The school has been going downhill in the last year or so, unfortunately. This is just the last straw for me. It's also a big deal because he's the EXACT opposite of the school's philosophy. Bergin is supposed to be no force, no aversives, positive reinforcement. I would be more understanding if they hadn't given him a degree. There's having a guest speaker with a controversial view point, and then there's selling out to publicity. This appears to be the latter.
I've heard first-hand account that the dog's behavior was less than stellar, and even fearful at time. That's not okay. Plus the whole fake certification thing, when a freaking SERVICE DOG SCHOOL should know better.
It's all around a terrible decision on the school's part, and I will no longer support them. That is MY choice and I really don't give two shits if you think it's petty. I also won't buy from Build-a-Bear due to their support of Autism Speaks. My money, my choice. I'll be better off pursing a non-dog-specific degree, such as straight up Animal Behavior or Zoology, with a university that is more concerned with education than reality television. Getting a Master's degree is a HUGE financial investment, and if I'm not comfortable with a school I WILL NOT give them my money.
At this point, I'd also like to point out that this is a VENTING thread. Not a pick-apart-everyone's-vent-and-make-them-more-angry thread.