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We’re quick to deliver the service dog and then back away from the situation so the human can be independent, as if independence is the most important thing in the world. Why do people avoid asking the most obvious question of all: Why don’t humans help humans instead of enslaving dogs or other animals to help humans in need?"
Because many disabled people actually desire the independence that working with another human doesn't give to them. Often, they'll feel like burdens to caretakers or have to ask their caretaker for help in leaving the house, getting on transportation, ect. And while this can work - and there
are people who do this for disabled people that need help - a service animal often affords a greater range of feeling responsible and in control of your own life, which is important. (Also, you know, Human caretakers have a greater chance of stealing money/property from you, where with a dog you might get some food stolen out of your hand/plate.)
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Is it possible that service dogs leave someone with disabilities more socially isolated than they were before getting the dog? [...] We know that when a service dog is on duty humans are not supposed to approach the dog or the human, that we are not supposed to do or say anything to distract the dog from the work at hand. The service dog also sends a strong message that the human with the dog values independence, and as such, it is easy for others see a need to honor that independence by just walking way and not initiating friendly contact."
...I don't even know where the hell to begin with this. You're no less 'independent' walking alone as a person without disabilities, or if you were walking your own dog out on the street. You can actually interact with people without touching their service animals - imagine that! Hell, people with service animals often get more people talking or approaching them because of the animal, and from there a conversation is struck. Holy shit,
it's not that hard.
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It’s time to question the use of service dogs and other animals in ways that are not ableist, but that give serious consideration to the fate of the dogs."
Ableist. You're calling service dogs - animals trained for people with disabilities so they can function more easily -
Ableist. While implying that disabled people should just give up being independent and depend on people for everything even if they don't want to.
