As a trainer of service animals (Delta Society), you will be surprised
at some of the tasks animals have when assisting their handlers. For
instance, I have trained animals (mainly dogs at performing this task)
to push a button on the telephone that will alert emergency personnel.
I've also trained animals as a signal, seizure alert, psychiatric,
medical alert, and mobility assistance animals. You will be surprised
that animals who have a extreme connection with their owner/family
member or handler will perform tasks that were never taught. For an
example, 2 years ago I had an medicated induced seizure. My signal
(hearing) dog, alerted my husband and I way ahead of the actual brain
malfunction. Of course the two of us didn't know what she was trying to
tell us, so we ignored the behavior (we thought she needed to potty,
however she was very demanding). Needless to say, 30 minutes later the
seizure started. This task was never taught. We were unaware that she
had the ability to be hyper-sensitive. After this incident, she has
predicted several medical concerns in other people including my husband
and I. So, from now on we don't ignore her erratic behavior.

Anyhow, there have been some concerns about using other creatures as an
service animal. According to the upcoming new ADA regulations (sarcasm-
thanks to Eric Holder), some animals maybe prohibited from working as a
service animal. This became effective around September 2010 (refer to
pages 30 and 31 of
http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/titleIII_2010/titleIII_2010_fr.pdf.
It looks like now "only" dogs are allowed to assist their handlers.

From the ADA, "the departments final rule defines service animal as
any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for
the benefit of an individual with a disability, including physical,
sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or any other mental disability.
Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or
untrained, are not service animals, for the purposes of this
definition. The work or tasks performed by the service animal must
be directly related to the handlers disability". Unfortunately,
individuals like the lady in the article below, can not use a rat as a
service animal. This new "definition" from the ADA, will dampen a lot
of individuals who need a service animal. I am truly surprised they now
eliminated the use of miniature horses/ponies as a "seeing/eye" service
animal. They have been used for quite a long time. Wow, I am starting
to feel like my rights are now controlled by the government. Sad :(

<http://www.vvdailypress.com/articles/immediate-21147-says-debilitating.html>

Kris Church LVT and VTS in Animal Behavior
Co-Director of the Richmond Ferret Rescue League
http://www.RichmondFerretRescueLeague.org
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[Posted in FML 6990]