soooo I have a service dog and the following things have happening in just the past week:

I was denied access to 4 different places (which is illegal)

I've been barked at by kids at school (pretty normal atp..)

some kid tried to pick my dog up????

A substitute teacher tried to send me to the office

My bitch ass english teacher refused to let me take my dog outside during freetime to go potty (I took him out anyways because fuck that)

Some kid tried to kick my dog

A full grown adult threw a temper tantrum because I wouldn't let her pet him

A kid grabbed his guide handle

Forte did so well! He wasn't at all bothered by all the huge trucks, fire engines, motorcycle, or revving engines. He was also really good at ignoring the crowds, running kids, and the plethora of people who talked to him. We also passed by a live band and while was unsure at first, he quickly decided he didn't care in favor of the chicken and kibble I had. So incredibly proud of him!

Most people did ask before trying to pet him and were respectful when I said no, he's in training. I even overheard several parents telling their kids they couldn't pet him because he's training to be a service dog and then explain what a service dog is. Which I always appreciate.

However there was one point where I was talking to one of my cousin's and this older guy just started petting Forte, all in his face with both hands. When I told him to please stop the guy started arguing with me that he doesn't have COVID so he can pet him. Several family members had to tell the guy to stop before he huffed and walked away.

I was shaken up and Forte was getting tired so I said some goodbyes and started back to the car. Because he's still young I'm really trying not to have an episodes in front of him.

On my way out I saw my aunt and other cousin so I stopped to say hi and bye. My aunt asked if people were being respectful and I was telling her for the most part yes but. As I'm telling her about the older guy some other dude pulls out his phone to take a picture. I told him not to take pictures. Guy complains because my dog is pretty. I could feel myself getting overwhelmed and snapped that it's rude to take pictures of people's medical equipment and left. Apparently the guy had the audacity to try and get sympathy from my aunt and cousin over my "being such a bitch" and my cousin told me she chewed him out for it.

Fortunately I got Forte home and settled before having a breakdown.

I know it comes with the territory when you're a service dog handler. But I wish what was an otherwise awesome outing for him hadn't ended on a bad note.

first, we walk into a restaurant (which as expected is not pet friendly). my brother says, “look, theres a dog!” and of course i ignore the “handler”, or at least try to. within seconds i notice the dog jumping up on people, whining excitedly and basically causing a ruckus. i wasn’t planning on saying anything, making up excuses for the pair. maybe the dog is still heavily in training. personally, i wouldn’t bring oakley to a restaurant if that’s how he was acting. this dog was acting worse than ginger (my pet dog). i tried to educate my family on the laws and such, but like i said i’m just a child and apparently don’t know what i’m talking about... my dad asks the woman at the desk and she says the man told her his dog is an esa- which as we all know do not have PA rights. i tried to educate her on this, but my parents wouldn’t let me and told me to just leave it. it probably doesn’t seem like a big deal, but it was definitely upsetting that nobody would let me speak. i wish i could be taken more seriously, not simply shot down like i was.

say it with me!!! emotional support animals do NOT have public access rights