They see his fur first, then they see his face.
The awkward smiles start. The "ooos" and "aws" follow.
Then they begin to speak to him in a higher pitched voice. Parents point him out to their uninterested children by pointing and saying "Look at the doggie!" As if they had never seen a dog before.
Some even try to pet him without asking.
Then you have the individuals who scream (literally) when they see him.
None of them really notice the individual on the other end of the leash.
I hold my hand up and say, "Please don't. He's working." They suddenly notice me and give me a look of shock, disdain or repulsion. Some even become combative because I don't want them speaking to or petting my service dog.
This is a normal day in the life of a service dog handler. People will randomly come to you and try to interact with your dog. They unknowingly or don't care that by distracting the dog, they are putting the handler in immediate danger. If you see a service dog team in a public place, they are most likely there for the same reason as you. Service dog handlers do not a lot the extra time that is needed to allow everyone to say hello to their dog. Many of us just want to get what we need done and go on with our day.
Service dogs are legally medical equipment under federal and state laws. A service dog goes through 1.5-2.5 years of intense and specific training in order to mitigate their handlers disability. You must be disabled in order to utilize a service dog. In many states, they fall under the white cane law. While they are an optional piece of medical equipment, they are helpful in some cases. Emotional support animals and therapy dogs ARE NOT service dogs and are not covered under the
Americans with Disabilities Act. And no matter how much you pay for an ID or vest on a website, it does not make your animal a service animal!
Service dogs are medical equipment when they are working. They need to pay attention to their handler and be able to perform the tasks they have been trained to. Tasks are based on the handlers needs, not wants. Legitimate tasks include opening and closing doors/cabinets, retrieving dropped or named items, guide work, pulling a wheelchair, blood glucose changes detection, deep pressure therapy, etc. "Just being there" and "cuddles/comfort" and tethering a child to a dog are not tasks. Service dogs must be proficient in advanced obedience, public access training and task training. These dogs cost thousands of dollars to train and maintain. They range from $10,000-50,000. Even owner training is expensive. I have about $25,000 in my current service dog and $9,000 in my service dog in training.
These dogs are not pets under the law. They do get to enjoy life and have time off. Many handlers participate in extracurricular activities such as obedience competitions, agility (there are many videos of handlers in wheelchairs participating in this port), rally-o, etc. Service dogs must be in tip top shape when working. They must be clean and healthy. It is frowned upon in the service dog community to work a dog with a disability of their own. Service dogs rely heavily on their senses (sight, hearing, smell and at times touch) in order to work and assist their handlers appropriately. So, when you distract a service dog, they are no longer able to perform the tasks they need to.
So next time you see a service dog team, please do not make any sounds towards the dog and handler and do not try to pet a working dog. It is rude and very dangerous for the handler if you do. You should also never touch an animal you don't personally know or don't have permission to touch. We are not a walking petting zoo. Please respect us as a team and allow us to go on with our day.
http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html
http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm
http://www.servicedogcentral.org/content/
Chicken gizzards
My most recent delivery from Simply Rawesome arrived on Tuesday. This time I received 40lbs of beef chunks, 20lbs of Eureka rough blend and 40lbs of organic chicken thigh meat. With shipping, everything was $169. I love the quality of the products I receive. I do know that the beef chunks are from Big Dan's, but it doesn't make a difference as I have never had a problem with their products. 
Sorry this is late, but I've been working a lot. So here is the belated April BarkBox. The theme for the April Barkbox was obviously baseball season. The box included: Triple Cheese Baseball Treats ($8.00), Bocce's Bakery Sliders ($10.00), Thinker's Duck Stick ($3.00), Pooeyville Slugger Toy ($12.00) and a Rubber Baseball ($14.00).
I haven't decided who to give this treat to. I have been collecting most of these that come in the boxes so I can give each dog one at the same time. I'm not fond of playing favorites.
Linc obviously went straight for the stuffed toy as usual. He also LOVES the rubber baseball. That is one of the best toys they have sent so far as it can be stuffed with food or treats or just used to play fetch.
None of them really notice the individual on the other end of the leash.
These dogs are not pets under the law. They do get to enjoy life and have time off. Many handlers participate in extracurricular activities such as obedience competitions, agility (there are many videos of handlers in wheelchairs participating in this port), rally-o, etc. Service dogs must be in tip top shape when working. They must be clean and healthy. It is frowned upon in the service dog community to work a dog with a disability of their own. Service dogs rely heavily on their senses (sight, hearing, smell and at times touch) in order to work and assist their handlers appropriately. So, when you distract a service dog, they are no longer able to perform the tasks they need to.
