Over time we will examine the role of the service animal. These tend to be mainly dogs although other animals are used. Today is about emotional support animals (ESA) and they include virtually any species including miniature horses, cats, pigs, hedgehogs and many others. Today I offer the first in a series that will be informative and heartwarming but at the same time, today, in particular, expose the weakness that an unregulated system delivers.
Several years ago a reporter in New York USA decided to expose the failure in the system and show how little we all know about Service Animals. And if any of my UK readers end up laughing. Don’t!! Believe me, the UK has not that much to be proud of other than be so grateful for the volunteers who do so much.
So back to the intrepid reporter and trust me you couldn’t write this without people saying it had to be a work of fiction.
The reporter, in an attempt to show the public’s lack of understanding regarding the role of an emotional assistance animal and its legal status, took the following creatures through New York pretending that they were assistance animals.
Fortunately, they were only taken one at a time!
The list included:
With these, the reporter was able to visit museums, restaurants, be a passenger on a bus and gain access to restricted areas in an airport. The reason for this is that there is little or no understanding of the specific roles that these animals play, many of which are dogs.
Let’s start with a basic list.
Now before we go any further let’s consider “one of those days.”
A heavy frost lays heavy on the ground, it’s bitterly cold, the car won’t start, you take the train to work, it’s delayed, you are late, the boss arrives and it is quite obvious that he has got out of bed on the wrong side, nothing goes right all day, deadlines are missed, arguments follow, hash word exchanged and you eventually arrive home 12 hours after you left. You are seriously stressed, what do you do? You pour yourself a large drink, sit in your favourite chair and…. yes, you stroke the dog.
Result; you relax and your stress levels are reduced.
Now multiply your stress and anxiety levels by ten and it still won’t come close to what is experienced by those who have mental health issues. What we suffer occasionally is a fraction of what these people endure daily. We cope, they need help, and the help comes in the form of what we now refer to as an emotional support animal.
Well, the presence of any creature, particularly a dog will require the person that relies on it to get up in the morning, to exercise, feed, groom and generally care for it. In turn, it ensures that the person gets exercise and fresh air. This gives structure to the day which is paramount for someone suffering from mental health issues. The dog provides company, therefore, removing that feeling of loneliness and isolation. The dog is a willing listener ensuring that the individual continues to use their communication skills. Admittedly it tends to be a rather one-way conversation but this can be an advantage as there is no possibility of conflict. An animal provides physical contact and companionship and distracts thoughts away from anxiety. All this increases self-esteem.
We need to be aware that any animal can be an emotional support animal. No training takes place and this leads to misconceptions and confusion. Despite some companies offering all sorts of paraphernalia including equipment emblazoned with badges and emblems indicating that the animal has a special status and the handler should be given access to places denied to others these animals generally have no legal standing whatsoever.
They provide an invaluable service to those suffering from stress and anxiety but despite their contribution to the wellbeing of the human that they support they remain what is considered to be a pet. A very special pet, but a pet nevertheless.
Of course, you can see the problem, anybody can call their animal an emotional support animal and demand the benefits that go with it. It goes without saying that any of us who own any pet from a budgerigar to a shire horse can call it an emotional support animal.
While we are on the subject what sort of animal is best suited to be an ESA? Well, that’s the problem. It depends entirely on the individual, however, there are some parameters to be considered. For those who want exercise and feel happier spending time outdoors then a dog that is able to go for long walks is essential. Golden Retrievers and Labradors are generally a good idea. By the same token if the person concerned is someone who is more likely to be inactive then a popular choice is the Pomeranian. For those in-between, another suitable and popular breed is King Charles Spaniel. All these breeds have a proven record of providing solace to sufferers.
As we have said previously any animal can be classed as an ESA and airlines around the world have become aware that the demand for them to recognise these animals has led to a realisation that sadly a number of people are using the guise of ESA as a means of getting free flights for their pets. This was not only was wrong but the consequence has been that a number of airlines are taking a much harder line and this facility has been denied to those who genuinely need assistance.
The situation has not been helped by these people going to doctor’s and requesting documentation that indicates that they need to be recognised as a person who suffers from stress when in fact they are no more stressed than me or you.
Without a doubt, these animals provide an invaluable service to those who need them. Recognising their contribution, however, and giving them the status that they deserve will require a massive change in legislation, cooperation between mental health agencies and doctors and the whole lot would have to be policed.
With that in mind, I suggest nothing will change for many years to come.
As it is impossible to know the exact status, availability and the relevant laws in any individual country then readers who wish/need to know more on this subject are advised to contact the appropriate authorities or charitable organisations in their own country who will be able to clarify the current state of affairs.
“Look at animals kindly and they will see. Talk gently to animals and they will listen.”
Anthony Douglas Williams
With subtitle or not?