[NAGDU] I'm working, don't pet, vest

[blind springbok]

Hi 
Here in the UK and Northern  Ireland we have a sign that is on our handle which says please don't distract me I'm a working guide dog.  
Unfortunately no matter what you do or say and however politely people still don't understand that you can't pet a working guide or assistance dog.  
Yes, it does make life difficult but human nature being what it is and people seeing how fantastic our dogs are when working they just think they are awesome and only want to stroke them to say how fabulous they are.  
We can't and won't get vests that say about not distracting them as they are working dogs. It just wouldn't work here as if people won't adhere to a handle sign which some guide dog owners tend to take off anyway, they won't adhere to a vest. 
So we just have to continue to educate the public and inform the next  generation. 
Diane and Morris guide dog 

Diane and Morris Marks 
17 Innis avenue 
Newtownabbey 
Belfast 
County Antrim 
BT37 9ES 
Mobile: 07917042510 
Email: blind.springbok at gmail.com 
Email: Diane.l.marks1 at gmail.com
Twitter: @blindspringbok 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DianeMarks 


> On 8 Mar 2016, at 18:06, Darla J. Rogers via NAGDU <nagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear Sandra,
> 
> I just read that labs are number-one in the Unites States for pet dogs;
> goldens were also in the top ten, as I believe shepherds were, so we can't
> win, can we?
> 
> I'll have to try holding the leash in the right hand when I know we will be
> in a more distracting situation, and I just might try the GL as well.
> 
> Thursday, I will be at our day at the Capitol; I imagine there will be a lot
> of people around, so I will really have to guard against the overt
> solicitations of people.
> 
> I love it that my dog is so attractive; I try very hard to keep him looking
> good, but truly I'm not pasting on any "Pet me Please" letters.
> 
> I really empathize with Dar here; she expects, and rightly so, for her dog
> to conduct herself  in a certain manner in lines and crowds and hope some of
> your suggestions will work, as I am dealing with it, too.
> 
> Darla & the Adorably Ornery Huck
> 
> 
> Darla J. Rogers M.S.
> 
> Djrogers0628 at gmail.com
> 
> When you judge another, you do not define them, you define yourself."
> ¯ Wayne W. Dyer
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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