Conversation

Boomer person 1 goes straight to stroking Juno whilst I'm in a cafe queue. She clicks briefly, looks at me then asks: "Oh, is this a working dog?", me, not-quite-bluntly: "Yes", her: "Am I supposed to ask for permission before approaching it?" Me, rather bluntly: "Yes!", Her, ignoring everything I've said: "She's very beautiful".. and she goes back to stroking Juno. Juno's getting excited pulling on her lead and I have to turn to Juno, pull her away gently and give her the sign for 'calm down'. Before I've even finished that Boomer person 2 from behind me starts stroking her without asking for permission at the same time Boomer person 3 from in front of me comes over to fuss Juno too.

So basically I'm ambushed from all sides, Juno is by now hyper excited and jumping up at Boomer number 3, which she's not supposed to do. I can't calm her down and my anxiety is going through the roof.

Boomer number 2 is trying to get my attention from behind, Boomer number 3 won't stop talking from in front and Boomer number 1 is still talking from the side.

They're all late 60s/70-plus and really should know better.

All I'm trying to do is order two coffees from the cafe.

If you see an official assistance dog in their charity's emblazoned livery and lead sleeve, they are WORKING. My assistance dog is not there for your or anyone else's entertainment, back.the.fuck.off!

#Deaf #WorkingDog #AssistanceDog #HearingDog