[nagdu] Changing my Petting Policy

[Craig Heaps]

Well, I guess if there's anything I've gotten from this discussion it's that 
we're all different.

I had a guy ask me today at the grocery store if he could pet Chase.  I 
said, almost reflexively, "Please don't."  I know it was from reading all 
these replies.  It had made me hyper-aware.  I usually say, " I would rather 
you didn't.  It distracts him while he's working, and that's dangerous for 
both of us."  But sometimes I say okay.  It really doesn't seem to make much 
difference as far as Chase's behavior.  I like to let children pet him. 
He's very sweet and gentle, and it's a good dog expreience for the kids.  If 
they're old enough, I try to educate them about asking and why it's 
important.  I always make Chase sit to be petted.

I don't mind if they ask his name.  It's usually the beginning of a nice 
discussion about guide dogs.  I get to promote the wonderful people at GDB 
who gave me Chase.  I get to talk to a lot of people who were or who know 
puppy raisers.

Becasue I have some useable vision, I can see the sneaky petters.  Sometimes 
I call them on it, sometimes I don't.

I think a lot of my mellowness is probably because I've had Chase less than 
a year and it's still new for me.

Craig and Chase (who doesn't really have another name.)