Most of us know dogs for being playful and running around, but some dogs are specially trained to have jobs. Yes, that’s right, these dogs are service dogs and have been specifically trained to assist their human.
If you don’t, there are some rules around service dogs:
- Don’t approach or pet a service dog who is on the job.
- Service dogs are allowed to be in places that other dogs aren’t
The question is, what do you do when a service dog approaches you - and there is no one on the other end of the leash?
The “Service Dog PSA” opens with the story of a woman who tripped and fell while with her service dog. The dog, who was trained to get an adult if she has a seizure, tried to get the attention of a nearby woman, who “was swatting him and telling him to go away.”
Little did the woman know that she was ignoring a sign that there may be a nearby emergency.
“If a service dog without a person approaches you, it means the person is down and in need of help,” the post continues. “Don’t get scared, don’t get annoyed, follow the dog!”
“If it had been an emergency situation, I could have vomited and choked, I could have hit my head, I could have had so many things happen to me…. if what’s-his-face could understand that lassie wanted him to go to the well, you can figure out that a dog in a vest proclaiming it is a service dog wants you to follow him.”
This story was interesting to us, and we wanted to highlight that people shouldn’t be afraid or annoyed when a service dog (Remember a service dog will be wearing a vest and probably other forms of identification informing you that he/she is a service dog). The dog in some instances will bark, but most of them are trained to nudge you with their nose.
Its simple, just ask the dog “WHAT?” or “WHERE” and then he/she will show you the way.
Please share this far and wide as this needs to be known by all!
IMAGE CREDITS Copyright: 6777160-47458660 Brightside