Every so often I find a blog that really stands out to me. I’ve been connected to so many folks by this very blog that I’m often overwhelmed with the love, support, shares, comments, and feedback I receive.
When I find something that I know should be shared, I share it. Typically I read through it multiple times to make sure it is the right thing, something that someone can learn from, or something that y’all want to read.
Yesterday while looking through the Hidden Heroes (Military Caregivers) page on Facebook, I saw this post and I thought, “I need to share.”
The post was written by a Veteran. While we’ve had some strange encounters in restaurants (let’s see: people staring and asking if Memphis can have some of their food, people asking us to show his papers, people telling us dogs are not allowed and not realizing he is a service dog, a family telling their kids that if they don’t behave that dog will bite them, a family gathering up their kids and possessions as if Memphis were going to attack, a man saying that dogs are dirty and shouldn’t be allowed…I could go on, but I’ll stop). This is worth a read, and I appreciate the information, tips, and suggestions offered.
One of the key points is knowing the difference between a service dog and an emotional support animal. That is huge. Sometimes we are asked if Memphis is a real dog (and yes, he most certainly is).
Another key piece of advice is that employees should know about service animals. So many times we’ve been out and (here’s another example) the employees squeal, giggle, point, stare as soon as we walk in. That doesn’t sit well for Sam. I obviously understand they may not realize the attention/drama they are creating or how that makes him feel, but again, my platform is education, here. Education is key.
One of my favorite lines out of the article—and a good reminder—“The bottom line is while a service animal is out in public with its handler, it is on the clock. Your establishment is under no obligation to feed or water the service animal during their visit, however, if you have the means and the desire to offer a bowl of water, first check with the handler to ensure this gesture would be welcome.”
Thanks, Andrew and Ash for sharing! <3
Service Animals in Restaurants
This is Memphis in a restaurant in Portland, Oregon. Nothing was said to us about him being clean, dirty, eating food, etc. We were asked how old he was and if he was a lab. And he slept under the table the whole time we were there.