A Mom’s Observation: Navigating the hotel scene with an Assistance Dog
When my son Andrew was paired with a gloriously intelligent and quite handsome 3 year old Golden Retriever as a service (assistance) dog I was so excited for both of them! Motive is always right there to help Andrew get up from the sofa, or out of bed by providing his sturdy bracing. “Mo” is there to not only deliver the necessary stability for this task, but he remains by my sons’ side until the first steps are taken to ensure that Andrew is no danger of falling.
When out of the house and sporting his customized harness, Motive provides walking assistance that keeps Andrew balanced and actually lessens the energy Andrew expends to stay balanced. This reduces some of the fatigue incurred when walking long distances. This golden angel also retrieves dropped items, can turn light switches on and off, and can locate Andrew’s cell phone if Andrew falls and cannot get to it himself. The assistance that Motive offers unconditionally is a direct result of his service dog training which was an arduous, 3 year process and is reinforced daily.
Motive loads into a vehicle on Andrew’s directive and is a great traveler. He loves to lay with his nose as close to Andrew as possible and it is not unusual to find Andrew with one hand draped across the back of Mo’s head. The bond between them is loving and strong.
We’ve been doing a lot of traveling to and from doctor and hospital appointments as of late and overnight stays are not unusual. We have learned so much from Genesis about what is to be expected under the provisions of the ADA. The ADA explains that service (assistance) dogs are not considered pets and they are to be welcomed into a hotel the way they are to be admitted into all public spaces. The hotelier may not charge any additional fees or deposits for the animal. There is to be no distinction in the category of room assigned at check-in. The hotel is not permitted to assign the guest to a “pet friendly” room due to having a service animal. Under the provisions of the ADA the handler, my son, is able to check in as any other guest would do. They hotelier may not ask Andrew what his disability is or why he has a service dog, and they may not require proof of service animal status. They are permitted to ask if the assistance dog is required because of a disability AND what task the dog has been trained to perform.
Andrew has been asked to produce identification for Motive on several occasions during check in and while there is a card that he carries with him, it is not actually sanctioned by any governing authority and in reality there are no official documents available in the U.S. that truly certify that an animal is a service animal. The standards are as wide and varied as the U.S. itself. My son uses these opportunities to educate the front desk staff on what is and is not appropriate procedure to use for a person checking in with an assistance dog. Some front desk clerks have still taken a picture of Motive’s “I.D.” card to keep on file despite having the rules explained. Andrew doesn’t argue with staff but will follow up with a letter to hotel management in an effort to bring attention to the appropriate behavior of the staff.
Other hotel guests cannot help but notice this dynamic duo as they walk by. More often than not, Andrew is complimented on how beautiful his dog is and most people respect the patch on the harness that states: Service Dog Do Not Pet. Others might inquire about Motives age, and whether or not they can have permission to pet him. Upon Andrews command, Mo is happy to oblige. Some guests and hotel staff have been startled by the sight of an 85 pound Golden Retriever as the elevator doors open; more than a few have recoiled immediately. Mo and Andrew take it all in stride and pass by quietly.
During our stay Motive is never left alone in the room for any reason. Andrew is careful to place his water bowl on the tiled area of the bathroom and feeds him there as well to protect the carpeting from spillage. (Motive is a sloppy drinker!)
Something many folks don’t think about prior to travelling with a service dog is that it is not always easy to find a place that is acceptable to permit them to relieve themselves. Andrew is diligent about respecting property, other guests and cleaning-up after Mo. This is a huge part of the responsibility of travelling with an assistance dog, along with carrying an ample food supply (we always take 2 days extra “just in case”) his portable water bowl, feeding bowl, a toy or two, his brush, and of course his favorite treats. Harness, vest and 2 leads always accompany us on our trips and we have perfected packing into one small go bag.
Being able to travel again and know that Andrew will be supported by Motive is a feeling that is hard to explain. As a mom, I am there to provide my son with guidance, emotional support and love, but Motive gives him all that and more – he gives Andrew independence!
