10/07/2018
Positive rant for those needing it tonight..
In January I had a bad access issue.. I was denied entry to my grandfather’s funeral with my service dog in training.. This is half the reason I had to wash him. It caused me some bad emotional trauma, and I struggled to ever try bringing him out in public to train again.. I am still dealing with this.
Fast forward, 3 months ago a friend of mine was forced to rehome her half trained SDIT, and knowing my situation, offered to rehome her to me.. I still struggle to go out of the house, but to compensate, I at least have been going to a private trainer once a week(group classes), and going to petco(cheap) group classes once a week with a trainer I love. Both trainers I really like, but Finding a good corporate boxstore trainer is hard.
I have only brought her to a few non-pet-friendly places since I’ve had her, and each time I am terrified.. I am constantly imagining people are judging and talking bad about me behind my back, and feel like everyone is staring at me. Each time she has amazed me with how well behaved she is.
Tonight a mom educated her child who begged to pet my dog, I offered a SD info card, and as I walked by I heard her reading it to her kid. Then the long wait in line.. Kept myself focused on her, trying to prevent a panic attack that was creeping up.. We get outside, and 3 guys are following close behind me, PTSD flashbacks start to ensue, I get to my car, and a man hobbling by with a cane says “Now THAT I can believe is a real service dog.” Immediately my eyes started watering, and I got into my car and started crying..
All the negativity and judgements in our own minds, all the negativity of the SD community, and the rude looks or comments from the general public, and this one positive comment can mean so much to that person when they really need it.
