I Stepped on the Service Dog’s Tail

Have you ever accidentally stepped on a service dog's tail during a germ-infested commute? Join the 'Hate Public Transportation' club, especially during COVID! Public transportation is the worst—made even more dreadful by germ-soaked hang straps and metal poles looking like exotic stripper poles. I was on my way to work on a crowded public trans bus, and you know what they say, 'No good deed goes unpunished.' Well, despite the germ warfare, I
gave up my seat to a visually impaired lady with her service dog. I mean I literally looked down and said to the dog, ‘I am sooo sorry little fella, it wasn’t your fault. It’s the clumsy human’. I also was a tad bit miffed that no one else offered the lady a seat before me, as I stood, clutching a contaminated strap, with quite a few healthy young males seated on the bus. Then as we neared downtown, enter these two rather rude fifty-something shopping bag toting females, who kept jostling me even further back. Then it happened. Aaaaugh! I accidentally stepped on the service dog’s tail, not full force, but enough for a whimper. Then the two Heifers with the bags (my apologies to real cows) kept repeating, 'Lawd, she stepped on the blind lady’s dog’s tail.' Mortified, I apologized to the lady and to her service dog, realizing the poor fella didn't yelp, he simply gave a whimper and tucked his tail closer to his body. I told her that I even expected a justified warning growl. The owner whispered, 'They are trained not to do that.'

So, what have we learned from my embarrassing incident? See the friendly reminders below…

Navigating public transportation with service animals requires sensitivity and respect. Here's advice on being considerate:

Acknowledge Their Role: Service animals are working, not pets. Resist the urge to distract or pet them without permission.
Give Space: Allow adequate room for the person and their service animal. Avoid crowding or stepping over the animal.
No Feeding or Distractions: Refrain from offering treats or food to the service animal. It's crucial they stay focused on their tasks.
Ask Before Assisting: Always ask the owner before assisting the person or the service animal. They know best how you can be helpful.
Respect Personal Space: Respect the person's privacy. Avoid asking personal questions about their disability or the function of the service animal.
Be Mindful of Allergies: Some people may have allergies to animals. Be considerate and maintain a reasonable distance.
Etiquette in Confined Spaces: In confined spaces like buses or trains, be mindful of sharing seats. Offer assistance, but respect their preference.