Parnell Living Science celebrated International Assistance Dog Week last week to recognize all the hard-working assistance dogs and the individuals who raise and train them. The duties they perform include helping people of all ages with a variety of medical issues, as well as working with police and military service personnel.
Many of us know and respect these professionals, their dogs and pet parents who rely on them. However, thanks to one person’s revelation, it was discovered that some of us may not know what to do with service animals in a certain emergency situation.
We have become accustomed to seeing humans with service dogs. As most know, service dogs are raised and trained by selfless professionals whose life mission is to pass the dog on to someone who needs assistance at home to help with their daily lives.
Service dogs are clearly identified, wearing a vest or patch signifying their important role. Most people know these dogs are doing a job and should not be disturbed, petted or side-tracked from their jobs.
However, thanks to a person who relies on her service dog, service animals are now trending this week with an important message. A pet parent who relies on her dog as a service animal had an experience she felt was worthy to post a PSA about. Here’s the kicker: it went viral on Twitter this past week. Several national news organizations have a story to answer a question many didn’t even think to ask:
What do you do if you see a service dog without their human?
Here’s the answer: If you see a service dog approach you without its owner, it means their owner is most likely in need of help. Follow the dog to see where it goes. This was the message of the PSA which now has been seen by over 200,000 people on Twitter so far.
A service dog will nudge your leg with their nose, so much so you cannot ignore them. This is what they are trained to do. Don’t get mad or push them away. This is what happened to the person who sent out the PSA. Instead ask “Where is your Mum or Dad?” or just follow the dog wherever they lead you. Many service dogs are taught to move to another person if the first one doesn’t follow them or reacts negatively towards the dog. Remember, every second counts. If you delay, the circumstances might become dire.
Luckily, all was fine. But as the victim found her dog and saw how people were annoyed by him doing his job, she had to react. This is how the PSA has now become a viral message with simple instructions: follow a service dog when it is without their owner. Now you know how to handle this rare instance, should you be faced with it.
In recognition of International Assistance Dog Week, here are a few more articles to educate others about service dogs:
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