"There's an industry out there that provides very official looking service dog vests and even service dog ID cards," said Rinn. "And people use them to get access to places."

In addition to accredited guide dogs for the visually impaired, like Louie, there are other dogs that fall into the more general categories of "service dogs," "support dogs" or "comfort dogs."

I think most people out there have had it with that goddamned bullshit. Whenever I see people with their dogs in stores I just want to beat them to death for their selfishness. Even beyond allergies, a lot of people are terrified of dogs. And I don't want to be buying stuff that Rover managed to infest with fleas. Store managers have to start taking a firm hand and telling people that unless they're blind, no dogs allowed. And if said asshole gives them static, call the cops, have them arrested for criminal trespass. Fines should start at a $1000 - garnishable if they refuse to pay, have the dog taken away to be rehomed, and ban them from ever owning any other pets.

We always did that in our restos if someone was being an asshole. No fucking around. One warning, and if they weren't heading for the exit we just go over to the nearest phone and dial 911. Most people were bolting for the exit at that point. We always told staff, don't get in a fight, just call the cops, that's what they get paid - a lot of money - for. Only 3 times in 20+ years were people stupid enough not to leave and they were led away in handcuffs and thrown in the tank for 3 days and charged to boot. It ends up being a very expensive lesson for them, but one that is necessary.