Uniforms should demand respect

In class today Mr. Henry briefly touched on a subject that I would have liked to have spent more time on so I would like to post on it. 

I wish the class length was at least two hours as there is so much information to learn.  Mr. Henry briefly mentioned that people with individual assistance dogs are very protective of their companion and that the class would not be allowed to touch those direct service dogs of the speakers we will be having. 

My understanding has always been that when an assistance dog is identified by it’s vest or uniform, that is a clear indication that identifies the dog as an assistance dog and while they are in uniform should never be interfered with in any way. 

People should respect the fact that the dog is working and “on duty” and should not try to touch the dog, call the dog, or offer the dog anything.  They should simply be left alone to perform their duties.  Also as we learned the difference between direct assistance dogs and indirect assistance dogs that are used in group settings such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes I have always believed that a majority of people, especially those that have anxiety issues, issues with other people and such that have a direct assistance dog do not want to be questioned about their use of an assistance dog.  

Many years ago when I held a second job waitressing I remember a woman coming in with a large group that had an assistance dog and was seated in my section.  While I obviously saw the dog, I never inquired or said anything about their presence because the dog simply laid under the table by her side during the entire meal and the only time someone would have known he/she were there is when the group entered and left because the dog was so good. 

Can you imagine the temptation an assistance dog must face when being in a restaurant with food everywhere and all the smells?  If I remember correctly, this direct assistance dog was a SD-SER (seizure response dog or diabetic response dog).

This month there was an incident I witnessed in the Jacksonville Mall where I saw a child using a wheelchair and was accompanied by a direct service dog and evidently someone approached the dog or touched them and I heard the mother respond by telling them not to touch the assistance dog.  

When people depend on an AD I can see where they would be very protective of the animal as I know I would.  It would be like someone just coming up and trying to touch my child or when people I had never met before felt it was appropriate to touch my belly when I was pregnant.  It was infuriating. 

I am so glad that one of the purposes of this class is for each of us to try and educate as many people as possible about service animals so there will be less ignorant (uneducated) and/or rude people with their view and/or response to an AD.  I believe that AD’s should be viewed as an extension of the person they are serving and should be respected as such because a vest is clearly a uniform and should demand respect from all.  While I believe all animals are special, assistance dogs are especially special because of the dramatic impact they have on people’s lives and all that they have accomplished to get their certification. 

Please spread the word……people need to know and receive proper information on service animals and the people they serve as well as the rules regarding them.