Tough Decisions

[FindingMyself88]

Well I have had to make a tough decision this week. I will be "washing" (retiring) Bristol out of public access work. She is simply too stressed in public after everything people did before the holidays. This included a woman letting her child run up and hit Bristol before I could stop it, a woman running between Bristol and I with her scooter to make it so I couldn't stop her from petting Bristol, someone hitting her accidentally with a scooter (He ran into our buggy too, Bristol wasn't in the way), and way more.

She will remain at home with me and still helps me tremendously at home with dealing with my mom and also my migraines (she alerts 30 minutes prior to one hitting). I have decided my next SDiT will come from a breeder and I have decided on getting a Sheltie. I have narrowed it down to 2 breeders who I got GREAT recommendations on before talking to them. I don't plan on getting the pup until around September, but I am preparing now.

It is going to be difficult not having Bristol with me in public, but it wouldn't be fair to her. This is why I am going with a slightly smaller dog. Sheltie's are normally no bigger than 25 pounds, so if needed, I could pick the dog up. So for now, its just going to be trying to manage my symptoms with medications as best as possible.

 

[Recovery4Me]

You are a true blue friend to Bristol! Very kind and merciful decision, proud of you. :hug:

 

[FindingMyself88]

Thank you @Recovery4Me I just knew I couldn't be selfish and ask her to do something that she didn't want to do. She is still my hero and I love her the same. I am praying the new pup when it comes will pick up the migraine alerts from her as they cannot be trained. For now though we will have fun and she will help me while I am at home. She loves helping me, it was just the public atmosphere she didn't care for.

 

[The Albatross]

Awesome to recognize that Bristol has other attributes than serving in public. Good on you!

 

[shimmerz]

This included a woman letting her child run up and hit Bristol before I could stop it, a woman running between Bristol and I with her scooter to make it so I couldn't stop her from petting Bristol, someone hitting her accidentally with a scooter (He ran into our buggy too, Bristol wasn't in the way), and way more.

Seriously, what is it with people? I am so sorry for both you and Bristol.

 

[FindingMyself88]

@The Albatross thank you. She is a great dog!

@shimmerz and sadly that's not all of it. I've had people follow us making noises, scream at me because she looks like a Pit bull, and the list goes on. This is why I am going with a "friendlier" looking breed and one that is small enough I can pick up if needed to get him/her out of harms way. Shelties also tend to be very aloof to strangers. Meaning they aren't aggressive or anything, but they are so focused on their owner they ignore other people which is GREAT!

It's just going to be incredibly difficult in the meantime to be without a service dog in public.

 

[The Albatross]

Our new stray/rescue Ripley looks like a pit bull but is to slight of stature. Fortunately, he is contemplative and when frightened sits and is not reactive. He is the darling of my mister's senior living facility and they are spoiling him rotten.