Here are some charming additions to your poll. These are things you should NOT do:
1. Speak to the animal, not the handler.
2. Ask the handler, “Just how impaired are you?”
3. Sneak-pet the dog (the handler is blind so they’ll never know!!!)
4. Try to feed or distract the service animal.
5. Tell the handler some well-meaning but incredibly patronizing version of the following: “It’s good you finally found someone to love you.”
I could go on, but I won’t. Respect the working relationship and don’t distract the handler or the dog. If you feel the need to ask questions, make them courteous. A service animal and handler are not there for you to pet and coo over, nor are they a touring exhibit from the Disability Museum. We love educating people, but we don’t love disrespect.
People can be so rude! Why do people assume that the differently-abled lack people to love them? I always figure if someone can love a rude person then there is enough love in the world to love everyone or as the old saying goes “There’s a lid for every pot.”
Here are some charming additions to your poll. These are things you should NOT do:
1. Speak to the animal, not the handler.
2. Ask the handler, “Just how impaired are you?”
3. Sneak-pet the dog (the handler is blind so they’ll never know!!!)
4. Try to feed or distract the service animal.
5. Tell the handler some well-meaning but incredibly patronizing version of the following: “It’s good you finally found someone to love you.”
I could go on, but I won’t. Respect the working relationship and don’t distract the handler or the dog. If you feel the need to ask questions, make them courteous. A service animal and handler are not there for you to pet and coo over, nor are they a touring exhibit from the Disability Museum. We love educating people, but we don’t love disrespect.
Great additions, Modwyn!
People can be so rude! Why do people assume that the differently-abled lack people to love them? I always figure if someone can love a rude person then there is enough love in the world to love everyone or as the old saying goes “There’s a lid for every pot.”
Being kind in rude situations says more about your character than the character of the person acting disrespectfully.