Thread by @servicerotties

🧵Note from the Admin:
As the handler for the dog, I need to advocate for myself and provide education. There's too many comments to respond to, but I should add some context.
We would never be offended if someone with an allergy requested to be moved because of it.
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https://twitter.com/servicerotties/status/1418051883126513670

However allergies were not the issue.
I also understand fear and if someone is visibly afraid or indicates that, I try to give them space and be unobtrusive. Fear is not something protected by the human rights act. Accommodations for a disability are. Fear was not the issue.

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This was about personal beliefs. It wasn't that they asked to be moved that was upsetting. It was how. It's easy to simply ask a server to provide a different table in a quieter section, closer to a washroom or to say you'd be more comfortable at the back of the restaurant.

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There is no need to make the request about anyone else or even bring them into the discussion. They could have upheld their own beliefs and we would never have even known that they had any issue with me having a service dog as a medical accommodation. That's not how it went.
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Kuno was between a wall and my wheelchair, tucked as far under the table as it's base would allow. Had they been seated at the table beside us they wouldn't have known he was there, but they were at a table behind us and spotted him after they sat down and called staff over.
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They didn't immediately ask to be moved. They questioned why there was an animal in the restaurant. The server tried to explain that the dog is working and not a pet. They wanted him to be moved. That's much like asking to have my wheelchair moved.

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The server approached me and asked if I could help her explain what a service dog is. I didn't feel it was appropriate to leave Kuno at the table and go into a possibly confrontational discussion, however I explained our Govt assesses all service dogs, that he was qualified &

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provided her our govt issued ID card as it cited the Service Dog Act and she could then have a properly worded explanation of how our laws prevent discriminating against anyone accompanied by a service dog. Only then did they ask to be moved to a different area far from us.

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In hindsight I'm not sure what I would have done differently. Cleanliness is a valid concern but we are required to maintain grooming. There's more dirt on my wheelchair wheels, people's shoes or strollers than on Kuno. This is why in restaurants, dogs go under the table.

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Here's the thing, it wasn't this family's belief that a service dog that gives me independence shouldn't be in public that bothered me. It was that I was being talked about, singled out, and that suddenly others were listening and watching. They could have just asked to move.
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It was still awkward after they moved because now others felt bad and gave the sympathetic looks and the staff were walking on eggshells and it was uncomfortable.
The next family to sit in that spot was the exact opposite. They kept telling their kids to "look at puppy".

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"Tell puppy you love it". Say "I love you puppy." I was tempted to tell them that we were there to enjoy dinner, that they shouldn't distract the dog, and we aren't one of the mall's entertainment attractions but there had already been enough awkward moments during that meal.
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Thankfully Kuno is a good dog. He glanced at them a few times but didn't move. He stayed under the table and watched me and tried to ignore the humans. He did a better job of it than the humans did of just being quiet and ignoring him.
He's right. Our species needs training.
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We managed to enjoy our comedy show and were in a lineup after. A couple politely asked if they could ask a few questions about him. Yes. Absolutely. I even asked if they'd like to say hi and gave Kuno his release cue. That respect they showed was relieving. And appreciated.
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Here's the takeaway from all this.
There's no need to single out, embarrass or make things awkward for others. If you don't want to be around someone because of their service dog, the way they look, their cultural attire or anything else, just go quietly.
Remember that a
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service dog is considered medical equipment. If you wouldn't do it to someone's wheelchair, cane or oxygen tank, don't do it to a service dog. Most of all, whether you're taking a stand against something, or you're trying to show support, be respectful. Be kind. Be like Kuno.
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