Huh? Is that Harley or Anakin? *Jin barks*

I think a better way to put this is if your dog cannot perform a specific task for your disability and is not capable of passing a PAT (Public Access Test) then it is not an SD. Canine Good Citizenship cert does not count.

There is also the question when does an SDiT (in training) become an SD? The minimum guidlines by Assistance Dog International (ADI) recommends passing the minimum ADI PAT and to be able to perform 3 tasks. The ADA does not specifiy, it just outlines behavior in public and says "...perform tasks...)

That was Anakin. I'm Harley!

I think what she meant to say is that your SD ceases to be an SD when:
1) You are no longer disabled (then your dog is no longer as ESA either)
2) Your dog no longer mitigates your disability
OR
3) Your dog is no longer able to behave properly in public.

With both 2 and 3, the dog can be an ESA.

Yes, thank you both, that's what I meant.

ALL of you who tell me and others, over and over and over again that a dog can NOT be a Service Animal unless he "performs" some trained task, some trained action.

Several months ago, when I still only had library access, so no time to come here and post about it, I found the proof (ie, govermental) that my position is correct - that when a dog can lessen a DISABILITY, not just "I'm get anxious, worried or whatever and my dog comes up to be petted and it distracts me, calms me down".

I'm almost certain I bookmarked it - or sent myself an email with the link - but it may be buried deep, no matter where it is. When I find the US government's legal ADA DEFINITION of disability and the other document explaining about the latitude given psychiatric service dogs, I'll post it here. Don't hold your breath, but hopefully it will be up by Valentine's.

Being anxious, nervous, always worried, is not enough to have the federal government give you a psychiatric disability rating (tho you may be mandated federally disabled because of some OTHER condition/illness/disorder you have). But when you have severe dysfunction because of one or more facets of a psychiatric illness, so bad that you cannot function within any parameters of normal - and the company of the dog can enable one to regain normal functions, then that dog is rendering an important psychiatric service.

I do get tired of bombast.

Theresa (OneMoreTime)

OneMoreTime, I am very concerned about your lack of understanding of service dog law. First of all, having your psych prescribe a dog does not elevate that dog's status to service dog. Your SD has to be "individually trained to do work or tasks that mitigate your disability." A furry valium is not individually trained to do work - it is emotional support. More seriously, you advocate a small dog for PSD work since their bite will not cause as much damage. OMG! No service dog should EVER nip, growl, or bite. Ever. *Moderator edit*