Interesting to see this thread. I'v never heard of this concept until last week when family members were boasting about how they deliberately abuse this system just to bring their dog along.
However, in the same week, I learned of another woman that brings her dog along for emotional support. I figured she was abusing the system as well, but it's now apparent that tho she's extremely intelligent, she's also emotional retarded as well.
I tried several times to make friends with her little chihuahua, but to no avail. finally the dog wanted to come up to me when I was busy eating. I jokingly said, "no, you had your chance."
The emotionally retarded emotional support dog owner got very defensive and proceeded to lecture me on giving people second chances. . .