In the last Texan Tribune and mailbox, I provided talking points for you regarding service dogs. Please be aware that these talking points are directed to adults as well as scholars.
- NEVER ask a student or staff member why they have a service dog.
- DON’T touch the dog without asking permission first.
- DON’T offer food to a service dog, DON’T assume a napping service dog is off duty.
- DON’T assume service dogs never get to ‘just be dogs’. When the dog is wearing a vest then the dog is working.
- DO inform the handler if a service dog approaches you.
- DO treat the owner/handler with sensitivity and respect. This includes comments such as, “Oh, you are the reason we got that information.”
If you have participated in any of these “Don’ts”, do not approach the scholar or staff member and apologize, I am asking that you be self-aware and discontinue the behavior.