Don’t Judge Disabled Veterans… And, Please, Leave Their Service Dogs Alone

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Written by Mary Peter, Certified Master Dog Trainer (CMDT)

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Articles

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August 23, 2018

Discover why flea markets may not be the best environment for service dogs.

Learn about risks, distractions, and considerations for handlers.

1. Crowded Environment: Flea markets are often bustling with crowds, which can be overwhelming for a service dog. The dog may become stressed or anxious in such a busy atmosphere.

2. Distractions: Flea markets are filled with various sights, sounds, and smells that can distract a service dog from its duties. This could potentially compromise its ability to assist its handler effectively.

3. Unpredictable Behavior of Other Animals: Other visitors to the flea market may bring their pets along, which can lead to encounters with unfamiliar animals. This may pose a risk to the safety and focus of the service dog.

4. Risk of Injury: With so many people moving around and browsing items, there’s an increased risk of accidental tripping or stepping on the service dog, which could lead to injury.

5. Exposure to Unsanitary Conditions: Flea markets may not always maintain the cleanest environment, and the service dog may come into contact with unsanitary surfaces or substances.

6. Lack of Accommodation for the Dog: Flea markets may not be equipped to handle service dogs properly, such as providing suitable resting areas, water, or relief spots for the dog.

7. Potential Stress for the Dog: A flea market’s constant stimulation and unfamiliar surroundings could cause stress or discomfort for the service dog, which may affect its overall well-being and ability to perform its tasks.

Given these factors, it’s important for service dog handlers to carefully consider whether taking their dog to a flea market is truly necessary and in the best interest of the dog’s welfare and effectiveness in assisting its handler.

Don’t Judge Disabled Veterans… And, Please, Leave Their Service Dogs Alone

by Mary Peter, Certified Master Dog Trainer (CMDT) | Aug 23, 2018 | Articles

When did we lose our compassion and respect for our fellow man?

It seems as though we are in an age of entitlement. People expect things for nothing; judge others theyâ€™ve never met; and, make assumptions that injure those most in need of healing â€“ our veterans.

As the Founder/CEO and service dog trainer for K9 Partners for Patriots, a 501Â©3 nonprofit that helps veterans with service dog training, I have seen and heard things that have made my head spin.

The purpose of our program is to help veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury and Military Sexual Trauma to regain their ability to live again with the help of a service dog. They all do very well and their progress is transformative. Their lives are being restored as well as their familiesâ€¦ that is, until they take their service dogs into public areas and are confronted by those who refuse to see that the service dog is there to work for the veteran; not entertain shoppers and passersby.

Service Dog Fraud

The biggest obstacle for our veterans is the self-centered rudeness of the public. And with all the fake service dogs now surfacing, those engaged in that fraud are making it increasingly difficult for those that truly need their dogs to be able to go out into public places without being judged and questioned.

Respect the Vest

When someone asks if they can pet a service dog, our veterans are trained to politely say â€œnoâ€ and explain why. Even the dogâ€™s vest bears a bold patch that says â€œSERVICE DOG, DO NOT PETâ€, but too many ignore that warning. Some people are actually offended when they are asked not to pet the dog. They fail to recognize that the dog is not only the veteranâ€™s personal property, but it is their medical equipment protected by federal and state law. To belittle them because you cannot pet their dog is unconscionable. Would you ask to pet their wheelchair or their oxygen tank?? Of course not. Would you ask to pet their child?

To pet someone elseâ€™s dog is a privilege for which one must ask first; you have no constitutional right to do so. To ignore that and interfere with a service dogâ€™s work is illegal. (FL Statute 413.081).

Not All Wounds Are Visible

People assume that if they canâ€™t see a disability, it doesnâ€™t exist. That is not true. You canâ€™t look at someone and know they have seizures, hearing loss or diabetes. Similarly, you canâ€™t see PTSD, TBI or MST. People challenge our veterans continuously because they donâ€™t recognize their need for a service dog. Our veterans are followed in stores and confronted with rude, intrusive comments. Often the same willfully ignorant people will continue to try and pet their dog or give the dog a treat even when asked to stop. Donâ€™t they realize that by doing this, they are preventing the dog from being able to focus on the veteran when he/she might need them the most?

What breaks my heart is when a veteran and their service dog are doing so well and then come back for weekly training with a story of abuse by the public which makes them want to withdraw again. This cannot continue.

Next time you feel compelled to pet the well-behaved pooch you see at Walmart, pay attention and back off. Not all scars are visible. Veterans and their service dogs deserve to be treated with the respect theyâ€™ve earned.