Life with a service dog is definitely unique, no matter how hard we wish to go on about our day like everyone else we all as handlers run into some common hilarious, embarrassing and even annoying hurdles we face on a day to day basis, but at the end of the day it is all worth it.
1. Drive by petting
Yes my dog is cute, yes my dog is friendly but keep your paws off! Don't think I didn't see you. You aren't sneaky. Plus on top of it just being rude, it could be potentially very dangerous to the handler if their dog gets distracted.
2. "You don't look disabled."
You don't need a service dog. You're not blind. That being said you don't need to be physically, visibly disabled to benefit from the use of a service dog. So stay out of my business and I'll stay out of yours! Too many times will we get interrogated about our disabilities on simple daily outings.
3. "I'm going to need to see ID or certification for the dog."
Something frustrating that's heard way too often. In accordance with the American with Disability Act (ADA) a service dog does not need to be certified or registered. They also aren't required to show an ID or be in a vest, but yet we can never escape those damned things.
4. Quick outings become a thing of the past.
You first have to make sure you have your service dog bag all packed, then once you get where your going you get stopped every three feet to answer questions or get asked to pet your dog. Quick outings become something you can only dream about.
5. "I wish I needed a service dog."
As fun as it seems to be able to bring a dog anywhere with you, it's annoying and a tad bit insulting to hear this. We have to take this highly trained dog with us because we are disabled. And that's not a life you should willingly wish to have.
6. Becoming a magnet for questions and stories.
I was on a lunch date and I had a man approach me as he was leaving and stand at our table for 10 or 15 minutes asking me questions about my dog and telling me stories. It was awkward to say the least. I love answering questions to an extent, I'm human too.
7. Always having eyes on you.
No matter what we do we can't escape the stares, squeals and the pointing because we have a dog accompanying us. After a while you learn to tune it out or embrace it.
8. When your dog is having an off day.
Let's face it, as well trained as these guys are they aren't robots. They have bad days too and man when they do it is an adventure.
9. When your dog brings you random items.
A lot of our dogs are taught to retrieve items for us, also a double edged sword. When they get bored or are fishing for treats they will sometimes start bringing us random items. Sometimes really weird items...
10. Kiss your alone time goodbye.
When our dogs become too good at their job, they hardly let us out of their sight for more than a minute or two. With a service dog you're never alone. It's both a blessing and a curse. At least you'll always have someone who's not too busy and down to hang out, right?
11. Having to go somewhere without your service dog.
Whether you think you can just run to the store for a couple things or you're going somewhere that genuinely can't allow the dog (not violating ADA) it's the worst thing in the world. Never do it.
12. When you see another dog acting questionable in public.
I love seeing other service dogs in public but with every day there are more and more fake service dogs and emotional support animals in public. With that I've seen an increase of people with legitimate service dogs being attacked by these other so called service dogs.
