What Service Dog Handlers Wish You Knew

 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
When people with service dogs were asked what they wished they could tell people in their community, here are some of the things they had to say:
 
 

 

“I know you're curious, I would be too; but sometimes I feel like a sideshow.”

 

"I understand you may be afraid of dogs. But please, try not to shriek! That scares me, and my dog. If you ask, I will move out of your way, if I can."

 

 
 

“I may not look disabled. Not all disabilities are visible; not everyone with a service dog is blind or deaf”

 

“Don’t feel sorry for me. Everyone has challenges to face. Don’t feel sorry for my dog. He gets excellent care and lots of ‘off duty’ time to just be a dog.”

 

 
 

“Public access is for people who need service dogs. Pretending your dog is a service dog can get you in legal trouble. And, it makes it hard for those of us who have legitimate service dogs. There are lots of places you can go, and things to do, with your pet.”

 

“I love my dog, but training and caring for a service animal is a lot of work. Sometimes it feels like a full time job.”

 

 
 

“If you want to know about my dog, talk to me. But please, don’t ask personal questions about my disability.

 

“Yes, sometimes I like being able to take my dog with me. Sometimes it’s hard, too.”

 

 
 

“I love it when I notice people trying to do the right thing around my dog. It’s even better when I notice them teaching their children how to behave around service dogs.”