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Service Dog Week

Site Update



Service Dog Week IS HERE!!!



This week on Aywas, we're going to celebrate service dogs! Service dogs are extremely important and we feel like they need a little spotlight to show how awesome they are.

Service Dog Information
The first thing we'd like to shine light on is US regulations about service dogs. Since 90% of our community is from the United States, this is great information for the majority of you. Here's a link to the official ADA Frequently Asked Questions about Service Dogs! Some important information to note:

1. Service dogs do not need to be registered, nor do they need identification. Any US database for service dogs that charges handlers to register is a scam!

2. People with disabilities have the right to train their own dog as a service dog. They are not required to get a professionally trained dog.

3. Service dogs are permitted ANYWHERE the public is allowed. Staff are only allowed to ask two questions of a handler: 1) Is this a service dog required because of a disability?, 2) What work or task has the dog been trained to perform?

4. Staff cannot request identification for the dog, ask about the handler's disability, or ask that the dog demonstrate its trained task. The dog does not need an ID card, a special vest, or any special harness, though many service dogs do wear vests.

5. If you see a service dog, do not pet or distract the dog in any way! Many service dogs are required to focus on their handler to ensure their handler remains safe. You can politely ask the handler if you can pet the dog, but respect their answer if it's a "NO."


Service Dogs vs. Emotional Support Dogs and Therapy Dogs
Curious about the difference between service dogs and emotional support and therapy dogs? Check out this resource to learn more Click here!


Want to learn more about service dogs, or where to get your own service dog? Check out the links below!

Please Don't Pet Me
Assistance Dogs International
Canine Companions for Independence
Paws with a Cause
Service Dog Central




One of our administrators speaks very highly of their favorite service dog charity, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD). This is a 501(c)(3) charity that we're excited to donate to during Service Dog Week!

For the duration of Service Dog Week (7/26 - 8/2), we will be donating 10% of our income from the USD Shop and GP Purchases to this suggested charity. We've been told by our admin that they really need the money right now due to surgery on one of their animals, and we definitely want to help.

On August 2nd, the last day of Service Dog Week, we will be running the Mystery Box. Consider this a head's up!


So let's get into what we have available for Service Dog Week!


Golden Retriever Service Dog | Labrador Service Dog


These are Service Dog Vests and what you'll need to collect to make the Service Dog SCCs shown above. If you collect fifteen Service Dog Vests, you can trade them in for one "metal" custom maker for one of the SCCs. These metal custom makers are currently stocking in the Event Shop.


These are used to make metal (coloring only, no edits) Service Dog SCCs.

So how do you get Service Dog Vests? Good question! The Trivia this week (7/26 - 8/2) has ten service dog related questions for you to answer, and for every one you get correct, you get one vest!

You can also write about your experiences with Service Dogs to earn one vest per 100 words you write, or you can color Service Dog SCCs for others to earn additional vests!



If you are interested in edited Service Dog SCCs, then head to the USD Shop to pick up some blue custom makers (50% edited) there for $5.00 each. These makers will be available until August 2nd 11:59 PM. All custom makers will be usable until August 31st, at which point they will be made into special collectibles.

So! As a recap:

- 10% of our income is going to our selected charity from 7/26 - 8/2
- Pick up Metal Service Dog items in the Event shop until 8/2, 11:59 PM
- Pick up Blue Service Dog items in the USD shop until 8/2, 11:59 PM
- The Mystery Box will open on 8/2 (so technically 11:59 PM of 8/1 to 11:59 PM of 8/2)
- All four custom makers will be functioning until 8/31 11:59 PM
- The Trivia will be available to earn vests until 8/2 11:59 PM
- The Coloring Thread and Experiences thread will be open until 8/2 11:59 PM


Enjoy Service Dog Week!

Posted by JAK (#15) on Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:05pm

Comments: 62


Giraki (#6653)

Posted on: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:06pm

Oh awesome ^.^

Mars (#128)

Posted on: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:11pm

SCC images not showing. Looking forward to this event

JAK (#15)

Posted on: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:12pm

I'm not sure why. I can see them. o_0

SandTiger (#21192)

Posted on: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:15pm

How great of Aywas! You folks rock! (By the way, I can't see the images either. I'll try refreshing. I'm using Chrome.)

SandTiger (#21192)

Posted on: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:15pm

Ah, there they are!

Counter Serum (#56235)

Posted on: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:18pm

As someone who has been seriously researching and looking into the possible need for a service animal, I appreciate this news post and the helpful links to raise awareness and educate others. c:

Kanein (#49712)

Posted on: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:32pm

so the only way to earn a metal scc maker is Be able to write.. or color things?.?

Akamuna (#62559)

Posted on: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:36pm

Ooh...this is a very nifty thing to do! Service dogs perform so many onderful tasks for thier people, the recognition for them is fantastic =D

Love the look of the SCCs!

wolfsgazeinthenite (#32012)

Posted on: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:36pm

I understand that if I color designs for others for free, I get a free vest for each coloration, just need to post them into the service dog coloration thread. What about offering free edits + coloration? Will the edited designs also count for the vests?

ChaosAzeroth (#43055)

Posted on: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:39pm

Okay what's the 'standard' being put on the colorations thing? Will anyone who actually tries get vests of it? How would one be able to tell if the person i question really tried?