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You would not believe the things people say and do!Read the article this discussion is about
This archived discussion is "read only".
» michal - So true...! I just had to say that- Jewl- I loved this one!!! it is so true...i read it and saw myself and Shadow and all of those comments i`ve heard from people and kids in the past month that I`ve had him.Thank you so much for writing about it! People should treat the disabled in generally and the people with service dogs as people! I`ve had comments like: I do have to say, though, that i have encountered some wonderful people, who were nice to us, as well- i had people who saw us in a restaurant come and give me treats for Shadow (not that i didn`t have any)...they talked to me and only me and didn`t touch him, I had people tell their kids not to touch Shadow because he`s working (too bad they didn`t tell them not to talk or whistle to him as well, but at least they tried) and I also had people come and ask me what a service dog is (and i was very happy to explain it to them). -- posted by michal » anchorage - Srv Dog Etiquette I must honestly say that I was treated much worse on the one occussion that I used an electrical wheelchair, than on the many times I have taken my dog. I have seen others leave as quickly as they have seen us, but I also know people who have allergies that make them NEED to walk away as quickly as possible.I think Service Dog etiquette is just now becoming known. Many people do not even know what the term is, and many others are reaching out before they recall that maybe something had been said about not petting dogs that are working. I tell them "Just a minute" when I see their hand reaching out, and get him stopped and sat for them to pet. While they are petting him I take the opportunity to educate, but it's a big wide world out there and I seldom see the same person twice. I think this is a very needed subject, and I'm glad you decided to write about it. -- posted by anchorage » RebaStar - Service dog? Oh me, oh my! Dear Jewl,I have never needed or used a service dog but I had a blind friend once who does--he told me his wife was embarrassed to be seen with him in public, because of all the strange attention..and she probably spent alot of time being embarrassed, because he was a world famous public speaker and she had to accompany him on speaking tours.. I just got invited in for tea by one of my neighbors--and she mentioned she saw me on alot of walks, to which I told her I have a disability so have no job but writing. She asked my diagnosis--and I told her the truth,a brain disorder. She seemed to take it well--but when I went to visit her again--she painfully made every excuse in the book why she couldn't visit anymore. I knew that's what I was risking when I didn't tell her heart disease or diabetes..but I did have the chance to tell her what schizophrenia is--and I guess if our positions were reversed--maybe I'd decide I didn't want a bipolar schizophrenic with a seizure disorder in MY house either!!! Good story, -- posted by RebaStar » age - Re: Thank you all In response to message posted by Jewl:I can relate the the problems of a assistant dog in public, the Foxy Lady has been at my side for going on 4 years. She gives mobility assistance, counterbalance and prevents me from falling etc. additionaly she is a Diabetic Alert. Since I do not appear to be disabled it makes it much more complicated. Had two Police officers in Arlington TX try and throw us out of a restaurant, they remained in my face demanding proof I needed an assistant animal until I left. However, the majority of the people I meet have been real nice and many are simply curious and want to know more about her. It does complicate life on the personal level as many people either have dogs that preclude one visiting with a service dog or they do not want a service dog in their home. To me the biggest crime is the fact that most Churches prevent the entry of service animals, they do have the right to do so, in effect preventing the disabled entry. Dottie -- posted by age » Skydolphin - The truth about guide dogs I just wanted you all to know that not all people who have guide dogs are totally blind. In fact most people who are legally blind can see. My mother is one of these people. She has a guide dog named Harvey. She is legally blind and will probably be totally blind one day, but right now she can see very well. What she can't do is see in her peripheral vision. Basically she can only see what she's looking at. She has what is called Retinits Pigmentosa and she uses Harvey mainly to keep from bumping into someone or tripping over a curb she didn't see. So maybe the person who see's you reading something and asks if your service dog is a guide dog isn't so far off.-- posted by Skydolphin
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