Service animal etiquette

[Boxergirl]

This didn't seem to be a topic that fit under any specific heading, so I'm putting it here. The author is in Indiana, where service animals in training are afforded the same rights as a full service animal.

http://caninesinaction.com/2014/02/service-animal-etiquette-seriously-people/

 

[Boxergirl]

And one more.

http://caninesinaction.com/2014/12/perception-service-dogs/

 

[DennasMom]

While I agree with the sentiment, and absolutely agree you should never engage with a service animal without asking the human first - and being fully aware that they are busy people, and have no desire (I would assume) to deal with busy-body strangers... referring to a service animal as "just like a pair of crutches or a wheel chair"... like an inanimate object, just doesn't sit right with me. Service animals are so much more than a tool... as the one in the first link proved - the dog noticed the out of control car first. An oxygen tank couldn't do that. A service dog can perceive a threat and push their human out of the way. A wheel chair can't do that.

I admire service animals, and no matter how much I want to go hug them and let them know, I respect the privacy of the working pair and try to go about my business without interfering in theirs.

 

[Boxergirl]

I think the point was that people wouldn't dream of messing with someone's wheelchair or crutches, but they think it's okay for them to engage with service animals. I think it was just meant as a simple comparison. I also do think it's a very valid comparison. Sometimes you have to give simple analogies for people to make the connection.