Service dogs:
Hands off when they’re working
By Nancy G. Nichols
Board Member
I absolutely love animals but have to hold back from petting a service dog when it is working. There is a protocol for service dogs that when they are working (meaning when they are wearing their vest) they should not be approached.
Service dogs are trained to help people who have physical difficulties, visual and hearing impairments, mental illness, seizures, diabetes and autism. These animals are trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of individuals.
I have a colleague who has a service dog and I really would like to give her dog some affection, treats or maybe a bowl of water when I see them. Some people do not understand that these animals are trained to service their owners and to focus all their attention on them while working. I have been told by the owner that when the dog does not have its service vest on, I can give it all the attention I want — which I hope to do one day soon.
So, the morale of my article is: please don’t be insulted if an owner requests you not touch their service animal while working. They are not being rude, just educating you about service dogs and their wonderful work.
On another note, the Central Aroostook Humane Society’s Paws for the Cause event will be held on Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m. at the animal shelter. Please consider joining the fun by bringing your dog for a walk.
For more information about the Paws for the Cause event or about adopting a pet, please feel free to call 764-3441 or stop by the shelter at 26 Cross Street, Presque Isle. The hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from noon to 12:30 p.m.).
Again, the Central Aroostook Humane Society encourages all pet owners to please spay and neuter your animals.
