Why do some people feel that it is OK to talk to and to pet
my service dog without my permission? When a service animal's
"Service" vest is on, it's on duty! I'm so amazed at the liberties
people take with my service dog when we are in public. Just because you love
animals, does not give you the right to engage in a conversation with a service
dog!
My service dog Chief, wears, but is not required by law to
wear, an easily identifiable service dog vest. I do not appreciate it when he
is distracted by someone's twisted definition of "children", or
someone's inability to control an urge to pet a strange dog, let alone a
working dog, without asking first. At times it is all I can do to be as nice as
possible in confronting an offender amicably in an effort to educate them. Many
times, especially in crowds, I don't have the capacity to educate, as I am just
"getting by" with my service dog's help.
One employee… One employer! Chief is not bound to respond to
you, however he is to respect your presence and alert me to any danger I may
not be aware of. If Chief is acting
irregularly, it is for a reason. And I should be the recipient of his attention
and energy, as he is the recipient of my attention and energy. Chief has
special abilities that I have recognized and capitalized upon, through many
hours of training, in order that he my serve my needs, not your emotions!
Please respect the relationship between a service dog and his handler.
I know I don't "look" disabled, but that doesn't
mean I don't need and rely upon my dog's service. Chief is my employee, not my
pet, not my "baby", and certainly not my "little boy" as
some self centered, animal lovers address him. I expect Chief, and rely on Chief
to perform as I have trained and continue to train him to.
Thank you to my friends and my family for understanding my
firm relationship with Chief. Thank you for your support and your help with
Chief.
Campy Out!
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