Things People Who Have Service Animals Wish You Knew
If this is part of your life story, please share your insights! What would you like the rest of us to learn? What should we know about people in this community? How would you like people to interact with you? Should people ask questions? What’s the best way for people to learn about this? Do you have any resources (books, movies, YT videos, etc) that will give us greater understanding and empathy and kindness toward people who experience the same things you do?
If you’re not on this journey, we welcome you to listen, learn, and ask respectful, good-faith questions! Open-ended questions are highly encouraged, as they give people the space to share their unique experiences in their own words. While this is a safe space to learn about things you’ve never experienced, please remember to be sensitive, and avoid sharing harmful stereotypes or debating someone's lived reality. If you have a question, ask it with empathy. If someone gently corrects you, please be open to learning. Let's have a gentle, fun, friendly conversation where we support one another, because it takes all sorts to make a world!
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I’m adding a taglist to start, but this post is open to absolutely everyone! <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 thanks for tagging me 💗
@jesusredeemedme2425 Looking forward to this thread! 💖🥰
I have a service animal.
I wish people knew that our service animal is necessary to us to help with a disability that we aren’t required by law to tell you, though in some cases it might be obvious. Many times, our disability might be invisible. There are many examples: PTSD, anxiety, and many more are not visible to others but might require the specialized care os a service animal.
Please do not pet or interact with a service animal unless the owner has given explicit permission to do so.
Please listen to the person with the disability if you have some questions!
Thank you for opening this topic!
Sorry for the typo.
I’ve read that emotional service animals aren’t allowed in some stores, but other kinds of service animals are. What are your thoughts?
@PatienceImpatiens I love that you mentioned we shouldn't touch or interact with the service animal unless we were given the ok to. 😀
I'm so happy that everyone I've come across in my real life has allowed me to pet their doggy! I'm a big animal lover and am a big kid. I will always say "Awwww, I love your doggy! Your dog is soooo cute!" When they say I can pet their dog, I give all my boo love and hug the doggy. I get so happy when the doggy is excited and wagging its booty all over bumping against me. 🤣 Then I tell the doggy I love them and thank the person for allowing me to share in this joyous moment. I really love animals. They are the best and soooo loving! ❤️ Awwww.
I talk to service animals without touching them. I’m not sure if this is frowned upon. Can anyone please let me know? <3
I don’t have a service animal but I have a friend that does, and they’ve said it’s best not to talk directly to the service animal unless given permission because it can distract them from whatever service they may be helping their owner with!
Ohhh, gotcha! I never thought about that. I just like telling them how cute they are! :) Thank you for informing me <3