(I have a service dog that is a bit unusual because it is a husky. The norm tends to be labs in my area. I am at a pet store getting food for my cat when a woman walks up, sits down beside my dog, and begins playing with her.)
Me: “Ma’am, please don’t touch my dog.”
Woman: “It’s so cute!”
Me: “This is my service dog; stop touching her.”
(The woman gets upset, and stands up.)
Woman: “You are lying; this is a pet, and people are allowed to touch animals because you can’t own a living creature!”
Me: “I am not. I have the paperwork, the vest, and the years of schooling to prove she is a service dog. You need to leave me alone or I will get security.”
Woman: “You’re a f****** liar.”
(She storms off. I think she is going to get security. Nothing happens, so I get the food, go to the register, and am in line behind the woman.)
Woman: “I looked it up. Huskies can’t be service dogs.”
Me: “Yes, they can. They just don’t always make the best service dogs. Mine is awesome.”
Woman: “I am going to ask.”
(The woman flags down an employee and demands to know if a husky can be a service dog.)
Employee: “Um, yes. They can. I am not sure why this is important?”
(The woman shut up after that. She also lost her spot in line.)
