Working animals provide support

I created EsaRegistration.org for one primary reason: to educate society about our increasing need for the different types of “working animals.”

I was inspired by my friend Greg, who had just returned from overseas after a tour of duty fighting for our country. He came back wounded both physically and emotionally. He suffered horribly from anxiety and panic attacks, and he would tell me so many stories about how much harder his life had become with a new dog that helped him emotionally.

It’s ironic because he got the animal to help with these problems. Instead, he was dealing with the general public and employees at businesses who were either uneducated or misinformed about service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs).

None of us can determine just by looking at someone whether he or she needs an animal for service or emotional reasons. And who are we to judge and make that decision?

Let’s consider that about 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders, and millions more suffer from various other disorders, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Many would qualify for an ESA under federal law. These are people you would never be able to look at with the naked eye and determine their need for an ESA. Nor should we!

Just a few nights ago, a story on CBS’ 60 Minutes discussed how many people fail to get proper mental health treatment because of denials by insurance providers. They are in turn committing suicide or harming others. Just look at all of the shootings we hear about almost daily.

There will always be a few who try to “game” the system to get an emotional support animal. Why don’t we try holding them accountable for a change, rather than placing blame on the few good companies genuinely helping so many in need? My company became a leader in this industry by providing education to people and arming them with the tools (harnesses, leashes, etc.) to effectively promote public awareness of emotional support animals.