re: Lardo at the restaurant was walking around inside with his 'service dog'

Dogs are welcomed in most businesses here in Austin. It's awesome

A service dog receives actual training and is protected under the ADA. An emotional support animal is something that anyone can go online and "certify"

No. Emotional Support Animals are ones that mitigate a person's disability by their presence, they are covered under the Fair Housing Act for housing and the Air Carrier's Access Act for commercial air travel. Under both of those federal laws they can be required to provide specific documentation from a treating licensed medical professional. The stuff suckers buy online means absolutely nothing.

I would rather have a dog sitting next to me in a restaurant than some screaming brat

I once saw a guy with an Irish Wolfhound service dog at a crowded conference. That dog had to have been 6 feet long. It seemed...rediculous.

I'm not sure a horse sized dog is very respectful of those around you, regardless of disability. However, someone that legitimately needs a service dog doesn't bother me, I just feel thankful I don't have to drag a small horse sized mammal everywhere I go.

I do enjoy bringing my dog to dog-friendly restaurants.