Sometimes You Just Have To Get Those Pets Out!

My grandson dated a girl with a service dog for a while. One problem she faced — and others with service dogs face — is people that insist on petting “the pretty dog.” Children understand when told that he’s on duty and can’t be petted, but many adults can’t seem to grasp the concept.

We were out shopping one day and two teenage girls saw the dog. The first girl made a squeeing sound and remarked about how pretty the dog was. Her next statement surprised us all. She looked at her friend.

Girl: “I can’t pet him, so I’ll just pet you, instead.”

She then reached over, petted her friend on the arm, and smiled, and they both walked away.