Man's Best Friend

Last week I ran into a past student of mine. I was one of his preschool teachers; the class was for students with a variety of disabilities. This particular student was amazingly unique and learned so much more than anyone thought he would be capable of. I hadn't seen the student or his father in about three and a half years and it was such a joy to see them both. In those three years he has been able to learn how to read through singing, because that somehow enables his brain to comprehend and learn new things. In these three years they have been able to raise money to get a service dog. This service dog will calm the child down when he gets over stimulated and needs to calm down by sticking his nose up to the child's face. The dog also helps if the child runs off and gets distracted, the dog is able to track the child and bring help. The dog becomes a calming presence for the child which allows for the child to have a calming presence and focus. 

While talking with this child's father, I learned that there are many churches that turn people away who have service dogs. They can turn people with service dogs away because churches, temples, synagogues, etc. do not have to follow the ADA requirements which state that public buildings and businesses must allow service dogs to enter. However, because of separation of church and state this law does not apply to congregations. This has lead to many congregations not allowing or being hospitable toward service dogs and the people who have them. 

I heard this and I couldn't believe my ears. I understand some people may be allergic or some may find that the dog may be a distraction to adults or children in the congregation. However, it seems to me that this becomes a learning opportunity then for the congregation. 

A service dog is not a pet. A service dog is not even allowed to be given attention such as scratching or petting. While a service dog is wearing their vest the public is not allowed/supposed to give any attention to the dog, because the dog is working. The dog needs to be paying attention to the surroundings and their owner so that they can be of service if and when it is needed. So if a service dog is sitting in a worship service, they are not going to be barking, running around, being petted, etc. 

If the issue is that some people may have allergies? I have a problem also accepting this as an acceptable excuse either. Many people have allergies such as peanuts, mean, wheat, etc. yet they are still allowed to come to worship. In my opinion it is the responsibility of the individuals with allergies to not get too close to the dog if they are allergic. I understand the concern; in fact I am allergic to dogs. However, I now where my boundaries are and that doesn't mean I should exclude someone else from a religious freedom they are welcome to.

It is absolutely amazing to experience a service dog at work. It is also amazing to learn about the relationship between the service dog and their person. I learn something new every time I meet another individual with a service dog. I learn so much about how that service dog can help them function and live a better life. It is such a beautiful relationship that is created between a service dong and their person. The dog comes to know the person so well that they listen and are aware of the other's heartbeat, movements, attitudes; they know the spirit of the person and they know how to relate and communicate to them in a way that other human beings can't understand or sense. It is an absolutely beautiful relationship. Why would anyone not want to learn about this or want to welcome this into thier congregation. 

This is God's creation interacting with one another in such a unique and beautiful way.