Creature Comforts

While reading “Creature Comforts” by Rebecca Skloot I kept thinking the same thing as Brea. Skloot doesn’t have a sure answer herself on the solution to whether service animals are acceptable or not. I could count on one hand the number of times I have seen a service animal being used here in Eau Claire. Maybe in hospitals it’s different but just on a regular day in the general public areas, service animals aren’t that widely used. Before this article I had never given it much thought, and yes I would probably look twice if I saw a miniature pony walking down the street; but then feel bad for staring. Which brings up another point Brea had, it isn’t our place to be asking questions about why these people need their service animal. Throughout the article I thought it was interesting how Skloot went from “fraudulent” service animals to the real deal. It kept wavering my opinions on what I think a qualified or licensed service animal should be. Yes, it is a health concern to the public in some cases, but then again so is Jim Eggars who could be a threat to people if he doesn’t have his helping parrot, Sadie. Where is it appropriate to draw the line? Isn’t it almost impossible because as Skloot alludes herself; there are way to many disabilities to draw a concrete line between acceptable and unacceptable service pets. Another thing I thought interesting was how Skloot didn’t bring up the main argument of her article until the second page. As I was reading the first page I kept wondering where the article was headed and I believe Skloot did an amazing job at reeling in a broad audience. Her title is also intriguing because it is a mystery what the article would be about which again reels in a very general audience. The fact that these animals can perform this and that they are so smart could intrigue just about anybody.