She wears a small blue vest that says " therapy dog" . I use a scooter for mobility and she rides on it. How do I deal with people continually stoppping me and asking questions and trying to pet my dog. Many say "What kind of dog is that?" I say "Psychological service dog" They still proceed to ask more questions. I am upset by this and I do not have the energy to do my necessary errand and stop and answer all of them. I want to be left alone. I don't know how to communicate that without being rude. I think they are rude to keep questioning me after I tell them the dog is there for psychological reasons. any advice?
2007-07-25 08:06:03 · 8 answers · asked by Nora 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I think I'd say it's a poodle and it's a service dog and then I'd say something like, "thanks for asking" or "I have to get going" and turn away. Maybe you should add something to the blue vest. You could pin a laminated tag on the vest that says "working dog - do not bother or interrupt." Maybe you need to be rude.
It might be fun to carry a few pamphlets on service dog training centers that ask for donations and hand those out. If everyone with dogs did this, it would quickly train people not to ask.
2007-07-25 08:19:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well I think that the dog should have a more 'noticeable' vest that says something like 'please don't bother my owner or myself as we are both working (or busy).'
But...at the same time I don't think you are being fair to people. Why not allow yourself a bit more time to do your errands so you can fit questions into your time. Trust me, I can relate as I have a disease and I rarely go out and when I do I really don't want to talk about why I have to use a cane or a walker, and I am EXHAUSTED after just a few minutes.
BUT....I will always answer people's questions because I feel that's what I should be doing. Why do I want to give the impression that disabled people are unapproachable or grumpy?? I want them to know that I'm ok, I could be worse off (as some people are) and I know God will take care of me and that's a great answer for curious people. They're not doing it to be mean...they're just curious. Especially when they see this sweet dog. Sweet dog=questions! :-)
2007-07-25 08:41:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have a new vest made:
Service Dog
I am working right now.
Please do not ask to pet me.
Therapy dog sounds like she's approachable. Service Dog sounds like she's actually working (which she is) and it's easier to tell people not to pet her.
To those who ask questions, please understand that they're trying to understand you better so they can treat you with the respect you deserve. I know this is stressful for you but they really mean no harm - and believe it or not, you are an ambassador for all disabled people who use dogs in any capacity. That's so cool! People are naturally curious and again, they mean no harm.
Develop a set of answers to the 20 most asked questions about your disability and your dog. Print these on a piece of paper that can be folded into a brochure. When people ask you about you & dog (for the umpteenth time!) respond, nicely of course, "Say, I have a little brochure here that can answer a lot of your questions. I know it's not nearly as fun as me answering you individually, but I have truly limited energy and I really have to get my errunds completed while I have the strength to do them. Thanks so much for your kindness. Bye now."
And then politely roll away with dog on lap.
And finally, please do schedule time when you are simply out and about on a regular basis - and ready to answer questions from ordinary people. Believe me, the more people know about mental illness and physical limitations, the easier it is for them to ACCEPT those differences. So, a couple of times a week, please, please voluntarily let people ask you questions. You will be giving people some really good information - namely that you're a worthy and valuable person who just happens to have a chronic illness.
2007-07-25 08:25:42 · answer #3 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 7⤊ 0⤋
Leave your dog at home! No reason for you to be taking your dog in public places and then coping an attitude about it. I'm sure your therapist or psychiatrist would agree if it's causing you this much distress. I believe deep down you carry the dog around for attention.
p.s. and I do know all about psychological services dogs.
2007-07-25 11:46:04 · answer #4 · answered by Yvonne 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Only answer to the people that you have to answer to. For instance, if you are going into the store and the associates ask you, of course you need to explain to them what kind of dog it is and how it purposes you. If they do not have a No Animals Allow sign, then I do not feel that you need to explain yourself. Now, if it is just someone walking by, just say that its your pet and she goes with you. They do not need to know who, what, and why. You do not need to explain yourself. Just go about your business. But I feel that if they have the sign in the type of business that you are going, then you might have to tell them why.
2007-07-25 08:12:10 · answer #5 · answered by Other 1 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Just tell people that you are in a hurry and have no time for talking. They will understand that you do not have time to answer their meaningless questions.
2007-07-25 08:15:46 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The dog has worms.Thats the real issue here
2007-07-25 08:10:38 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Get a t-shirt made that says, "Please don't ask me about my dog!"
2007-07-25 08:14:17 · answer #8 · answered by Jason 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋