The Dog’s Day Off | Guide Dog Life | Fun
If People Said to My Husband, Things They Say to My Guide Dog
Advice from guide dog Cooper: On my day off, Mr. Dale will accompany Pat to the places I usually go with her. These are some things people say to us during a typical workday…
Cooper: this is a quick guide for Mr. Dale (the husband of Patricia), and it will give him an idea of what to expect from random people out there, aka Joe Public, and what she’ll say.
I’ll add hints for Mr. Dale so he won’t have to wing it, ready Dale?
Things people say to guide dogs:
Joe Public: What a handsome boy!
Pat: Yes he is, and he thinks so too.
Note to Dale: People compliment me a lot, don’t overthink it, smile and look straight ahead.
Joe Public: How old is he?
Pat: He’s getting up there, just a couple of years from retirement.
Joe Public: What will happen to him then?
Pat: I might keep him. If not, a nice family will adopt him I’m sure.
Note to Dale: Don’t worry, she’ll keep you. She’s invested too much into the relationship to let you go that easily.
Joe Public: Does he grocery shop with you?
Pat: Yes and you should see him at the deli counter…
Note to Dale: Try not to drool thinking about it.
I explained it in this story:
Joe Public: He’s so smart!
Pat: He really is, and he’ll do pretty much anything for treats.
Note to Dale: Resist the urge to say, ‘It depends on the treats if you know what I mean’. Just look straight ahead.
Joe Public: He looks so healthy! What do you feed him?
Pat: He gets salmon and sweet potatoes, sometimes ground beef for variety.
Note to Dale: Do not make a barfing gesture about sweet potatoes. And if you’re as smart as you think, you’ll hold off commenting on her cooking.
Joe Public: Can I pet him?
Pat: No, he’s working. It’s too distracting when people gush over him.
Note to Dale: Act like you’re not interested and resist the overwhelming urge to say, I don’t see how that’s a problem.
Joe Public: Can I give him treats?
Pat: He’s not supposed to take food from strangers, but thanks for asking.
Note to Dale: Don’t sniff peoples’ pockets to check if they actually have treats or if it’s a bluff.
Joe Public: Do you take him with you on vacation?
Pat: No, he’d get too warm in the sun and besides, I’d spend all day fending off people who want to hug him.
Note to Dale: Again, try not to say, How is that a bad thing?
Joe Public: What does he do for exercise?
Pat: I walk him first thing in the AM, at least 5 Km or he gets restless during the day.
Joe Public: What about in winter?
Pat: I complain a lot but he sits and stares at me until I get ready to go.
Note to Dale: Try not to snicker or say, You wish…
Joe Public: Where does he sleep at night?
Pat: He likes to sneak onto the bed with me but he gets pretty hot, and do you see the size of him?
Note to Dale: She means I’d take up too much space, and if I know you, you’ll get all smug about it, just stay quiet.
Joe Public: Are you training him?
Pat: No, he’s already trained for me, sometimes he forgets things so we review the commands.
Note to Dale: I know you’ll think it but do not roll your eyes or say, No kidding… commands … over and over
Joe Public: Does he get time off?
Pat: Yes, he gets time to play with his friends and do things they love to do. But he’s pretty good about remembering who holds onto the treats — if you know what I mean.
Note to Dale: I have nothing to add… what she said!
More Guide Dog stories on Cooper’s Pub