Today while in the grocery store, I met “Louie”, a golden lab service dog. The label on his back said “Do Not Pet” so I definitely didn’t and really, as much as I wanted to talk to the guy about him, and pet him, I watched and waited to see his reaction to others first. I can imagine that every were he goes he gets looks, stares, “oohs and ahhs” and questions, so rather than make a wrong move, I waited to move.
Service dogs are animals used by people who have some type of disability. The disability may not be obvious when spotting this person for often service dogs assist those with impairments including sight, seizure, autism, hearing and even mental illness. Such was the situation today. I have no idea why this man had a service dog. He said he had been his companion for over a year now. I assumed it was a military-use dog because of the military look of his vest. ‘Don’t know.
How To Respond to a Service Dog Owner and Pet
Generally, service dogs are trained by professional organizations and by that they are familiar with the personality type and characteristics of dogs. Not all dogs are cut out to be a service dog.
Statistics on “Service Dog Central” indicates there are over 10,000 guide dogs being used which lean toward sight assistance so it is possible there are as many as 100,000 being used including every type need.
People are interested in animals and I was no different today. I just wanted so much to reach down pet and hug this bunch of winter fur but I restrained myself and when the time presented itself, I asked permission to join in the hoopla of others doing what I wanted to do all along. As the man left the store, several ladies asked to pet the dog and with all that going on, I felt it okay to join in and so I did.
Below are 5 suggestions for responding to a service dog in a store:
1. Avoid making a spectacle of the service dog owner, service dog and of course yourself. If you really want to pet or talk to the person, wait and watch how they respond to their surroundings. If they do not give eye contact to those around them, they may not want to be bothered. Watch and wait before approaching.
2. Perhaps you could speak to the person with the service dog. If the person responds in a favorable manner, it may be that the friendly “hello” back is a green flag to go more towards conversation.
3. Avoid staring at the person or the dog. Because they are constantly in the spot light of being unusual, it would be impolite to stare.
4. In the event the owner allows conversation, ask permission to pet the dog or even to take a photograph. Today, after we had gotten aquainted and spent a little time together, I felt it appropriate to ask if I could photograph the dog. The service dog owner said, “Oh yes” and had the dog lie down for a nice photo.
5. If you know for sure the dog is a military service dog, you might thank the owner for his/her service in the military. If you’re not sure, just thank the owner for opportunity to meet, greet and spend time with him.
We all have special needs. I feel I need a service dog to help me think! That’s why I have my own little Sophie, my weenie dog.
What pet helps you recover from day to day?
Josie