People Say the Darnest Things

People say the Darnest things when we are out and about. Public access with a service dog is not new to the United States but it is clear from the humorous responses Mom and I are about to share that many people have not been exposed to a variety of service dogs or service dog etiquette.

Mom was walking me then stopped and texted Dad. A person walked up and said, “Is that a blind dog?”

Nope! I am not blind nor is Mom. See what gear a blind dog wears for its handler.

Another time, Mom parked her car and unloaded me while two men watched. Again she was asked, “Is that a blind dog?”
Guess what she said? “We both have great vision but I only let the dog drive the John Deere Tractor!”

That is my trainer, Liz, and her dog, Trazer, driving.
One person actually said, “Can I buy your dog? It is so well trained.”

That is how Mom felt!!!!

Kids are pretty amazing in the things they say as well!

An often asked question is, “Does your dog bite?”

If I could answer, I would say, “No, Mom is more likely to bite than me – LOL!”

“Does your dog bark?” kids ask.

We all bark. But I only bark if someone comes on our property or enters the house when Dad is not home.

“Is that a bear?” we sometimes hear.

This is a bear. We dogs look quite different. Mom has been known to say to adults, “Yes, and I have a zoological permit!”

“What do you need a dog for? Tell me.”

“Invisible disabilities.” This comment and a smile tends to stop questions.

And that is how Mom and I deal with being a team, navigating public access, and some of the Darnest Things that occur on a near daily basis …at least in our imagination!

Woofs and wags,
Bella

Public Access – Allowed!! LOL

Today Mom and Dad checked out a gym Dad thought Mom might enjoy joining while I was getting a pedicure! As part of the process, Mom asked a standard question, “What is your policy on service dogs?”. There was silence and a look like this:

“I dunno. Let me ask the manager.”
The manager, who looked stunned at first and resembled a famous person,
(seen below)

did not greet Mom or attempt a conversation. Instead he behaved like Simon, “Are you blind? Is it a blind dog?”.
“Thank you for inquiring. The ADA states that you may ask two questions regarding our public access as a team. One, is my dog a service dog and two, does she do work/ tasks for you? The answers are yes and yes, ” said Mom.
It was then that Mom got our public access granted! LOL. The manager told Mom that we were welcome to use all the facilities, the exercise rooms, the weight rooms, and the pool deck but I was not allowed in the pool to swim with Mom.

Mom found that pretty funny but choked back her laughter and thanked the manager. Later she giggled and giggled when she told me! Imagine me swimming beside her in a chlorine filled pool- it would ruin my hair!

Woofs and wags,

Bella