Our Own Best Example
One of the things that I love about our training methods and hence, the way I am with Freely, is the calmness in which we enter establishments. Any cues and redirection are said quietly and calmly and don't draw any negative attention to us... usually.
Today I headed out for a wonderful long day, but ended up too tired to continue on myoj[knm list of dreams of things to do. However, I went out to eat at a nice cafe that serves natural cooked and raw foods. It's a wonderful array of folks and a relaxing atmosphere. I realize that it's been a long time since I've been there and have never been there with Freely.
We entered in a casual and calm manner and waited for a table. On the way to the table folks heads turned, not that unusual... however... some folks smiled and others glared! not the non-effective glare either. More that glare that sort of shoots thru you? ok, so I'm thinking.. don't think about it, just go about your lunch. So I'm at a table and Freely is under the table laying down and a couple come up to me and say something to the affect of "how could you enslave that poor dog that way???" and walked off. youch! ok... well, fortunately they didn't stick around the table for a response, but walked back to their own table.
It took everything in my power not to just leave. Part of me was ticked off, part of me was scared and part of me was just plain uncomfortable. But I decided to commit myself that I came here because I liked the food, and I knew in my heart that I am kind with Freely. I had to trust myself with her, not with them. I had to let it go as challenging as it was.
Well, lunch carried on uneventfully thank goodness, and I dropped my napkin 2 times and Freely kindly returned it to my hand. I dropped a pen I was using... again she retrieved for me. As usual I replied with "thank you". I've changed to using "thank you" instead of "good dog" because so many people say "good dog" to her everywhere.
I went to the salad bar and kept myself between Freely and the food counter. She was very calm and alert. Actually I had almost forgotten about the couple as I was writing down some things that I wanted to remember.
silly me.... another man comes up to me and says "that dog can't be in a restaurant!" He was a customer I should add. I explained that she is an assistance dog and she is legally able to be with me to assist me as needed. He muttered and went back to his table.
Ok.. I started getting a little paranoid like maybe we were being watched at all moments or something but I was too afraid to turn around and look.
Somewhat uncomfortable, I finished lunch and we left the table to go to the cashier. When I went to pay, the cashier handed me a note and said that my lunch had been paid for by a couple who had just left.
Here is what the note says:
"Dear
woman with the wonderful dog,
thank you for allowing us to watch the kindness, gentleness and
respect that you and your dog have for one another. We have not
always seen this and have been judging. Accept our apology and happy
new year to you and your beautiful companion.
peacefully,
Marv and Jeri"
Just goes to show, that even when it isn't always comfortable to be around some people, if we can allow ourselves to just be ourselves and that self is of a kind spirit, we can make a difference even when we aren't aware of it.
touched...
Mara and Freely
A Peaceable Partnership
Article 1 - Finding Training Assistants | Article 3 - The Powerchair