That’s Some Dogged Determination To Be Wrong

I am currently fostering a service dog. His human has to have surgery and inpatient rehab. He will be staying with me until she’s home. The organization that trained him suggests that I take him out, wearing his working backpack, as often as possible. I do NOT claim he is a service dog and only take him places that allow pets. Unfortunately, his working backpack (used to carry meds, water, and emergency information) has “Service dog” patches.

We go into a pet store where he is well-known.

Random Customer: “Oh! Is he a service dog?”

Me: “He is, but he’s not working right now.”

Employee: “Murphy! Hi!”

Murphy goes to get some attention.

Random Customer: “What service does he provide?”

Me: “Excuse me?”

Random Customer: “What. Service?”

Me: “He helps his mom, but she’s not here right now.”

Random Customer: “So you are just FAKING? He’s probably not even a real service dog. I’m allowed to ask what service he provides. It’s in the ADA.”

Employee: “Ma’am, please stop. First, you are not allowed to ask. We are. But we don’t, since we allow all well-behaved pets and service animals. We know him. He’s very well behaved, and he’s allowed in, the same as any pet.”

Random Customer: “I’m reporting you for discrimination. I’m allowed to ask!”

The employee calls their manager, who attempts to calm the woman.

Random Customer: “So you’re telling me I can bring in my pet dog?”

Manager: “Yes, we permit all well-behaved pets. Look around.”

He gestures to two dogs being walked into the store.

Random Customer: “If that’s true, why was my husband told not to bring my dog back ever again? That was two days ago!”

Manager: “Oh. You’re the one. I’m assuming your dog is the little white dog that ripped open three bags of food and peed on several others?”

Random Customer: “What does that matter?”

Manager: “Again, we only permit well-behaved dogs. Yours does not qualify.”

She eventually left, muttering under her breath about “fake service dogs.”