Ask before you Pet!

December 4, 2012

I have been a bad blogger.....  Has it really been two weeks?  Geesh!  The good news is that everything continues well with my Canine Companions service dog.  Fernando has been fantastic.  We have been in several stores and a few restaurants.   He had performed beautifully.  The only place that he becomes a bit amped up is at my daughter's gymnastics gym.  Everyone there, including coaches and the gym owner are dog lovers; Pioneer Gymnastics is like our second home.  I tend not to enforce the "please ask before petting" rule.  That being said, Fernando is still a complete gentleman.

This also brings me to my current gripe about strangers and my service dog.  If you see a dog that usually is not allowed in restaurant or grocery stores, would you assume that dog is present for your specific petting needs?  No, that dog is there as a tool for the disabled person attached to the other end of the leash....not for you to pet.  50% of the time, a person will ask me if they can give Fernando a pet; with that, I usually say Thank you for asking, you may give a quick pat or if the person is a child, I will have Ferno give them a shake.  Of course if there are a bazillion people around, I will say no because I do not want that one person's pet to become an open invite to others.

Fernando is also part of my personal space.  If you should decide that you have the need to come up to my partner and I from behind, to give my furry man a scratch on his behind without saying a word, you might as well be scratching my arse as you just violated me.  Have a bit of respect and just ask.  Most of us handicapables will say yes, as we appreciate the courtesy if you asking.  While you are distracting my dog, I cannot have him help me out.  Fernando will be enjoying a pet, ere go,  he will not be listening to any commands I may need him for.

While I had Odin out in public, I had a "please do not pet me, I am working" patch on his vest.  The patch did not make a huge difference between the courteous and the people who felt they are above the need to be respectful.  I am thinking I may buy one for Fernando's vest anyway, perhaps that patch will make a difference with one of two people.

As I mentioned, Fernando is a tool for me, similar to my wheelchair or crutches.  The Federal ADA laws also recognize him as a medical aid. I wish all my "medical aids" were as warm and fuzzy as my pup, lol.  Like Odin, Fernando has become an indispensable part of my daily living.  As we have had a repeat visits to a few stores, people are starting to recognize us. My pharmacy now has dog treats behind the counter when we come in.  I have also had to remind a few that I would appreciate if they would ask to pet Fernando, each time they see us.  Just because I said yes yesterday, doesn't mean you have the automatic invitation to pet today; I maybe short on time today or my pup may have had a long busy day and is tired.

If you should come across a service team in a store, and have an uncontrollable need to  touch the dog, just ask.  Please do not be indecisive and stalk us before you build up the courage to ask or attempt a drive by petting.  Stalking is just creepy and yes, we do notice you.  We are not being rude if we do say no.  We may have several reasons why we said no, and we do not have to explain why;  we may have to get home to see the kids off the bus, have an appointment or just don't feel well.

I thank you now for asking to pet my service dog.  You rock! I will be extraordinarily appreciative!  As Fernando and I continue our adventure as a brand new service team, we want to instill our bond and our confidence in each other.  :o)