Rachel Lyons, a resident of Ottawa, shares her experience with her service dog, Geneva, in public places. For more real-life accounts like Rachel’s, explore CBC’s First Person stories through the provided FAQ link.
Whenever I step into a supermarket, the bright lights, busy aisles, and rush to leave overwhelm me due to my disabilities, which manifest as panic attacks and dizziness. Coping with these challenges is aided by the presence of Geneva, my service dog, outfitted in a mobility harness labeled “service dog” and “do not distract.” His companionship allows me to feel at ease as I navigate the store in search of my needed items.
People often approach us, eager to pet Geneva. Respectfully, I inform them, “Please don’t pet him. He’s on duty,” while I continue shopping with my noise-canceling headphones on, playing music to help me navigate the surroundings.
However, not all encounters go smoothly.
Recalling a past incident at a grocery store, I politely declined a stranger’s request to pet Geneva and moved on with my shopping. To my surprise, upon standing up after picking up an item, I found the same person behind me, visibly upset. Startled, I removed my headphones, only to be confronted with accusations of disrespect and mistreatment for denying a dog lover the chance to interact with Geneva.
Feeling trapped in the aisle with an irate stranger was a frightening experience. I repeatedly urged her to leave until she finally walked away.
Once alone, I realized I was shaking, with weak legs and a sense of breathlessness. Finding a quiet spot, I sat on the floor with Geneva, who applied pressure by lying across my lap, helping me through a panic attack—a trained response to alleviate my symptoms by calming my nervous system.
It took half an hour before I regained composure, and for the remainder of my shopping trip, I was anxious about encountering the woman again.
Despite negative encounters, some interactions offer support. Following the unsettling incident, a store employee kindly offered me a water bottle.
I wish people could comprehend the profound impact Geneva has had on my life. Since welcoming him into my life four years ago, he has restored my independence and brought immense joy, allowing me to feel safe and at ease in public spaces.
Interactions with strangers can significantly impact my ability to navigate a stressful world. Distractions to Geneva or confrontations not only hurt emotionally but can trigger panic attacks, such as the incident at the grocery store, or lead to unexpected movements that may result in falls for either of us. Continuous distractions jeopardize Geneva’s training, hindering his ability to perform essential tasks that enable me to live independently.
How to Properly Interact with a Service Dog
While most individuals mean well, it can be frustrating when they disregard my request not to pet or distract Geneva, or speak to him in a patronizing tone. The uncertainty of reactions to my boundaries can be intimidating.
When boundaries are ignored, it leaves me feeling powerless, as if showing affection to a dog outweighs my well-being. While I can advocate for myself in tense situations, not all service dog handlers can do the same.
When encountering a service dog in public, please refrain from engaging with them. It is best to admire a working dog from a distance or offer compliments directly to the handler rather than the dog.
I assure you, Geneva receives ample praise as a good boy throughout each day.
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