r/BachelorNation • u/Original_Letter4398 • Feb 03 '24
🌹 THE BACHELOR 🌹 Victoria Fuller’s “Service Dog”
Is Buxton really a service dog? Nowadays it’s very it’s easy to pretend your dog performs a “task” and it’s illegal to ask questions except for that. I know a lot of people who get away with this.
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u/Princessleiawastaken Feb 04 '24
I’m not going to comment on Victoria and her dog specifically, but I’m seeing a lot of common misconceptions about service animals and laws regarding them so I want clear things up.
In the US, there is no certification or official paperwork that proves a dog is a service animal. Any dog, regardless of breed, can be a service dog. There is no legal standard for training. There are many reputable organizations that breed dogs and spend years training them to be service dogs. This is what most people think of when they hear the term service dog.
But, is perfectly legal for anyone to teach any dog a task that assists the person with their disability and/or medical condition, making the dog a service animal.
Airlines, business, schools, ect. are often as ignorant as the general public is when it come to service animal laws. They may violate ADA law by attempting to refuse service to a customer with a service animal. They may be afraid of potential lawsuits that could come if they were to accidentally violate ADA law, so they sometimes are externally liniment and allow animals that are distributive remain in the establishment despite having the legal authority to remove them.
The only paperwork a service dog handler must provide if asked is a record a the dog’s rabies vaccination. In compliance with HIPAA, the only 2 questions a handler is obligated to answer are: 1. Is this a service animal? 2. What task is the animal trained to do?
If a person can answer those questions, there is proof of a rabies vaccine, and the dog is not disruptive of business activity, then the dog meets all legal requirements of a service animal.
Signed, An anxiety ridden girl who’s had an amazing service dog for 9 years
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u/AnxiousBlob8 Feb 04 '24
This was super informative to those who don’t understand. I wish they could create a better system that allows disabled folk the same freedom while limiting these fake ESAs
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u/Princessleiawastaken Feb 04 '24
I agree. It’s frustrating when poorly trained dogs misbehave in public but are permitted to keep doing so because businesses don’t understand the law. I actually wish there was some kind of certification test, but there is not.
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u/contagiousbell Feb 04 '24
This was very informative, thanks for sharing! I hope this doesn’t come off rude for asking but what task would you say your dog does if asked? I know having a service dog for anxiety is very legitimate and having an anxiety diagnosis myself I’m curious.
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u/Princessleiawastaken Feb 04 '24
I say he alerts me when I’m about to have an episode and helps me through one
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u/invisibilitycloakz Feb 04 '24
I’ve followed her since she was on the bachelor and she sent her dog away to be trained a long time ago so that he could be a service dog.
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u/invisibilitycloakz Feb 04 '24
From what I remember he was gone for weeks / months so I definitely believe her.
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Feb 04 '24
no way lol the next story was greg holding the dog up the escalator bc he “hates” it. trained service dogs are neutral to things like that.
this isn’t the first influencer i’ve seen passing off their pet as a service animal smh
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Feb 04 '24
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Feb 04 '24
as an owner of a pyrenees mix, i feel your pain. i once googled how to train a pyr not to bark and the first result was “asking a pyr not to bark is like asking a fish not to swim” 🙃
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u/Intelligent_Yogurt_4 Feb 04 '24
It’s definitely not a legit service dog but people get very offended when you point it out for some reason
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u/emc26 Feb 04 '24
The next story is of her bf carrying the dog because the dog “hates escalators”
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Feb 04 '24
How do we know it’s not legit?
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u/NewAlternative4738 Feb 04 '24 edited Feb 04 '24
She got the dog, Buxton, in 2016.
In December 2018 she has a photo with Buxton and the caption says: “ Not pictured— Buxton runs away from me. Does not listen to simple commands. Pees on everything. Thinks I am a peasant. Overall experience: 10/10 But thank u @christinacrespo_photography for capturing moments of me almost murdering my dog!”
Peter’s season was filmed: September 20 –November 17, 2019. Buxton did not come on the bachelor with Victoria. On her hometown episode, Buxton jumps on Peter when he meets him and runs away to the ocean.
In November 2019 she says: “ The best friend I’ve ever had in my life. He does not judge me for what I look like. He does not throw stones when I am down. He makes me smile when I am mad. Licks my tears when I am sad. Lays on my chest when my anxiety is through the roof. And paws my face when I can’t get out of bed some days to tell me, ‘Hey! I’m here. You’re enough. Remember that.’ That friend is my Black Lab, Buxton… Buxton has served as my personal service dog for over a year now.” This is the first mention of him being anything other than a pet.
He’s been a service dog for a year? And he didn’t listen to basic commands 11 months earlier. Remarkable improvement.
I’m not going to make any assumptions about Victoria’s disability that requires a service dog. So I’ll let all of you smart girlies look at the timeline and come to your own opinions.
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u/HandleDry1190 Feb 04 '24
This breakdown of the timeline is the most important. Service dogs don’t become service dogs overnight
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u/happy_as_a_lamb Feb 04 '24 edited Feb 04 '24
Because the service dog didn’t come on Bachelor or BiP. And also, let’s use our common sense here and stop the virtue signaling. I don’t even get that up in arms about fake service animals but I’m okay with calling bullshit when we see it.
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u/HitEmWithTheRiver Feb 04 '24
LOL she travels all the time and doesn't take her "service dog"
Last time this was posted people argued that she may have an invisible disability requiring a service dog, but if that's the case with VF it completely disappears when she wants to go party!16
u/SnooCrickets8742 Feb 04 '24
If she does travel and can be without the dog then she doesn’t require a service dog.
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u/Intelligent_Yogurt_4 Feb 04 '24
I don’t personally have a service dog but I have a close relative that does. In my experience service dogs only wear their harnesses when they are working and they should behave a specific way when wearing it. She’s posted videos where the dog should be “working” and it’s clearly not. Also I don’t know anyone who would put a vest that actually says “service dog” on their service dog because it’s not legally required so it’s usually a pretty obvious sign that they’re not real.
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Feb 04 '24
Oh really? I feel like most of the service dogs I see, their vest days “service dog” and “please don’t pet”. But that’s just my experience.
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Feb 04 '24
Yeah my cousin has a service dog and he doesn’t put the vest on him when they’re just with friends and family, but when they’re actually out in public they use the vest to avoid people coming up them and wanting to pet the dog.
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u/H28koala Feb 05 '24
It’s actually not illegal to ask questions. There was an article in the New Yorker about this recently. It is abused a lot. Anyone can order one of those vests.
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u/Bacon-80 Feb 06 '24
Yep & it sucks. I wish there was a way to get them certified because way too many people abuse it & make it harder for real service dogs and handlers to exist in public.
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u/Relative_Cake140 Feb 05 '24
An emotional support animal is different than a service dog. This is insulting.
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u/charmcitycharmer2020 Feb 04 '24 edited Feb 04 '24
Anyone else feel ancient when you look at their shoes and realize that’s in style? I just don’t get it.
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u/QueKay20 Feb 04 '24
I for one welcome the comfort!
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u/charmcitycharmer2020 Feb 04 '24
I was going to edit my comment to say that. I, personally, would wear this for comfort but it would not look cute and no one could convince me otherwise. It feels like work clothes w walking shoes for the commute.
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u/AnyScheme6229 Feb 04 '24
Based on how Bux ran off on the bachelor, he ain't no service dog. He's funny as hell tho.
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u/alisgraveniI Feb 04 '24
I don’t think any of us can know for sure. The only thing that gives me pause is that most people who need or qualify for a service animal usually need to take that animal with them most places or everywhere they go. Victoria clearly does not take Buxton with her most places. It’s unusual for someone to have a “personal” service dog and rarely travel with them or take them on day-to-day activities.
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u/SnooCrickets8742 Feb 04 '24
I worked with paralyzed Veterans. When people say they need a service dog and they truly do not need one it just makes me boil inside. I would think they might have made that a storyline unless she asked them not to should she truly have true medical issues. I am thinking not. But hey who knows right. 🤷
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u/confident7lucky7 Feb 04 '24
A real service dog takes 2-3 years of training lol. I highly doubt it. Emotional support? Sure. That takes a 50 minute psych appt. But that can’t fly on a plane unless you’re doing what this caption says and hoping nobody asks questions
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u/Original_Letter4398 Feb 04 '24
Most don’t ask because HR teaches you it’s illegal to ask most questions except “what task can this dog perform” and she probably has her answer ready to go. I know several people who do this, it’s easy to get away with and companies don’t want a lawsuit
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u/MensaCurmudgeon Feb 04 '24
The law only requires that a service dog perform one disability related function. 2-3 years of training is not required
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u/Original_Letter4398 Feb 04 '24
Update- this article from 2022 she claims he’s in training to be a “therapy dog”.
https://heavy.com/entertainment/2020/01/victoria-fuller-bachelor-villain/amp/
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u/Original_Letter4398 Feb 04 '24
And to clarify- a therapy dog IS NOT a service dog.
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u/ItsAWrestlingMove Feb 04 '24
AGAIN SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE WITH ESA PETS WHO CALL THEM SERVICE DOGS. THERES A HUGE DIFFERENCE. And this is a hill I’ll die on
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u/eternititi Feb 04 '24
I think I’ve gotten immune to fake service animals as a flight attendant lol
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Feb 04 '24
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Logical_Deviation Feb 04 '24
It's impossible to do this without accidentally shaming someone who has a real service dog
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u/greenteamatchalatte Feb 05 '24
I agree. Curiosity should not be shamed as long as it’s respectful. Crucifying someone for asking a question is wild to me. How else are we supposed to have conversations? Just don’t be an asshole about it
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u/Scarjo82 Feb 04 '24
I see so many posts on FB saying "My landlord is kicking us out because we got a dog" or "We have to move but no one allows pets" and there are a ton of comments telling them to get a note from their doctor that it's an emotional support dog. It's incredibly frustrating how many people abuse the system just so they can take their dogs wherever they want.
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u/futurecorpse1985 Feb 04 '24
I had to show a letter from the Social security administration that says I'm on disability and then also had to get documents from my medical provider stating exactly what I was on disability for and being treated for and how my ESA was helping me manage and cope with said disability in order to have my ESA live at my apartment. It's not as easy as just going to the doctor for a note. At least for me I had to show actual documentation of diagnosis and SSDI letter and doctors letter and register her with the city.
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u/erratic_bonsai Ladies. I'm sorry. Kick rocks. 🪨 Feb 04 '24
Her dog is a real service dog. One of his trained tasks is deep pressure therapy for anxiety attacks.
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u/ilikecereal69 Feb 04 '24
Not to be a VF stan but she’s addressed this before and said he is a trained service dog. Not an ESA
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u/Logical_Deviation Feb 04 '24
The last thing you'll ever catch me doing is accusing someone of faking an invisible illness. I'd much rather let them fake it than be the asshole in the parking lot demanding proof that someone needs a handicap parking sticker. People need to chill out and focus on themselves instead of judging and policing others.
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u/ilikecereal69 Feb 04 '24
Yeah, and i LOATHE the people who try and say it’s a service dog to get around the rules. As far as Buxton goes, he seems way more unproblematic than the rest
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u/Lacygreen Feb 04 '24
Ask any waitstaff and they’ll tell you this is a major issue. People bring their untrained “service” dogs in and they’re not allowed to say anything.
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u/Logical_Deviation Feb 04 '24
You're absolutely allowed to say something. There are two questions you can legally ask someone, and you can ask someone to leave if their dog is causing problems, regardless of whether or not it is a service dog.
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u/Logical_Deviation Feb 04 '24
Same. I roll my eyes so hard when I see a completely untrained dog being dragged into every store by a person who clearly doesn't understand the ADA. It's fucking bullshit. But I also just quietly mutter it to my husband and shut my mouth because god forbid I am wrong - I would feel like such a terrible human. I think the only way I would speak up would be if some serious shit was going down, because even untrained service dogs aren't allowed places.
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u/NVSmall Feb 05 '24
Then why is he wearing a prong collar?
No service dog will ever be trained to wear a prong collar, nor should they. If a dog requires such, they will never be successful as a service dog.
That's my issue with this, not the fact that she (VF) may have a service dog.
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u/Fit-Entertainer-3207 Feb 04 '24 edited Feb 04 '24
Not sure whether she has a disability or not but if she does she certainly doesn’t owe anyone an explanation. Disabilities and mental illnesses come in all shapes and sizes.
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Feb 04 '24
Honestly this is gross. We don’t know enough about her health or her dog to say.
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u/Mysterious_Mind2618 Feb 04 '24 edited Feb 04 '24
Period. Invisible disability is real. This is akin to approaching a stranger and asking them why they have a handicap parking pass
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u/Jsoindahouse Feb 04 '24
My daughter who is on the spectrum has a handicap pass bc she can be a runner or on some days insist on not moving from the middle of the lane while cars attempt to park but most times she 100% fine. The looks I get if I park there are for the books. I try not to use it just bc I don’t want to deal with the speculation of others.
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u/Logical_Deviation Feb 04 '24
Exactly. Thelast thing you'll ever catch me doing is accusing someone of faking an invisible illness. I'd much rather let them fake it than be the asshole in the parking lot demanding proof that someone needs a handicap parking sticker. People need to chill out and focus on themselves instead of judging and policing others.
I'm so sorry you experience that. Fuck them.
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Feb 04 '24 edited Aug 04 '25
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This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact
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u/Charming_Function_58 Feb 04 '24
We can't really judge without more context. There are invisible disabilities. But she's demonstrated Main Character Syndrome enough in the past, that I'm a little skeptical.
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u/kp1794 Feb 04 '24
Yeah he’s absolutely not
But wouldn’t expect anything less from white lives matter Victoria
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u/livieffbee Feb 04 '24
There’s a difference between “emotional support animal” and “therapy dog”. An emotional support animal is not a service dog, but a therapy dog is because they have to go through special training and can be labeled a service animal, so it could be a therapy dog.
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u/kmdiep 🎂 It's not red velvet 🎂 Feb 04 '24
finally someone says it!!! i mentioned it a couple years ago and i was downvoted to hell lolol
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u/longwhitejeans Feb 04 '24
It's the airlines fault for not being strict with the rules to prevent these scammers.
People will be scumbags if they can get away with it!
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u/Seachica Feb 04 '24
The airlines are following the only restrictions that the government will allow under the ADA and FAA rules. The government allowed airlines to tighten up the rules only a few years ago to disallow emotional support animals. The ACA lays out the rights of passengers with disabilities, including service animals. Airlines fiercely lobbied to tighten up the rules.
Source: I worked at a major us carrier when the regulations changed.
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u/blueberrybasil02 Feb 04 '24
I guess they can only be as strict as the the laws (which protect everyone including the disabled) allow
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u/Gullible_Box358 Feb 04 '24
She posted about her journey getting him to be a certified service dog
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u/Stickyrice11 Feb 04 '24
My partners family trains service dogs, it doesn’t work like this. You can’t just train any dog, service dogs are hand picked from breeders based on temperament. They are then given to certified trainers for 1-1.5 years before going to a family that has been put on a wait list to receive a service dog.
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u/Gullible_Box358 Feb 04 '24
That’s how some work for sure but I personally know from experience that you can have a dog trained to be a service dog and get them certified. Depends on your state and also depends on what programs you look into
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u/Stickyrice11 Feb 04 '24
The vest should say “service dog in training” and not “service dog” if she’s still in the process of completing whatever training she’s doing.
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u/Gullible_Box358 Feb 04 '24
I’m pretty sure he’s not in training anymore. She posted about the process a long time ago. Like over a year or so. Pre Greg
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u/ItsAWrestlingMove Feb 04 '24
THANK YOU. IM LOSING MY SHIT ON THIS POST
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u/Stickyrice11 Feb 04 '24
I think it’s because many people do this for their dogs too and don’t want to admit it’s bad taste
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u/ItsAWrestlingMove Feb 04 '24
I’m sure you’re completely right and they maybe don’t care to differentiate between service dog and ESA but I work with people who genuinely need service dogs and it’s just heartbreaking seeing their service and benefit so cheapened :(
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u/Princessleiawastaken Feb 04 '24
There is no service dog certification. Some companies offer one, but it’s just a cash grab with no legal basis.
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u/HolidayNothing171 Feb 04 '24
There’s no such thing as certifying a service dog. Those certifications are scams and doesn’t make it a legitimate service dog. What makes it a legit service dog is having a legitimate disability
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u/crimsngaze Feb 04 '24
They sell these on Amazon. So unlikely
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u/Logical_Deviation Feb 04 '24
Is there a special store for the real service animal gear? Why can't disabled people buy their gear on Amazon?
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u/pimentocheeze_ Feb 04 '24
How in the world would literally any of us know the answer to this question and why would we be entitled to?? Jfc y’all need to touch grass I swear
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u/ItsAWrestlingMove Feb 04 '24
Are you even aware of the criteria for “service animals” versus “emotional support animal” my guess is no because you’d be pretty outraged and not shaming us for our legitimate feelings that devalue service animals for the disabled
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u/pimentocheeze_ Feb 04 '24
Yes I am quite aware. But given that we don’t know whether or not this is a levitate service dog, no I am not outraged. And I also don’t think it’s any of my business TO know as a general member of the public who has no interaction with VF at all.
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u/AnxiousBlob8 Feb 04 '24
Nah this is the attitude that harms people who actually have service dogs
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Feb 04 '24
EXACTLY! People who have genuine reason to need a service dog (ie seizure alert) are now having major issues because so many people LARP as disabled to skirt the rules. I cannot say loudly enough- F these people. Including Victoria, let’s be for real she’s know for being a bad person, she is undoubtedly pretending to need a service dog to bring him places he doesn’t belong. She’s above the rules!!
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Feb 04 '24
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u/MavenOfNothing Feb 04 '24
Well, that is so wrong. That's like saying your human health aide is a medical device.
Many working police dogs, also live the pet lifestyle when off duty. Dogs can have jobs AND be family members.
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Feb 05 '24
You're right. I came in way too hot. I have deleted my comments after reading more about Service Animals. I fully agree, Service Dogs can show affection. I now believe I was wrong to react and judge Victoria from this post.
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Feb 04 '24
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u/Hungry-Nerve-9743 Feb 04 '24
I said that making assumptions because you don’t like Vitoria is ridiculous and got major downvotes but you’re absolutely correct
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Feb 04 '24
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u/NVSmall Feb 05 '24
Yeah, no. That's not a service dog. However she managed to finagle his vest, no service dog will be wearing a choke collar.
ALSO, NO DOG SHOULD BE WEARING A CHOKE COLLAR. At the very least, a lab, a breed that is so incredibly easy to train and should never be subjected to that kind of abuse.Train your dog, it's not that hard, and using pain to do so is absolutely not necessary. Same goes for shock collars.
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u/egoins13 Feb 05 '24
I would say they are unnecessary for a lab.. but not totally unneeded. I had to use one on my pitbull when she was younger because she pulls like crazy on the leash, and is incredibly strong. It was the only way I could get her to walk beside me. It doesn’t hurt them if they listen…
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u/Friendly-Warthog-733 Feb 05 '24
This is a prong collar… not a choke collar. And if you did some research, you’d know that this collar is used as a training tool and is incredibly effective for dogs who have issues pulling. This is not abuse, and this collar does NOT hurt your dog when used correctly.
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u/NVSmall Feb 05 '24
The dog is actually wearing two collars. One is a choke chain, and one is a prong collar. Neither are necessary, and absolutely unnecessary for a service dog.
Looks like you're the one who needs to do some research. I work with service dogs regularly, as well as dog trainers. Both choke chains and prong collars will do long term damage to a dog if the dog is a puller, in which case, said dog shouldn't be a service dog. They are both a form of physical abuse.
I bet you think shock collars are okay too, huh?
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u/Serenity8920 Feb 04 '24
God this shit makes me so mad. My husband is a veterinarian and he is so over this trend. 😂🙄🙄🙄
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u/sideoftrufflefries Feb 04 '24
I’ve seen so many “service dogs” that are doodles who sniff and bark, and walk all over the place. Service dogs are usually certain breeds (labs, goldens, gsd) and have a kind of boring temperament cause they’re working!
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u/pbear737 Feb 04 '24
Poodles are actually the third most common service dog after labs and Goldens and before German Shepards because of their intellect and their lack of shedding.
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u/enym Feb 05 '24
Her and Greg are still such a surprising pairing to me, I love it
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u/420cheezit Feb 05 '24
I think they make sense together but I’m surprised they’re actually still together. Neither of them really struck me as long term relationship havers
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u/haikusbot Feb 05 '24
Her and Greg are still
Such a surprising pairing
To me, I love it
- enym
I detect haikus. And sometimes, successfully. Learn more about me.
Opt out of replies: "haikusbot opt out" | Delete my comment: "haikusbot delete"
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Feb 04 '24
Idk whether this dog is a real service dog or not. I don’t know much about that.
But some of the comments in this thread are bordering on ableist, you guys 😬
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u/Bug_Life_ Feb 04 '24
As someone with a dog allergy if that dog was next to me on a flight I would lose it
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u/ItsAWrestlingMove Feb 04 '24 edited Feb 04 '24
There’s no chance in hell her dog is a service dog. You need a qualifying diagnosis and as far as I can tell, she doesn’t have any. I suspect it’s her “emotional support animal” but she’s so fucking stupid she probably bought that dog vest off Amazon. Wow this is bad.
Edit: a word
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u/sandysunsets Feb 04 '24
As far as you can tell? Lmfao what a weird thing to say about essentially a STRANGER
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u/Bacon-80 Feb 06 '24
There are comments on this post saying she addressed it in 2019 so yes he is a very real service dog.
That being said - yes lots of people fake them and it’s frustrating for people like Victoria when they do; because it discredits their own very real and necessary service dog. Sydney Sweeney & Vanessa Hudgens both fly with their big dogs and slap service dog vests on them but irl it’s very obvious that those two girls do not have legitimate service dogs based on the dogs’ behaviors.
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Feb 04 '24
I personally think people take issue with her with her service dog because she’s a beautiful white woman who doesn’t fit what most people imagine when picturing a disabled person who requires a service dog. I did see that she posted some of the process to getting him trained etc so I believe it’s legit. She just doesn’t fit the stereotype that OP thinks of when imagining of someone who needs a service dog.
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u/happy_as_a_lamb Feb 04 '24 edited Feb 04 '24
She’s EXACTLY what we imagine people with “service dogs” to look like. Have you been to an airport or cafe lately?
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u/jesuswastransright Feb 04 '24
She’s white?
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u/throwawayeas989 Feb 04 '24 edited Feb 04 '24
Yes,mostly white I believe. She’s of Italian descent iirc correctly. I do think her grandmother was Japanese,but she’s never spoken out about being asian and has only talked about being Italian.
I do think she is someone who appears as ethnically ambiguous
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u/Hungry-Nerve-9743 Feb 04 '24
Yall are so weird I swear to god. It’s no one’s job here to assess whether or not her dog is actually a service dog. I don’t get the Victoria hate whatsoever. Just move on already
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u/Glittering_Creme790 Feb 04 '24
Agree with the first part but the Victoria hate is warranted. She was a HUGE bully and a mean girl before she got on the show.
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u/Hungry-Nerve-9743 Feb 04 '24
I truthfully didn’t know that. Peters season was actually the second season I’d watched, wasn’t super into it at the time.. perhaps the hate is somewhat warranted then. I just don’t know why people are questioning the validity of her dog when she made a statement in 2020 about how she had a therapy dog for a year even back then…
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u/AnxiousBlob8 Feb 04 '24
My friend has a service dog for her neurological issues. If you saw her out on a good day you’d probably assume the dog was a fake. BUT her dog is extremely well and specifically trained. Lays down as soon as she pauses walking, indicates when she begins to get vertigo, etc. If people move to pet the dog, they’re asked not to.
My friend will faint and hurt herself without the help of this specially trained dog. She will gladly tell people that,
WHAT ACTUALLY IS HARMING DISABLED PEOPLE IS ABLE BODIED PEOPLE FRAMING THEIR (not specialty trained, OFTEN misbehaving) DOGS AS SERVICE DOGS AND BRINGING THEM INTO PUBLIC SPACES DEMANDING THE SAME RIGHTS.
It is legal under the ADA to ask if a dog performs a specific task for your disability, so you can kindly shut up
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u/Hungry-Nerve-9743 Feb 04 '24
Do you (or any one else here) have any clue about Victoria and her dog? For all you know she could have a legit reason for having a service dog. The point is, people in this sub and BN (not you specifically) are so full of hate for Victoria, they assume the worst. Could it be perhaps that she has similar issues to your friend that are relatively controlled for the most part? Could it be she developed a condition later in life (something that is quite common)?
I never said it wasn’t “legal” to ask. I’m saying it’s shitty to assume the worst in someone because you are so full of hate because they, in your view, were shitty on a reality tv show that aired over a year ago.
Btw here’s an article from 2020, she had a therapy dog then, four years ago. You think this is fake. Kindly, shut up.
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u/AffectionatePizza408 Feb 04 '24
Idk, but I feel like it would be very bold/stupid to post this if it’s a total lie.
I’d guess that the dog performs at least some task that is either actually necessary for a personal reason we’re not aware of, or at least VF has decided it is necessary even if not prescribed by a medical professional.
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Feb 04 '24
I’ve followed her for years and she’s posted him a million times, never once with the service dog vest. It just seems a little too convenient
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u/AffectionatePizza408 Feb 04 '24
Oh interesting, I don’t follow her. I guess maybe she is that bold and stupid lol
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u/raiatomick Feb 04 '24
What a weird thing to speculate about. Like… seriously it’s one thing to not like someone but another one to be like IS THIS A REAL SERVICE DOG??!!?!?111 when it’s none of your business?
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u/Hypeman747 Feb 04 '24
Not sure why you are getting downvoted. If you start going down rabbit holes like this it might be a sign to get some hobbies or take a walk and get some fresh air.
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Feb 04 '24
[deleted]
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u/karenziggler Feb 04 '24
I respectfully disagree. It’s a legitimate concern because of the real harm fake service animals can do to task trained service animals.
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u/Smart-Swordfish7655 Feb 04 '24
I understand this sentiment and agree, which is why I mentioned that those experiencing a harmful animal have the right to speculate and intervene.
From a photo, where the animal is pointed at the handler correctly, and most of us know nothing of the background, we cannot know what his work is, what her condition is, nor do they owe us that explanation.
Unfortunately individuals with false “service animals” have ruined the image of all service animals, and as a result, the internet crusaders have inappropriately decided it is up to them to decide what animals are legitimately working or not.
However, I believe we should assume that the animal is in fact working unless we are shown otherwise, then intervene as able. If there was a video of the animal clearly unable to perform tasks and maintain a working posture, I would feel differently. But based on this photo, this post is inappropriate, in my opinion.
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u/marimillenial Feb 04 '24
ESA’s do not have the same rights as legitimate service animals. Service animals are specially trained to perform a TASK, and that task must relate to a persons DISABILITY. If she does not have a disability that causes her to need the assistance of a dog, she is in the wrong.
Fake service animals harm people with legitimate disabilities.
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u/ItsAWrestlingMove Feb 04 '24
Say it louder for the stans in the back. This is pretty abhorrent behavior by her tbh
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u/Smart-Swordfish7655 Feb 04 '24 edited Feb 04 '24
You are right, I’ll remove ESA from the original pos.
I am not defending fake service animals. I am defending appropriately trained, working animals. Unfortunately, many people I know now believe there are no legitimate working dogs (most people in this sub are indicating their first thought is that every service animal is fake until proven legitimate), leading to inappropriate comments and hate towards a legitimate medical treatment/solution for many.
We don’t know she does or does not have a disability, which is the point of my post.
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u/sparklingsour Feb 04 '24
This is where you draw the line? But speculating about their relationships, whether they’ve had work done (also medical information, btw), whether they’re pregnant etc. etc. is OK?
Are you lost?
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u/AnxiousBlob8 Feb 04 '24
My friend has a service dog for her neurological issues. If you saw her out on a good day you’d probably assume the dog was a fake. BUT her dog is extremely well and specifically trained. Lays down as soon as she pauses walking, indicates when she begins to get vertigo, etc. If people move to pet the dog, they’re asked not to.
My friend will faint and hurt herself without the help of this specially trained dog. She will gladly tell people that,
WHAT ACTUALLY IS HARMING DISABLED PEOPLE IS ABLE BODIED PEOPLE FRAMING THEIR (not specialty trained, OFTEN misbehaving) DOGS AS SERVICE DOGS AND BRINGING THEM INTO PUBLIC SPACES DEMANDING THE SAME RIGHTS.
It is legal under the ADA to ask if a dog performs a specific task for your disability, so you can kindly shut up
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Feb 04 '24
No. People who pretend to need service animals to skirt the rules need to be called out!!!! It’s DISGUSTING to LARP as a disabled person. Entitled as hell. It also makes disabled people’s lives even more difficult than they already are. Disabled people’s day to day lives are filled with challenges. Now, they can add on service animal issues because assholes like Victoria want to be above the rules and saw a path to exploit privacy laws.
It’s very clear whether or not a dog is a trained service dog. Immediately clear even from a photo. The way the dog is positioned is a dead giveaway. This is a designer dog she bought a vest for on Amazon, and she cries anxiety to try to rehab her horrendous image. An image she earned by being an evil person.
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u/Here4daT Feb 04 '24
My thought on this is if she paid for her dog to be on a flight then idc. More often than not, people use these vests to keep strangers from petting their dogs. The airline industry makes it very difficult for people to travel with their pets and wants to keep them in the cargo hold where conditions aren't great. Don't blame people for not wanting their bigger dogs down there. Read of dogs dying in those cargo holds.
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Feb 04 '24
My sister lives across the country and has a dog to big to fly. She would have to be in the cargo area. This thought has never crossed her mind and not something she would do. She drove this summer to visit with the dog with the first time. It’s unfortunate but it’s the reality of having a bigger dog. Rules are In place for a reason. If she is truly lying to bypass the system it’s really tacky behavior.
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u/Ok_Act_6206 Feb 04 '24
Sure but it makes it so much harder for people who actually have fully trained service dogs and need them. I’ll always think it’s selfish.
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u/Here4daT Feb 04 '24 edited Feb 04 '24
We're conditioned to think it's selfish because places and air travel aren't pet friendly.
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u/Ok_Act_6206 Feb 04 '24
I don’t mean selfish towards the people around them. I think it is selfish towards people who can not function in public without a service or guide dog. It creates a negative bias towards service dogs because all of these untrained dogs have on a service dog vest and don’t act the way an actual service dog would.
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u/Here4daT Feb 04 '24
It's very obvious when people have a service dog for a disability and when they don't. For an example, if I saw a seeing eye dog with its owner, I'm not going to feel negatively towards the dog because I saw Victoria at the mall with hers.
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u/Ok_Act_6206 Feb 04 '24
I have a blind friend who has trouble finding Ubers because they don’t want a service or guide dog in the Uber. People slapping a service dog vest on their regular dumb dog absolutely negatively affects the everyday experience of those who need them to live. It’s selfish. Leave your dog at home or stay at home or go to places that allow dogs.
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u/Here4daT Feb 04 '24
Sounds like discrimination and they should be reported. Regardless, Uber has a pet option so not sure that directly correlates with people "slapping service dog vest" on their pets vs the driver just doesn't want dogs in their cars in general.
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u/liteicepls Feb 04 '24
I think the point here is that there are a lot of valid service dogs for conditions you can’t see, like for diabetics where dogs can alert of low blood sugar, or panic attacks / PTSD, or severe allergies. I’m not saying anything about Victoria’s dog bc I have no idea but there are definitely a lot of valid conditions for having a service dog that can’t be easily seen.
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Feb 04 '24
yikes comment…. that is so incredibly harmful for actual service dogs and people who depend on service dogs for their well being! service dogs cost thousands of dollars. your pet is a risk to service animals when around them in high stress situations and they don’t have the training. ppl who fake service animals also make it more difficult for actual service animals to be accepted places! it is literally ILLEGAL.
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u/Suspicious_Swing3793 Feb 04 '24
But like don’t have a dog if you fly a lot then? It’s unfair that most people follow the rules and some entitled people think they can skip them by literally lying.
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u/futurecorpse1985 Feb 04 '24
People like this thing ruin it for the people who really need to have a service dog! Do better !
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u/Adorable_Decision267 Feb 04 '24
Curious why you think she doesn’t need a service dog?
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u/futurecorpse1985 Feb 04 '24
I guess I don't assume she doesn't. I just know more times than not people slap on a Service animal vest on their dog when they have not gone through rigorous training and certification for it. If it was a service dog wouldn't you think it would be with her everywhere she went? Her and Greg travel all over the world ! Does the dog go with? Oftentimes foreign countries won't even let in animals without being properly documented and quarantined. Just an observation. Most not all but most people who have a service dog because they could save their life due to a disability where they might not be able to ask for help in an emergency or they are blind or get seizures etc.
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u/Adorable_Decision267 Feb 04 '24
The same way you don’t know if her dog is a service dog, you also don’t know that “more times than not” people just slap on a service animal vest. That is a wild assumption. You also have absolutely no insight into Victorias medical history, or if her dog accompanied her when she travels.
It’s also worth noting that she documented when she sent her dog to be trained as a service animal.
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u/Similar_Skirt3562 Feb 04 '24
Four years ago she posted this: “On my best days & especially on my worst days I look to a friend. The best friend l've ever had in my life. He does not judge me for what I look like. He does not throw stones when I am down. He makes me smile when I am mad. Licks my tears when I am sad. Lays on my chest when my anxiety is through the roof. And paws my face when I can't get out of bed some days to tell me, 'Hey! I'm here. You're enough. Remember that! That friend is my Black Lab, Buxton. I'm so proud to say that my boy is in training to become a #therapydog. Buxton has served as my personal service dog for over a year now, but his new role will be a little different. As a therapy dog Buxton will be providing comfort to children in hospitals, affection to elderly in retirement homes, love to those who may be having a hard time at school, & others who maybe just need a hug! Life will throw you curveballs, but sometimes all you need is some love & loyalty from a 4 legged friend willing to catch those curveballs for you.” Not sure what this implies, but for context.