PICTURES Sheena's new gear

[Taz_Zoee]

Sheena is so beautiful in her new gear!!
Over my vacation I saw a man who walked with a cane and his service Sheltie. I have no idea why (or what the dogs "specialty" was) but we talked to him for quite a while and she was so darn cute. We asked to pet her and he let us.
Is that normal? If people ask to pet Sheena do you let them? I've heard mixed answers on this and was just curious for the reasoning behind it. I mean, I know and understand that they are working and I totally respect that. In fact I didn't even pet Annie until she approached and sniffed my leg.

[NicoleLJ]

Is that normal? If people ask to pet Sheena do you let them? I've heard mixed answers on this and was just curious for the reasoning behind it. I mean, I know and understand that they are working and I totally respect that. In fact I didn't even pet Annie until she approached and sniffed my leg.

This is a choice. 99% of people are not allowed to pet Sheena while She is working. But at things like Stay and Play that is for babies and toddlers I take that rule off. I also let kids who are obviously afriad of dogs pet her. That happened on the trip several times. The saddest but best was a girl about 8 who had a sister about 6, The 8 year old had obvious scars on her face, I was sitting and resting so thay use the opportunity to explain about service dogs. I love that, You could really see the girl was terriffied as Sheena sat at my feet. I asked why she was so scared and the parents explained she was attacted by a large mixed breed last year.

I felt so bad. So I tried a little trick. Her sister was curious. So I put Sheena in a down Stay then told her to be mean. This is her command to roll over and show her tummy for a rub. Ususally her tongue will hang out, When she did it, The oldest jumped for a seconded and then giggled, I asked the youngested if she wanted to give Sheena a tummy rub, Well of course she did, So she came over and rcratched at a really good spot because it got her leg flying which get everyone laughing, Then I told the youngest I was going to get her to stand, So she backed up and I told her to stand, Up Sheena came. I then turned her to me so that her head was in my lap but she still standing and I offerded the oldest to pet her, Her sister coaxed her letting her know how soft she was. She barely nodded and moved forward and pet her back end as Sheena's tail wagged and tickled her legs. I noticed her mom had tears in her eyes and a few minutes later dad and girls walked away. She let me know that her daughter had not even been near a dog let alone touched one since the attack. I just smiled and said I hope I helped.

So for that yes or some rare occasions kids that are really polite and ask I will let them give her a piece of a treat to reinforce her socialization,

So it is a choice,
Nicole

[cassiesmom]

Nicole, what a great story! You totally made my day! I'm wiping my eyes here for that little girl and her family. Please give Sheena a big hug for me because I'm sure you and she helped this family.

[Taz_Zoee]

Nicole, what a great story! You totally made my day! I'm wiping my eyes here for that little girl and her family. Please give Sheena a big hug for me because I'm sure you and she helped this family.

Me too, and I'm at work!! That was beautiful. Thank you for explaining too.