Please don’t pet my guide dog
For many years, it was rare to encounter a guide, service or working dog.
That’s not the case now for a variety of reasons, including the fact that more organizations are training dogs to assist people with various handicaps. With my extremely limited vision, I rely on a Seeing Eye dog to safely guide me on my journeys.
Not only is she a blessing and a gem, but she has also restored my dignity, independence and confidence.
Every time I pick up the handle of her harness I am putting my life in her abilities. Unfortunately, there are still people who do not understand the working bond that is essential between dog owners and their trusty companions.
Recently I was travelling along the upper level of Edmonton City Centre. My dog was just about to guide me down a small flight of stairs, when a fellow momentarily distracted her by reaching out and petting her. It caused her to hesitate and me to misread her cue. As a result, I fell down the steps.
My dog, whose only desire is to please me and do her job with pride, did nothing wrong. As I sat at the bottom of the stairs trying to console my dog, which was hanging her head in shame, another fellow approached me and said, “That’s a beautiful dog you have. Can I pet her?”
I replied, “Sorry, no. When she’s in harness, she’s working and any distraction is dangerous to me and my dog, but thank you for asking.”