line of excuses will not be accepted. You need to become her employer, NOT her friend. yes, its wonderful to have a friend, but you dont need more friends, you do need a helper. It doesnt matter what tasks you are asking her to do for household help, she is there to WORK, not play. If she has a problem, or has become abusive then she needs to be dismissed, and reported. It appears as tho you have tried hard to be her friend, and well...that isnt working very well. You can be friendly without becoming dependant on that person for your friendships. If it were me, I would dimiss her and ask the social services office for a new girl. You may have to wait a week or so while they hire someone, but I would never allow an abusive person in my home.

Call the social security places and ask for assistance. They usually can help you over the phone. They will provide a counselor to go over your records, and your needs to make sure they are being provided. Have them clear the old addresses from the system and place the new ones in it. Call your MD and get that paper to be able to claim "service animal" status for your doggie.

Take a breath. Tell yourself you ARE a good person. The behavior of others is NOT a reflection on you. its a reflection on THEM. No one can make you feel badly unless you allow them to. Find new circles to make friends. Churches, libraries, town gatherings, support meetings for MS or other diseases. Hang in there.