I plan to post a lot more – PersonalInterest pieces.
I’ve been too complacent, as of late,
so with these different types of posts,
I’ll be able go get back into the swing of things.
BUT – don’t worry, there will be giveaways and reviews too!
As many of you know, I have numerous medically disabling conditions.
Sometimes I think that my posting personal info, upsets (embarrasses;-)
my family and friends, but if I help just ONE person
by writing, then I feel that it is worth the “risk”.
Lately, I’ve been out more, due to the help of
Gabe, my Mobility/Balance – Medic Alert – PSDS, Service Dog.
Everywhere we go, I’m asked so many different questions.
So, this post deals with what it’s like having a Service Dog,
and answers some of the questions that I am frequently asked!
Having a Service Dog is a true blessing for me.
Gabe as given me such comfort and joy.
I’m now able to get our more, and not be in a totally panicked state of mind.
He has helped me to make new friends, and provided a type of safety net, for me.
And of course, I can’t leave out the unconditional love that I receive from him.
BUT
Having a Service Dog,
is not all fun and games.
It’s WORK.
Below is part of a blog post, that was sent to me
by another member of the Service Dog Group – WASG LA,
that I’m a member of.
I wish that I knew of a link to the original
author, so that I could give here credit.
” Taking a dog with you every place you go does pose some challenges that you might want to consider. (It’s not all tinsel and glamour) Every time you go anyplace…ANYplace , it takes about 15 minutes or more, longer to get out the door than going without the dog.
The dog has to be potty walked before you leave, my dog has to be “dressed”: vest, possibly booties, the correct collar, leash, service dog leash sheath, etc. Your car has to be stocked and ready with water, a water dish, emergency pack, possibly food for longer outings, some kind of car restraint or kennel. I have a checklist by the back door because there is so much to remember. When you arrive, you don’t dash in the store, you get the dog out, leashed, pottied again, and directed to this new and interesting (for him) place.Every place you go, you are virtually one armed, or one handed. This can be overcome when the dog is fully trained and mature and you might be able to go with an over-the-shoulder leash, but until the dog is absolutely dependable heeling off-leash, this is not doable. One arm is taken with the dog and leash. The afore-mentioned buffet line is done, one plate at a time. If I want a little cup of soup, that is a second trip. No trays, they are too tippy when a dog might pull you and dump the whole thing. You might be able to find someone to carry a tray for you, but good luck with that. Pushing a shopping cart in the grocery store is a challenge with one hand, and impossible if you have a cart with wonky wheels.” “Once you get in the car with all the supplies, no trip is simple. You will be stopped, several times each trip, by usually well-meaning people who arecurious about you and your dog and will ask the most stupid, repetitive andinvasive questions.”
I have to add here – It really does just about double the time when we are out. Someone stops us on every other aisle in the grocery or mass retail stores. If you were walking through a store with a bandana tied around an obviously bald head, or are using an oxygen tank, cane, or wheelchair- no one will stop and ask you whats wrong with you. BUT, if you have a service dog, people seem to lose all since of decorum.
I am repeatedly asked if I am training Gabe for a program. I say no, he’s mine…. and BOOM…I’m asked, “Oh what’s wrong with you?” I answer – trying to smile – that I have balance problems, and that Gabe also is a medic alert dog. Nine times out of ten, the next question is “Do you have seizures…What caus
es your seizures.” Still smiling, but with me teeth slightly clenched, I say ” I have severe allergies, and asthma. My dog helps to alert me, so that I can take the appropriate medication, to keep from having a severe reaction, or a full blown asthma attack. ” Sometimes this is enough to satisfy, but often, many many more very personal questions are asked.
I’m trying to get more sophisticated (ie bold), and retort with comments like… “Why in the world do you think that it’s appropriate to ask me such personal questions…and would you tell me a little about yourself? Do you suffer from hemorrhoids, or embarrassing body odor, or do you just have a bad case of obnoxious personality disorder?” When people say to me ” Oh, I wish that I had something wrong with me, so that I could bring my pet with me every where I go!” I kindly say, that if it were possible, I would gladly give them one or more of my medical problems, as I have more than enough to go around.
And the comments that I hear behind my back.
~ “Oh look, she got a vest so that she can take her doggie everywhere with her.”
~”There’s not a thing wrong with her, why can she bring a #@&% dog in here with her?”
With this one, depending on my mood, I either take a deep breath and ignore it, move along as quickly as I can… as tears start to roll down my face, or turn around, stare them down, then smile and hand them a “Not All Disabilities are Visible” pamphlet.
~ As I’m looking over the items on the racks, some child will say – in a booming voice – “Look mom, that lady has a dog in the store! Why does that lady have a dog in the store? Won’t she get in trouble?” Mom will very quickly say something like, “Ssssshhhhh, she’ll hear you. That’s a guide dog for the blind.” I always talk to the kids. I will turn around and say – do you like dogs? If you get permission, you may come and pet Gabe, if you like. I will then grab a “Service Dog Cootie Catcher”, or a “Why is that dog in the Store? – Service Dogs are Special!” handout, and give it to them. I’ll show him or her how to use the “Cootie Catcher”, or point out that they can color the pictures on the hand out. If they are too young to be able to read, I’ll read it too them – educating both child and parent at the same time.
~ When some smart alack teenager, or snotty adult makes a rude comment or tries to distract Gabe (I’ve had people call Gabe to them, throw stuff at him, or try to feed him), I’ll whip out a ADA card, with the part about it being illegal and a punishable crime… to purposely distract or harm a Service Dog, highlighted. I will walk right up to the offending party and hand them the card. I then turn around and walk away – trying very hard not to wet my pants of hyper-ventilate!
” Then there are the challenges by the owners/employees at the businesses you enter. There are the legal, simple questions, but more often the ignorant challenges by business owners, clerks, stock people, who obviously don’t know the law but choose to exercise what they think is their authority. ::sigh:: these are the worst. Not only is this stressful, your quick run into the drug-store can become a months-long battle for your rights.”
I have battled for my rights, with “strangers” and been very well rewarded for the effort, as I know that it will make things easier for the next SD team that comes along. The biggest battle, tho, comes from friends and family.
I’ve been astonished at the flack that I’ve received, from people who have known me and loved me (I thought) for 20, 25, 30 years. I can’t bring Gabe to the homes of a couple of my children (which has hurt more deeply, than I think any
thing else that has ever happened to me), so my time with these grand children has been severely limited. I truly love my children, and I respect their rights to not have a dog in their home…but it still breaks my heart, and pains me to the core of my being.
I’ve questioned if the pro’s of SD ownership, outweigh the con’s. Some days it’s YES, other’s it’s NO. But usually, when my dear sweet husband
(who BTW can’t stand animals…like he has a phobia about them…can’t stand to touch them) looks me in the eyes and says – “It’s gonna be okay. I’m glad that youhave Gabe, and that he makes you feel safe!” I know that it will be okay. It’s just like every thing else in life…there will always be bumps along the way.