Creature Comforts

Prior to reading Skloot’s article, “Creature Comforts”, I had no idea that there were service animals other than a dog. It didn't even remotely cross my mind that any other animal would qualify. I find this to be absolutely extraordinary! Is it not amazing to see dogs, and even miniature horses and parrots, to provide a service to someone who needs it? 

That, to me, is one quality pet. But the fact that there are some people around that either thinks these people are just exaggerating a disability or that they think people don’t need service animals at all is rather confusing. It’s not of your business, why do you need to know why they have a bird in a purple back pack or why they have a (very adorable) miniature horse around with them? That is none of your concern, if I had to have an opinion about it. In a direct response to Brea’s statement, “when thinking about the question of whether or not an animal should be considered a service animal, shouldn’t we think about the owners of these animals?”, I would definitely have to go along with the, “yes! The owner should be consulted most of all,” approach. The pets are obviously a big part in the discussion, but they clearly can’t come and say that their owner needs them. I completely believe that everyone that has a service animal currently definitely needs it, regardless of what species of animal it is. I think that D.O.T.’s definition of a service animal, “animals that assist persons with disabilities by providing emotional support qualify as service animals,” should definitely replace, or even be added to, the current definition of the A.D.A. because their definition is too specific and can exclude many circumstances of needing a service animal. Mentioned later in the passage is a story of Debby Rose with her service monkey Richard. Richard is a service animal that detects Debby’s anxiety attacks before they happen. As most of us know, an anxiety attack can lead to instances that could lead to the person ending up in the hospital, which is serious. Richard, as far as I can tell, is a very vital part of Debby’s life and should be allowed just about everywhere Debby goes. If you take away someone’s right to an animal that helps them with things on a daily basis, you’re taking away their right to free will.