Service Dogs have a Job to do.

Service Dogs have a job. It can be hard to remember this for many dog lovers when they see Service Dogs. Many people will automatically go up to these wonderful dogs and pet them or offer them treats. This seemingly harmless gesture can be very detrimental to the dog and/or to the person the dog is assisting.

This weekend at the Portland Flower Show a Service Dog who we know named Logan stopped by our booth with her companion Suzan. Logan may be the most beautiful Golden Retriever I have ever seen. And I am embarrassed to say that while Logan was at our booth I was guilty of petting her and talking to her, etc...I know better. Logan was working. Everyone around our booth was quite taken with Logan and with only a few exceptions people kept their distance and let her do her job.

Letting a Service Dog "do it's job" is essential. It ensures the safety of the Service Dog and it's companion who it's assisting. When do you know that a Service Dog is working? Whenever the dog is wearing it's vest.

As luck would have it Logan's latest entry on her blog is called Please Don't Pet Me...it's about not disturbing a Service Dog when it's working.

Thank you Suzan for being such an understanding and gracious person.

Gray

Comments

[Suzan and Logan]

Thanks for the help in educating people about service dogs! We really enjoy seeing Agatha & Louise at the flower show every year.

Suzan & Logan
Service Dog Extraordinaire