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If you have an assistance dog, you’re bound to have experienced discrimination when you’re out and about. I’ve been refused entry to a number of shops and restaurants, things that lots of other people take for granted, because they object to an assistance dog being on their premises. Now, I don’t mind explaining about Hearing Dogs, if I’m approached and asked nicely. But when the assistant is downright rude and won’t listen, it’s another thing entirely. On one occasion I was followed by the security guard who was right in my face and wouldn’t leave me alone - made me feel like a shoplifter. Smudge does have 2 ID cards, one from the Department of Health which states Hearing Dogs are allowed on all premises including restaurants, and one from Hearing Dogs with his photo, name and ID number. Some assistants think I have made these cards up myself and refuse to believe they are authentic. Quite an effective response, I find, is to say to the |
