service dog discrimination and ableism against service dog handlers isn't just petting a service dog without asking.
it's talking to the dog while they're on duty. no amount of "oh i know I can't pet you but you're so cute!" when you do so at a restaurant while she's laying at my feet makes it okay.
it's pointing the dog out to your kids and encouraging them to get excited and yell when we come close, when all I'm trying to do is grab a package of hot dogs for dinner. or allowing them to follow us around until you trigger a meltdown, and then realize you've fucked up.
it's coming up to ask me questions when she's actively performing task work, and when I inform you she's tasking you proceed to ask questions about her tasks and what she does.
it's being incessant about asking about what my dog is trained to do and what MY issues are, because you can't manage your own curiosity and emotions.
it's recording us and photographing us without my consent. there are at least four recordings of my dog and i in the world somewhere, and i believe photos of us while she's actively been tasking.
it's denying us access to locations on rules that don't exist.
it's refusing to educate yourself on federal ADA and state laws, refusing to listen when i inform you on those laws, and spreading misinformation instead of listening to handlers.
it's hiding us away out of sight so we don't "bother others" when we go out into public under the guise of making the dog comfortable, or "giving us space" when there were plenty of other options that weren't isolated and alone.
its following us through stores and public locations to gawk at my dog.
it's being denied 10+ jobs that otherwise you were loved for because you told them at the end of the phone interview "just so you're aware, I also have a service animal and will be needing accommodations" and suddenly they no longer want you, despite being okay with the wheelchair and crutches. because everyone loves the dog until they have to put in the effort for the handler.
it's speaking to the dog instead of the handler, or ignoring the handler's needs.
it's becoming a public spectacle every time you leave your home, because everyone wants to ask questions, talk to you, and fawn over your dog.
it's being the last thought for an event, or not even a thought at all, with people who know you will always have a service dog accompanying you and require accommodation in all circumstances, whether that be just the dog or dog and wheelchair. its knowing you were not included in the planning, or were expected to leave her behind and put yourself at risk.
its being asked or told to leave your dog at home, because "why do you need them? can't you just go without them?"
its becoming angry when you're asked to leave us alone, and causing the fear of aggression or retaliation for speaking up for yourself.
its people taking your aid less seriously because its a dog, and they only see a cute companion, and it can't possibly be as important as the other aids you rely on, despite her being the thing that has saved your life more than once.
its taking your pets into places they should not be because "you want them there" or "whats the worst that could happen"
its so many little things in my life that add up that most people don't even realize they do, or don't think about, but i think about them and it hurts and it sucks. it is so simple to treat service dogs and service dog handlers with respect. it is so simple to treat disabled people with respect. i want to be left alone and i want people to give my service animal the actual respect she deserves for the work she does, and i want to be included. im so tired.
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