Ehlena's family or a charitable organization on her behalf, would have paid between $20,000 or $25,000 for a fully trained service dog. The dog would not be a distraction in any setting simply because that training dictates that the dog only focus on Ehlena and her needs. This was the right call. 

As far as the $30.00 "service dogs" we all see in the airports, restaurants and stores, those owners are in the same class as those that abuse handicap parking permits.  We need to start requiring certification by "qualified" trainers for all working dogs, be they service, companion or emotional support.  The prescription of a doctor is not an indication of training.