information here

Here is information from the department of Justice's website, defining service animals and explaining where they are allowed.
(note, this is public gov't information, not copyrighted, so it should be OK to copy and paste here. Source is noted for further information)

"The ADA requires these businesses to allow people with disabilities to bring their service
animals onto business premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed."

"The ADA defines a service animal as any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to provide
assistance to an individual with a disability. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the
ADA regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified by a state or local government. "

I would suggest forwarding this info to the hotel that turned your friend down, and then pursuing with the porper authorities or the media

http://www.usdoj.gov:80/crt/ada/qasrvc.htm

moquestions

It sounds as if you are a constant companion ("we were looking for a place for a possible stay") and you say you usually push her chair. Is that the case? I guess you probably can pick up things and turn on light switches too, assuming she could not do it herself. Why is the dog even necessary then, unless she is adverse to leaving him home? That I do understand.

I think somewhere in the law there must be a description of a disability qualifying for an assistance dog. My back's pretty bad too. Even debilitating. Sometimes my wife has to push me to get me up out of bed then help me get my pants and shoes on. That doesn't mean I should have a dog though. In fact, the average dog can't dress people. Spina bifida might be another story but I don't think that's what you are talking about.

xxx

I am not a constant companion, I do not live with my friend. And to those who think she does not need a dog, Canine Companions for Independence evaluated her and they said she qualified. I'm sorry i even brought up this thread. This dog has travelled all over the country on airplanes, on cruise ships, on trains, and has stayed at some fine hotels all without problems.

james

My German Shepard has stayed with me at a "fine hotel" also. Big deal. When I took the elevator down to the dining room I didn't need him to pick up a napkin or get good help and service. I think you have an attachment to your dog (and so do I) but you are using your bad back to get him into wherever you want. The rest of us have dogs too. You are not special.

x

Why are people debating the legitimacy of a specific person's disability and needs here? The OP asked if anyone knew if the law covers such situations. He/she than gave additional information on the specific situation because people asked.

"XXX" (original poster), you have alkink a few post above this one with correct legitimate information. Why not just pursue that? There's no reason for you to have to defend the situation (or to 'bait' those who want to argue by giving us more details).
Good Luck, and I for one would be interested in knowing the resolution to your problem.

xxx

thanks x, the debate will now end. by the way, never mentioned a napkin....dont know where that came from. Will post resolution here.

Dog lover

Obviously some folks would rather be cruel and insulting than learn something about which they speak. The reason people with disabilities get service dogs is to help them *achieve independence*. If a person is unable to open doors or push their own wheelchair or bend over to pick up something dropped (could be a wallet or car keys), than a service dog can do these things for them. To expect a person with a disability to sit and wait for someone to come by and open a door, push their chair or pick up something dropped when they can be independent and have a service dog help them is really ridiculous. Think about what you are saying and don't make assumptions about someone's disability when you don't know the facts.

These trained dogs are highly coveted and their are stringent qualifications in order to get one and long waiting lists. It costs a great deal of money to train and raise these dogs. They are not handed out to folks who just have a sore back.

xxx

I think most of you are missing the point here. While this semi-handicapped woman may sometimes use the dog for miscellaneous assistance, the post clearly states that this other woman will be along. I have not seen any use for the dog in this case. What the hell does she need to drag this dog along for? If picking up a napkin is the best thing she can think of, she clearly does not need the dog for this excursion.

Frank

xxx, I agree. We want everyone to have accessiblilty, and there are cases when it is abused, making it hard for laws like ADA to be taken seriously by people who question it. Sort of like the boy who screemed Wolf, and nobody came to his rescue. There are many people in America who question the very existance of ADA. This is true. Some people make fun of it. Don't loose the war by thinking you won a personal battle.