Shedding Myths One Story at a Time

It might surprise you to learn that exquisitely trained black guide dogs can attract deep suspicion. People fear dog breeds such as Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers and confuse them with the loyal Labrador. This is a personal observation based on a recent confrontation in the realm of guide dog access.

The general public on the whole are highly respectful of these dedicated and well-trained working animals – regardless of their colour. But it only takes a few people in the community to treat you with suspicion, due to the appearance of the living ‘mobility aid’ by your side, to really catch you off guard.

‘Does that dog bite?

On my very first bus adventure with Dindi the person sitting opposite us asked ‘Does that dog bite?’.

I first felt shocked, then annoyed, and replied, ‘It’s a guide dog ’ – had they not seen her working harness?

It took two more incidents within our first month of being home when the discrimination ‘penny’ dropped: taxi drivers were slinking out of the taxi rank just as Dindi and I appeared by their door to inquire if they were available. By law, it is illegal to refuse entry for a guide dog and its handler. Conveniently the moment I tapped at the window they had just started another job.

Let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. OK, one taxi driver perhaps…but 2 in a row? I happened to be with a sighted person at the time who saw them take one look at Dindi and me approaching, then look away and drive off. On another occasion, I had opened the front door to climb aboard and on seeing my black guide dog about to take her place on the floor, the taxi driver suddenly announced,

‘Sorry. I’m not free. I have another job.’

Sure, Of course you do. I thought, not pointing out the obvious; he was the first cab in the rank and had his engine off.

These moments happen far too often to other guide dog handlers too. On a good day, we shrug it off and find the next cab, while some days I encounter out dated misconceptions that are often confronting, and leave me shaken.

Excuse Me? My Guide Dog Has to Leave Your Store?

Entering a favourite shop with my guide dog recently, the young man behind the counter exclaimed, ‘You can’t bring THAT dog into the shop.’

I was flabbergasted. I have been going to this store regularly for years. But on entering with my new guide dog, the welcome was not so welcoming. I thought maybe he hadn’t seen her harness as he was serving a customer at the time, so I gave him the benefit of the doubt and clarified her status, ‘She is not a dog, she is a guide dog.’

I was hoping we had sorted out this brief misunderstanding. The young man went on to argue obviously unaware of the law regarding guide dog access. ‘It is health regulations. You can’t bring a dog in here.’

You can’t bring a dog in here.’

Because I felt suddenly persecuted by his ignorance, I launched into self-advocacy. I pointed out, in a low and firm tone, hiding my indignation: ‘My guide dog is permitted by law to enter ANY store I need to enter. As a result, being my mobility aid, she is allowed to go anywhere I need to go. ’

The young man, who was serving a customer, seemed stuck on ‘health regulations’ and held to his opinion that having a ‘dog’ in the store was a health risk because she might interfere with goods on the shelves.

Again, I pointed out, ‘She is a guide dog. She is trained to ignore food.’ Dindi took her spot calmly down on the floor beside the counter of the nut store. She showed no signs of going after ‘his nuts’.

My blood pressure rose and self-confidence diminished. I rattled off a list of food stores to make my point. ‘A guide dog may enter a supermarket, a cafe or a restaurant. She is allowed to be in your store.’

The woman to my right mumbled in agreement. ‘Yes. It is true, she is allowed by law…’

Guide Dog access rights.

It was then that I realised I didn’t have the card in my purse which may have put an end to this awkward interaction. All guide dog handlers have a card which plainly states the law according to guide dog access in public places. The Victorian State Government states:

 ‘The Domestic Animals Act 1994 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 cover the rights of Guide Dog users. These Acts of which override the Health Act which prohibits dogs from entering food premises.’

I realised that without this printed card, it was a matter of his misguided opinion against the facts. Caught off guard by this unnecessary confrontation, and not wanting to really lose my cool, I stated, ‘I am not going to argue with you.’ And with a brisk turn around, I asked Dindi to find the exit.

Courage to Stay Next Time

In hindsight, I wish I had taken a little more time to increase his knowledge on guide dog etiquette. Instead of taking his exclusionary attitude to heart, I could have explained the law in more detail.

Being suddenly told I was not allowed in the store because of my ‘mobility aid’ gave me a shock that made me tremble inwardly. As a result, the more he refused my guide dog, even as I corrected his legal obligation as a shop assistant, the less I wanted to stay.

I felt like a second class citizen, refused normal civil service. I had to fight for my right to remain. The desire to hand the young man my money when he didn’t want to serve me in the first place was the reason why we left the store. Because of this incident, in time I hope I will be able to muster the courage to enlighten the next person who is clinging to a social myth about guide dog access, and consequently create a more favourable outcome for everyone.

In the meantime, Blind Citizens Australia have taken up my case and written to the store manager. Let’s hope, the next guide dog handler who enters their store will be greeted as a normal customer.

You might also like to read

Even Cute Working Dogs Deserve Respect

Dindi the Flying Guide Dog

Guide Dog Training: New Ways New Challenges

Thank you to Mandy Jarvis for Dindi’s puppy photos

Copyright © Maribel Steel 2019