On set with service animals

As anyone who knows me knows I have one of the most fun loving companions in my life, a service dog named Hiver. Most people who knows her, just calls her by the English translation of her name, Winter. If Hiver is used, she knows that she is either in trouble or i need her attention now and to focus. Hiver is french for Winter, however most people hen the see the spelling of he name calls her [Hi*ver] when its [E*vare] so it was easier and Winter is pretty as well.  Winter is a trained service dog for mobility issues, non epileptic seizures, among others health problems she assists in an even provides emotional support, and reduces anxiety as well while at the same time is a therapy dog to anyone she comes in contact with. She has her tags and papers and certifications.

Winter rides on planes at my feet, rides in cars on buses as well as trains, and boats.  Winter frequents grocery stores, hangs out at bars and clubs, goes to restaurants,  frequently at hospitals/dr. offices for  emergency room and dr. appointments. Winter is fortunate enough to be cultured as she has many fine art event she attends such as she goes to the symphony, art exhibits, ballet, opera, theatre, concerts, and dance performances where she watches intently all the performances at what is going on when she isn't laying at my feet. I wish i was kidding but she loves plays, movies, and concerts.  Winter has even been on at least a handful of sets including her debut in "Proper Manors" episode 1 as a search and rescue dog.

 I am currently on location for the film "Demonica," Winter has been on set all but 3 times (the first weekend's both two days and when we shot the tavern scene due to space and rain) While the crew and cast love Winter and she hasn't caused any problems for herself, cast, crew or the location; the owner is just uncomfortable with having a dog or animal on location. The location is being provided to us free and it is understandable we want to respect the wishes of the owner to keep him happy, however regardless of his comfort level for what ever reason he isn't on set as he is no where around when we are filming.  No one in the family wants to watch her (total another blog) as it is not their responsibility. I don't blame Prescribed Films, or the "Demonica" team as it places us all on an uncomfortable position where no one wants to be. So i get to be put in a conundrum where with her being a service dog and trained and treated like any animal which she isn't.  She is not outdoor leashed/chain trained nor should she ever be on one and it is recommend that she never is put on one for any extended length of time because again she is a service dog, she will not do kennels as she is claustrophobic and will break out of them or try to hurting herself in the process as before and again she should not be in one, So the director/producer is stuck trying to find a place to house her over each weekend while on set which puts me in an uncomfortable emotional state on top of the one I'm already in dealing with this as well. While I've done it before on more than a few occasions its hard not having her by me and even harder for her as she has deeper separation anxiety issues than i do as most service dogs do when it comes to their handler. After these days that she is away from me, she will have a hard time listening for the next day or so because she is mad at me. I understand the motto don't bite the hand that feeds you, and while this location is helping out this production what does one really do?

 

 Even with the owner being uncomfortable, and though it is not a food establishment which should nor matter if it was, there are ADA (American Disabilities Act) laws that are put in place for situations like this, again however wont sue or cause legal problems as we are being done a favor.  So once again via film production and/or my personal life I am the one who always has to accommodate.  One other option which is just as cruel in my opinion, even though it is a night shoot and heat is not a factor but principle is, is keeping her in a car with windows down for 12 hours with occasional break in between camera setups.

 So filmmaker POV (point of view) question for you today is:  If you are on set at any location, and a member of your cast or crew has an actual service animal with them, what would you do if the owner of the property regardless if you are helping you out or not says they are uncomfortable with a service animal or pet of any kind on the property and doesn't want it there? Do you go by his desires, your cast or crews needs and rights, or by the ADA or non of the above?


*These images used in this blog "On set with service animal," are copyrighted under Emily Roth Hurst Photography and Katandi Media and Entertainment and infringement of copyrights are subject to punitive damages, usage and license fees to both companies. Do not use these photos with out permission from the photographer Emily Roth Hurst, or Katerina "Phoenix" du Lac.  This applies to all photos regardless of the photographer.