There are always going to be uninformed and uneducated people about ptsd, seizure issues, blindness issues. And then there are the brave, beautiful, and loyal - trained and authentic service dogs and the skilled people who train them those amazing dogs that protect and serve their service need owners.
That spoken, many years ago, a person with his service dog (with vest that said - Working Dog - and other emblems on vest to indicate his dog was aiding and assisting him to navigate through our world, asked me not to pet his working dog. Honestly, prior to him allowing and affording me opportunity to be verbally educated then and there that his dog is a Service Dog, I was initially hurt that he would not allow me to pet dog.
After listening to this caring human being taking the time to educate me about Service Dogs and why public is required not to pet dog, I fully understood and from that point on, and even to this day, when I pass a person with a Service Dog I first say Hello, next I say you have a wonderful working dog and although I would love to pet him/her, I respect your requirement to allow your dog to work, and not to pet him/her. And that usually is a major ice breaker, and also puts the person with their working dog at ease around me. I absolutely love dogs - all kinds of dogs, although due to an incident long time ago, I am a wee skiddish around those beautiful German Shepherds. Was chased into new friend's bathroom by their pet German Shepherd dog, almost being bitten in the butt by this dog. Whewww! Closest I've ever come to being ever bitten by dog. I again love ALL breeds of dogs - I am one of those people who go weak in the knees whenever I see a highly trained and beloved and loyal dog caring for a human being! And first thought is to respect their space and boundaries, and that this beautiful specimen of dog - is indeed working!
And, exxxcccuuussseee! me,
@Justmehere I would not for one second tolerate anyone taunting and questioning dog's service qualifications and validity! Makes me very angry! Grrr! I had been considering, after healing from colon surgery of 7/6/16, and still trying to heal from being hit by car on bike in 2012, and am struggling in EMDR Therapy, purchasing a service dog; or contacting a legitimate service training dog agency to inquire about training dog myself (had taught my former cat to poo/pee on commode - definitely not the same training skills, I know) and initially thought I could handle all the rigors that comes with service dog ownership, and responsibilities, etc. However, due to my quick assertion and immediate action (verbal) when someone is being rude and indifferent toward me and to my future pup - and after reading this thread, I believe after I heal more, that I will stick to purchasing another beloved house pet, and not exposing myself nor my future pup to insolent, uneducated, pompous, and viciously rude members of our anticipated civilized (some not) society.
@Justmehere please try and continue to stand tall; and there are many on this thread as you know have given solid sound advice, support, and recommendations on how to deal with empty-minded and narrow-minded people that you will most assuredly (unfortunately) be confronted by as you continue to travel with your beloved Service Dog. Lots of compassion, caring, and warm hugs and love being sent out this moment to you and your loyal, brave, and courageous furry friend and support system Service Dog and forever four legged furry loving friend. We must try and try not to allow others to define us, and not allowthem to turn their tiny eeny weeny little magnifying minds onto us and try and encourage them to keep the focus on themselves - that keeps them, and us busy, as we struggle and deal with life (at times) on life's terms. Try and stay strong; we are all here for you; am grateful for your post; educating people about these gallant and valiant and beloved Service Dogs. JadesJewel
