Edition 14 | Fairfax, Virginia Nonprofit 92-3451311
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Since 2023
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Welcome to the
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DaVinci Digest!
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This month, we focus on the life-changing work of service and therapy dogs and the steps you can take to champion their cause. From advocacy tips to event updates, here’s what’s new:
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In late 2024, a family in British Columbia faced a heartbreaking denial of service at a local restaurant, solely because of their child’s autism service dog. Certified under strict provincial laws, this service dog was not only a companion but a lifeline for the child. However, the restaurant claimed its policies prevented the animal’s entry, leaving the family feeling unwelcome.
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This incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing need for public education about service animals and the legal protections they afford. In Canada, service dogs are covered under human rights legislation, which mandates their access to public spaces, regardless of the disability they support.
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In the United States, service dogs are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which explicitly requires public establishments—including restaurants, hotels, and stores—to allow service dogs accompanying individuals with disabilities. Under the ADA:
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Businesses can only ask two questions:
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Is the dog a service animal required because of a disability?
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What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
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Service dogs must be under control and harnessed or leashed unless doing so interferes with their work. Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not granted the same public access rights under the ADA. Therapy dogs do not have the legal right to access public spaces (e.g., restaurants, stores, hotels) as service dogs do.
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Despite these clear rules, incidents of discrimination persist, often stemming from a lack of awareness or understanding of service dog laws. Public education is critical to preventing such occurrences and ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access public spaces without fear of discrimination.
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As advocates for animal-assisted interventions, we recognize how such situations reflect broader systemic issues. Public misconceptions about service dogs—especially for invisible disabilities like autism—persist. Through education and advocacy, we aim to bridge these gaps and foster a society where inclusivity is the standard, not the exception.
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Call to Action To help businesses and communities better understand their responsibilities, we encourage readers to explore these resources:
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Stay tuned for the first installment of Know Your Rights, where we’ll delve into therapy dog guidelines and explore their unique role in fostering connection and care. Our Know Your Rights series will also cover the rules governing service dogs and therapy dogs across North America. Together, we can build a world where every individual and family feels supported and included.
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Advocacy in Action: Know Your Rights Series
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Norbert, the internet’s favorite droopy-tongue therapy dog, dead at 15: ‘My family is heartbroken’
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Fans are mourning the internet’s favorite therapy dog, Norbert.
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Meet the dogs being trained to sniff out early stage bowel cancer
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Ripken The Bat Dog, best known for fetching on-field items at North Carolina sports events, has died.
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In a Facebook post Friday, the O’Donnell family said Ripken died Wednesday due to complications “from a serious undiagnosed medical condition.”
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Join Our Mission to Make a Paw-sitive Impact!
At Canine Concierge Corporation, we believe in the healing power of therapy dogs and the difference they make in people’s lives. As a volunteer Social Media Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in amplifying our mission, reaching new audiences, and spreading comfort, joy, and emotional support to those who need it most. Plus, as a thank-you for your efforts, enjoy access to Amazon Music Unlimited while you volunteer!
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Therapy Dogs Versus Service Dogs: Understanding Their Roles and Unique Contributions
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The bond between humans and dogs has evolved into remarkable partnerships that significantly impact lives. Among these partnerships, service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional support animals (ESAs) play distinct yet equally important roles.
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Meet Bowie the 'Uber dog' taking the internet by storm
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Creating Paws-itive connections at senior living community in Fairfax
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Recent Developments in Therapy Dog Programs
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- Heroic Rescue: How a service dog’s quick thinking saved a life. Read the Story
- Therapy Dogs in Schools: Transforming classrooms with compassion. Learn More
- Spotlight on Advocacy: Success stories from the front lines. Discover More
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'Paws For Purpose Fairfax'
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P L A C E H O L D E R
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S P O N S O R - O U R - F U T U R E - T H E R A P Y - D O G S
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What topics would you like us to cover? Share your ideas and feedback to shape future editions of DaVinci Digest. Submit Feedback
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emotional support to individuals facing challenges, veterans, and children with special needs we will make it possible for hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, senior centers, and police stations to access animal-assisted therapy (AAT) services, free of charge
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Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and X for the latest updates and inspiring stories!
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Together, we can create a world where service and therapy dogs thrive.
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