Comments on: Dumb Service Animal Questions http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/09/dumb-service-animal-questions/ All Things Service Animals Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:27:52 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: AnaMarie http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/09/dumb-service-animal-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-1525 AnaMarie Wed, 11 Aug 2010 05:58:33 +0000 http://www.servicedogblog.com/?p=10590#comment-1525 Libby: I am furious at that B!TCH who went off on you! WTF! Who the hell does she think she is? I have a service/therapy dog for our son and I get all the same complaints, yet not a single person has come in my face and believe me, if that ever happens, I will be on the line w/the cops so friggin' fast and a lawyer as well as the media involved! Our son is autistic and has seizures and Larry his beagle helps him not only for comfort when our son has a meltdown, but has been able to detect seizures just before they happen. Bless you for being so calm, and girl, you KNOW if I was there I would have defended you to the end, and found out that B!TCH's name and spread it all over w/your story. Hugs and blessings! PS: BTW, just curious; was the gift certificate a decent amount(not talking like 20 bones, you know?) or was it just another smack in the face? I know! I am so nosy! LOL! Take care, and blessings to all of you here who use SD's! Libby: I am furious at that B!TCH who went off on you! WTF! Who the hell does she think she is? I have a service/therapy dog for our son and I get all the same complaints, yet not a single person has come in my face and believe me, if that ever happens, I will be on the line w/the cops so friggin’ fast and a lawyer as well as the media involved! Our son is autistic and has seizures and Larry his beagle helps him not only for comfort when our son has a meltdown, but has been able to detect seizures just before they happen.

Bless you for being so calm, and girl, you KNOW if I was there I would have defended you to the end, and found out that B!TCH’s name and spread it all over w/your story.

Hugs and blessings!

PS: BTW, just curious; was the gift certificate a decent amount(not talking like 20 bones, you know?) or was it just another smack in the face? I know! I am so nosy! LOL! Take care, and blessings to all of you here who use SD’s!

]]> By: Libby http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/09/dumb-service-animal-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-1518 Libby Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:05:25 +0000 http://www.servicedogblog.com/?p=10590#comment-1518 Well - it finally happened. I was verbally attacked and told to leave JCPenney at the Wolfchase Galleria in Memphis, TN because of my SD. We were standing in line to check out when she approached me. She said loudly "Are you blind?" I responded simply with "No, I am not blind." I explained she was a service animal but before I could finish, she began yelling at me for "papers" on my dog. I politely informed her that under the ADA act she could not ask that question. I even gave her one of the informational cards. She would not even read it. She verbally harrassed me and followed me to make sure we left the store, all the while screaming at me about respecting her position. I must admit when I reach the door, after all of the embarassment and humiliation, I turned and told her to shut up. I just could not take it any more. The manager called me the next morning and offered me a gift certificate. I am mailing the papers today to the US Dept of Justice. I have never done it before but this was such a nightmare, I think I should this time so no one else has to go through it. I have never been so upset. My dog kept alerting the entire time this woman screamed at me. Well – it finally happened. I was verbally attacked and told to leave JCPenney at the Wolfchase Galleria in Memphis, TN because of my SD. We were standing in line to check out when she approached me. She said loudly “Are you blind?” I responded simply with “No, I am not blind.” I explained she was a service animal but before I could finish, she began yelling at me for “papers” on my dog. I politely informed her that under the ADA act she could not ask that question. I even gave her one of the informational cards. She would not even read it. She verbally harrassed me and followed me to make sure we left the store, all the while screaming at me about respecting her position. I must admit when I reach the door, after all of the embarassment and humiliation, I turned and told her to shut up. I just could not take it any more. The manager called me the next morning and offered me a gift certificate. I am mailing the papers today to the US Dept of Justice. I have never done it before but this was such a nightmare, I think I should this time so no one else has to go through it. I have never been so upset. My dog kept alerting the entire time this woman screamed at me.

]]> By: anaxagoras http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/09/dumb-service-animal-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-1516 anaxagoras Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:01:54 +0000 http://www.servicedogblog.com/?p=10590#comment-1516 The point of my story is *who* gave me a problem. Bear in mind, I am very conflict-averse (a consequence of my disability). When I first started going out and about with my SD a year ago, I was apprehensive about people giving me trouble. But it turned out that I generally didn't have any problems, so over time I relaxed and stopped worrying about it. Then, a couple weeks ago I went to an Amish market nearby, a place where I've been dozens of times, but not recently so it was the first time I brought my SD. Wouldn't you know it, a guy who looked like he was right out of central casting for the movie "Witness"--long beard, goofy haircut, archaic clothes--bellowed at me over other shoppers' heads from halfway across the market, telling me to stop. He walked towards me with that "I'm a big tough guy and I'm in charge" strut, like some cops do. Then he yelled at me "DO YOU HAVE A LICENSE TO BRING THAT DOG IN HERE?!", loud enough for half the other shoppers to hear. Dozens of pairs of eyes turned toward me. I was mortified. I knew I had done nothing wrong, but I was so intimidated I was shaking--and it was quite clear from his aggressive demeanor that it was his intention to intimidate me. I did have the presence of mind to tell him, "actually, legally you're not allowed to ask me that", and give him one of those informational cards that explain the ADA regulations that apply to SDs. But I'm kicking myself that I also next said "and by the way, yes I do", and showed him my SD's registration card--which I knew I was under no obligation to do, and shouldn't have done, since it may only make life more difficult for the next SD partner. How bizarre that an Amish guy was the first guy in over a year to get all in my face. As much as they can, Amish people try to live outside "English" law. They don't accept social security benefits, they don't serve in the military, they don't drive so they don't have driver's licenses, etc, so you'd think they'd be the last people to demand proof my dog had a "license" to be there. The guy clearly knew what service dogs are, and he didn't question whether I was disabled. The Amish have been subject to discrimination and hostility by their neighbors, so you'd think they'd be less mean and exhibit kindness to a disabled person, who is also a member of a group that experiences discrimination. After all, the Amish are called by some "the gentle people"! Not in this case!!! The point of my story is *who* gave me a problem. Bear in mind, I am very conflict-averse (a consequence of my disability). When I first started going out and about with my SD a year ago, I was apprehensive about people giving me trouble. But it turned out that I generally didn’t have any problems, so over time I relaxed and stopped worrying about it.
Then, a couple weeks ago I went to an Amish market nearby, a place where I’ve been dozens of times, but not recently so it was the first time I brought my SD. Wouldn’t you know it, a guy who looked like he was right out of central casting for the movie “Witness”–long beard, goofy haircut, archaic clothes–bellowed at me over other shoppers’ heads from halfway across the market, telling me to stop. He walked towards me with that “I’m a big tough guy and I’m in charge” strut, like some cops do. Then he yelled at me “DO YOU HAVE A LICENSE TO BRING THAT DOG IN HERE?!”, loud enough for half the other shoppers to hear. Dozens of pairs of eyes turned toward me. I was mortified. I knew I had done nothing wrong, but I was so intimidated I was shaking–and it was quite clear from his aggressive demeanor that it was his intention to intimidate me. I did have the presence of mind to tell him, “actually, legally you’re not allowed to ask me that”, and give him one of those informational cards that explain the ADA regulations that apply to SDs. But I’m kicking myself that I also next said “and by the way, yes I do”, and showed him my SD’s registration card–which I knew I was under no obligation to do, and shouldn’t have done, since it may only make life more difficult for the next SD partner.
How bizarre that an Amish guy was the first guy in over a year to get all in my face. As much as they can, Amish people try to live outside “English” law. They don’t accept social security benefits, they don’t serve in the military, they don’t drive so they don’t have driver’s licenses, etc, so you’d think they’d be the last people to demand proof my dog had a “license” to be there. The guy clearly knew what service dogs are, and he didn’t question whether I was disabled. The Amish have been subject to discrimination and hostility by their neighbors, so you’d think they’d be less mean and exhibit kindness to a disabled person, who is also a member of a group that experiences discrimination. After all, the Amish are called by some “the gentle people”! Not in this case!!!

]]> By: Kristen Kirst http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/09/dumb-service-animal-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-1515 Kristen Kirst Tue, 20 Jul 2010 00:20:58 +0000 http://www.servicedogblog.com/?p=10590#comment-1515 when i was with some friends in jamba juice a lady at the cash register asked me if my service dog in training was a helper dog. I said yes, actually she's my service dog in training. I thought to myself, if she wasn't helping me with my needs why would she be in a public place with me where pets aren't aloud. She had her red vest with her tag saying "service dog in training/ working don't pet me" on too. i guess people don't look... then ask. when i was with some friends in jamba juice a lady at the cash register asked me if my service dog in training was a helper dog. I said yes, actually she’s my service dog in training. I thought to myself, if she wasn’t helping me with my needs why would she be in a public place with me where pets aren’t aloud. She had her red vest with her tag saying “service dog in training/ working don’t pet me” on too. i guess people don’t look… then ask.

]]> By: Libby http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/09/dumb-service-animal-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-1481 Libby Thu, 27 May 2010 13:50:54 +0000 http://www.servicedogblog.com/?p=10590#comment-1481 Mardi - No, I don't think it will ever change. I am trying to tell myself now that we are training the public. But it is still very frustrating. How can I expect my SD to stay in work mode when she can get so distracted by ignorant people? Mardi – No, I don’t think it will ever change. I am trying to tell myself now that we are training the public. But it is still very frustrating. How can I expect my SD to stay in work mode when she can get so distracted by ignorant people?

]]> By: Mardi http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/09/dumb-service-animal-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-1478 Mardi Fri, 21 May 2010 22:23:48 +0000 http://www.servicedogblog.com/?p=10590#comment-1478 I am a blind wheelchair user and have a Belgian Tervuren as my guide dog. Most people don't see past the wheelchair and tell me I have a nice "helper dog",or he must be my "best friend" as if I have no friends other than my dog. I tell them that Shaman is a guide dog,and they then ask ,"what does he do for you?"I tell them I am blind and he is my eyes. Then I get ,"you don't look blind" and" how can I drive a power wheelchair if I am blind."They just don't get it.I also get the people who get angry at me when I tell them that they can not pet my dog as he is working. Some people don't bother to even ask and just pet him. I got a Shepherd this time as I thought that people would be less likely to pet a dog that looks like a police dog. They still just walk up and pet him any way. I always seem to get parents that encourage their children to pet my dog. Even when I had a sign on my harness handle that said "GUIDE DOG DO NOT PET" People would still pet my dog. Shaman is still young and new to me and this really does distract him. My retired dog,Nala, totally ignored people and actually turned her head away from outreach hands. I was frequently told that my dog was rude. Will it ever change? I am a blind wheelchair user and have a Belgian Tervuren as my guide dog. Most people don’t see past the wheelchair and tell me I have a nice “helper dog”,or he must be my “best friend” as if I have no friends other than my dog. I tell them that Shaman is a guide dog,and they then ask ,”what does he do for you?”I tell them I am blind and he is my eyes. Then I get ,”you don’t look blind” and” how can I drive a power wheelchair if I am blind.”They just don’t get it.I also get the people who get angry at me when I tell them that they can not pet my dog as he is working. Some people don’t bother to even ask and just pet him. I got a Shepherd this time as I thought that people would be less likely to pet a dog that looks like a police dog. They still just walk up and pet him any way. I always seem to get parents that encourage their children to pet my dog. Even when I had a sign on my harness handle that said “GUIDE DOG DO NOT PET” People would still pet my dog. Shaman is still young and new to me and this really does distract him. My retired dog,Nala, totally ignored people and actually turned her head away from outreach hands. I was frequently told that my dog was rude. Will it ever change?

]]> By: Libby http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/09/dumb-service-animal-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-1456 Libby Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:48:12 +0000 http://www.servicedogblog.com/?p=10590#comment-1456 Well, I got a new one the other day at the mall. I had my SD with me and was accosted from behind by mall security guard who asked me...I'm not kidding..."Is that a walking dog?" I said yes and we kept walking. She chased me down and asked me again, "Is that a walking dog?" I checked to see if her legs had fallen off, just in case. Nope, four legs. So I said yes and we headed off again. She continues to chase me through the mall until she catches up again and asks me if I am blind...to which I replied no and kept moving. By now I am laughing but this guard is getting bent. So, she catches me again and asks me if it is a SD. I said, " yes she is, all you have to do is read the vest she is wearing." So she is mad at me and tells me that is all she wanted to know all the time. I told her she should have asked the question. My grandson just kept shaking his head and rolling his eyes... Well, I got a new one the other day at the mall. I had my SD with me and was accosted from behind by mall security guard who asked me…I’m not kidding…”Is that a walking dog?” I said yes and we kept walking. She chased me down and asked me again, “Is that a walking dog?” I checked to see if her legs had fallen off, just in case. Nope, four legs. So I said yes and we headed off again. She continues to chase me through the mall until she catches up again and asks me if I am blind…to which I replied no and kept moving. By now I am laughing but this guard is getting bent. So, she catches me again and asks me if it is a SD. I said, ” yes she is, all you have to do is read the vest she is wearing.” So she is mad at me and tells me that is all she wanted to know all the time. I told her she should have asked the question. My grandson just kept shaking his head and rolling his eyes…

]]> By: Libby http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/09/dumb-service-animal-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-1384 Libby Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:18:34 +0000 http://www.servicedogblog.com/?p=10590#comment-1384 I just took a trip with my new PSD. She is a beautiful Belgian Tervuren and has a happy personality. Her training is almost complete but I wanted to expose her to many different scenarios. Since this was a drive from Mississippi to Michigan and back, I knew we would have ample opportunities. We stopped at a truck stop to refuel, walk the dog, etc. A man actually approached me with her laying calmly at my feet to tell me how poorly she was trained and how many mistakes I had made with her. And he determined this all in 5 seconds of watching. She never got up from her stay, she just looked at him. My 8 year old nephew was with me and before I could move Joseph told him, "You must be stupid because we go to class and have training." Out of the mouths of babes... I just took a trip with my new PSD. She is a beautiful Belgian Tervuren and has a happy personality. Her training is almost complete but I wanted to expose her to many different scenarios. Since this was a drive from Mississippi to Michigan and back, I knew we would have ample opportunities. We stopped at a truck stop to refuel, walk the dog, etc. A man actually approached me with her laying calmly at my feet to tell me how poorly she was trained and how many mistakes I had made with her. And he determined this all in 5 seconds of watching. She never got up from her stay, she just looked at him. My 8 year old nephew was with me and before I could move Joseph told him, “You must be stupid because we go to class and have training.” Out of the mouths of babes…

]]> By: Todd and S.D. "Rocky" http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/09/dumb-service-animal-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-1369 Todd and S.D. "Rocky" Thu, 11 Feb 2010 15:31:48 +0000 http://www.servicedogblog.com/?p=10590#comment-1369 Hello everyone, I just completed my move to Hawaii last week and decided to take my family to Waikiki Beach for the first time since we'd been here. The kids wanted to go swimming and play in the sand. So I have Rocky with me and nice people kept coming up and wanted to take a picture with Rocky. Most of them were Japanese tourists. We were in front of the Royal Hawaiian and then an American couple walked up to me and Rocky. They asked if Rocky is a lifeguard for this beach. I laughed and said no,that he's a service dog for me and me only. A half hour later, another couple asked the same thing and again I laughed. This time though, it made me think, a service dog could very well be trained to rescue distressed swimmers. I would love to see a pilot program like here at Waikiki Beach for Service Dog Lifeguards. They have dogs that surf here,why not? Hello everyone,
I just completed my move to Hawaii last week and decided to take my family to Waikiki Beach for the first time since we’d been here. The kids wanted to go swimming and play in the sand.
So I have Rocky with me and nice people kept coming up and wanted to take a picture with Rocky. Most of them were Japanese tourists. We were in front of the Royal Hawaiian and then an American couple walked up to me and Rocky. They asked if Rocky is a lifeguard for this beach. I laughed and said no,that he’s a service dog for me and me only. A half hour later, another couple asked the same thing and again I laughed.
This time though, it made me think, a service dog could very well be trained to rescue distressed swimmers. I would love to see a pilot program like here at Waikiki Beach for Service Dog Lifeguards. They have dogs that surf here,why not?

]]> By: deb http://www.servicedogblog.com/2009/09/dumb-service-animal-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-1361 deb Thu, 04 Feb 2010 19:40:01 +0000 http://www.servicedogblog.com/?p=10590#comment-1361 I have a mobility assist dog - When I wear sunglasses people ask 'Is that a blind dog?' I tell them 'No. She can see just fine' I have a mobility assist dog – When I wear sunglasses people ask ‘Is that a blind dog?’ I tell them ‘No. She can see just fine’

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