This Reddit User Tried to Explain a Service Dog’s Situation to Kids Only to Be Scolded by the Mother

Whenever you see a dog in public, there’s an urge to pat its head and pet it. Dogs certainly have a charm that can attract a person, even when it’s a stranger’s dog. However, dogs must always be cautiously approached; otherwise, they might get defensive. Talk to the owner first and ask for permission. If they explained why petting their dog isn’t allowed, you must accept that with respect. Consent is important, especially from a stranger.

Photo: Pexels/Aliaksei Semirski

Parents should also teach this manner to their kids, especially when they are fond of dogs. It will prevent their kids from getting into trouble. Also, children will better understand consent and how not all dogs are alright with sudden physical contact. Another important reminder to note is that dogs shouldn’t be bothered amidst their work. A Reddit user has opened up about this issue involving a service dog. OP had an encounter with the kids and their mother — who all misunderstood her intention.

Apparently, the Reddit user has PTSD, and Atom, the service dog, has always been a companion, especially outdoors. OP had no problems before because people usually listen and understand the situation. However, during their bookshop trip, the kids pointed at Atom and asked their mother to pat her. OP hoped the mother would say no, but she joined the kids, approached them, and started patting Atom.

Photo: Unsplash/Ralph (Ravi) Kayden

“I tried to explain to the kids nicely that she working and that you can’t pat a working dog and to please leave us alone but the mum replied back that they just want to pat her because they aren’t allowed a dog where they live because she landlord won’t allow it.” Reddit user wrote. “I tried to explain that wasn’t my problem and that Atom is working and I and Atom could feel me getting extremely anxious and they wouldn’t leave. So I left the book I was looking at and went to the next isle but the kids followed and kept trying to pat her.”

OP had a hard time, and the anxiety started to build up. When the kids didn’t stop following her, she couldn’t help but yell at them. The mother was nearby and yelled at her for yelling at her kids. She even called OP rude and rolled her eyes when OP explained why a service dog must not be bothered while working. The staff noticed that OP had a panic attack, so they had to intervene — asking the mother to leave OP alone.

Photo: PxHere

“But as she was leaving she made comments about I don’t loom disabled and don’t need a dog and I was being rude and a couple of other customers told me I should have just let the kids pat the dog and my panic attack wouldn’t have happened.” OP shared. Clearly, the mother was the problematic one in this issue. She even witnessed OP’s panic attack, yet she chose to overlook that to win her case. Reddit users also couldn’t stop calling out the mother and her kids.

“NTA. Even if it wasn’t a service dog, you said not to touch it. Kids absolutely have to learn not to touch a dog if the owner says no. This time it was a friendly, trained service dog. Next time, the dog may be untrained and aggressive and remove a few of their fingers.” Mundane-Solution5657 commented. Kids should be taught that not all dogs have the same personality as others who take importance of their personal space.

Photo: Pexels/Alex Green

“NTA NTA NTA and anyone who says differently is 100% wrong. That mother needs to teach her children to respect boundaries. Even if the dog isn’t a service animal, if the owner says “no you cannot pet my dog,” it is not okay to pet the dog. And for service animals those boundaries are even more important.” FemmeFataleFire said.

Atom was even wearing her vest, indicating she was a service dog. Even without explanation, they should’ve had the idea that the dog is not for petting. The mother should realize that they were evidently wrong and that what they did was horrible since it triggered someone else’s panic attack.

More people should understand that these things could happen, and you must widen your perspective. When the person has already explained multiple times why it is a “No,” you should simply back away. It is inappropriate to invade someone’s personal space, even outdoors. Thankfully, Reddit users have supported OP and assured her that she has the right to say no. Lengthy comments were posted, and you can join the discussion if you had the same problem as well.