A Fellow Parent Confronted My Child About Her Service Dog—Here’s What You Need to Know

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As my daughter, Mia, approaches her 14th birthday, it’s hard to believe how far she has come. With her vibrant “rainbow” hair, a trusty pair of Converse sneakers, and her cellphone perpetually in hand, she appears to be just an ordinary teenager. However, Mia’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She is a fighter who has spent the last five years battling autoimmune encephalitis—a condition that attacks her brain—and a mitochondrial disorder that has left her in critical condition more than once.

Mia’s life is delicate, and to make the most of it, she relies on several forms of assistance. For instance, she has a port in her chest for monthly infusions and a tube in her stomach for essential nutrition. These medical aids are discreet and don’t require constant explanations. In contrast, her service dog, a seizure alert dog named Buddy, draws a lot of attention.

Mia loves Buddy and is always willing to explain his role, but the function he serves is as crucial as her medical devices. People have no more right to touch Buddy than they would have to touch the tube connected to Mia. Unfortunately, many do not understand this, which puts Mia’s safety at risk. If Buddy is distracted from “tasking,” he may miss the scent that signals an impending seizure, leaving Mia vulnerable.

Buddy underwent an extensive 18 months of training with a professional organization. He can detect when Mia is about to seize, alerting her so she can find safety. He is also trained to seek help if a seizure occurs unexpectedly. Since Buddy came into our lives, Mia has not been hospitalized due to seizure-related complications. He enables her to live a more independent life, giving me peace of mind.

However, the curiosity and entitlement of strangers can sometimes threaten that independence, and it’s beyond frustrating.

Just last Friday, I stopped by Walmart on my way to pick up my son’s football gear. As we passed the jewelry section, Mia asked if she could stay and browse. Initially, I hesitated but ultimately decided to let her explore with Buddy by her side. She assured me she would call if she needed anything. Moments later, I received a frantic call—“Mom, they’re yelling at me! They won’t stop following me! I just said he’s a service dog. Please help!”

When I found her, she was clearly shaken and pointed to two women who were screaming at her. I approached them calmly, inquiring what the issue was. Their response was filled with profanity, insisting that she and Buddy shouldn’t be in the store, escalating the situation further. To make matters worse, all the chaos triggered a seizure for Mia, prompting Buddy to lay over her protectively while licking her face. Shockingly, the women continued their tirade.

Security intervened, and we retreated to their office to regroup. Reviewing the store’s surveillance footage, we saw Mia calmly explaining to two children not to pet Buddy, only for the situation to escalate when the adults disregarded her boundaries. This could have ended with far worse consequences, and it was unacceptable. It’s one thing for children to approach, but for adults to ignore a child’s medical needs and boundaries is simply inexcusable.

Please, for the love of all that is good, do not pet a service dog, and instill this respect in your children as well. Dogs like Buddy may seem more adorable than medical devices, but they are equally vital. When people distract them, they can’t focus on their job, which could lead to dangerous situations.

Buddy is a joyful dog and is adored by Mia. He loves snuggling, plays with his toys, and enjoys homemade treats. Yet, when he wears his service vest, he knows it’s time to work. Not every dog is suited for this role, but Buddy is perfect for it.

After the incident, we had to file charges against the aggressors. But the emotional toll was far greater than any legal consequence. Both Mia and Buddy left the store shaken, feeling a new fear of the world around them. This situation serves as a reminder: when someone asks you not to interact with their service dog, it’s not out of selfishness but a necessity for safety.

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Summary

A mother shares the harrowing experience her daughter faced when confronted by two adults while with her seizure alert service dog. The importance of respecting service animals and their role in supporting individuals with disabilities is emphasized, highlighting the consequences of ignorance and entitlement.

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