Happe

So we went to Target today to get some mac n cheese because the store I buy from doesn't sell kraft dinner. WTH? Now to get to Target we have to go through the worst and deepest T station ever and I always get lost on the platform. Happe, on the other hand, tries very hard to get us out so he will find every way out. Today he led me to the elevator and the emergency doors (at least I think they were), which is absolutely amazing.

☆Katie

I don't think mom gives me enough treats for all of the good work I do.

♤Happe

Real Life

My life isn't as rosy as this blog makes it seem, in fact  I do a lot of cherry picking to give you the good bits but the truth is Happe makes mistakes, people are stupid, and my anger is quick to flare up. That is going to change, starting... now because life shouldn't be sugar coated.

1) Happe

There have been countless times I've told Happe to "find the door" to get into the T station and he'll walk me into the plate glass NEXT to the door.  Hell, he's walked me into the side of the train thinking it was the door onto the train. 

2) stupid people

A few weekends ago (5/13) we went to see an orchastra preform The Greatest Showman and that was fine, the theater was ready to be really accmodating even tho we didn't have ADA tickets. Everything was fine until we went to get  ice cream after the show. We walk in and are immediately told "no service dogs, I have open food".  First of all what the fuck do you mean by "open food"? Happe can come everywhere including restaurants, so I'm confused. Second, you said it yourself he's a SERVICE DOG so please reassess your statement, thank you. This happened awhile ago but it's relevant, the three of us are walkinh through the T station past all the shops that are there and this employee at the Dunkin Doughnuts calls out "come here doggie". Like wow. First you work in the food industry so, yes, serve me but leave my dog out of it

☆Katie

"hidden" struggle

I hate being am example of "hidden" struggles but here I am again, just another voice in the crowd crying discrimination. Tonight (5/15) we (husband, dog  and I) were denied an Uber because of the drivers ignorance and stubbornness. The driver claimed that denying me service because of the dog isn't against the law or Uber policy (it totally is BTW) and he (the driver) had allergies (Allergies or not you are required to take me unless they are  life threatening). I wish people would  fight this discrimination like they have anyothee problem but outta sight, outta mind I guess. *sigh*

Week of 3/21

I got to see grandma Nicholson on Tuesday and grandma and grandpa Dixom over the weekend! I stole moms breakfast Saturday morning and got crated all day because of it, but she's the one who left it out ready to bake sssooo... . I felt sick after that. We did a lot of walking. We also went on a cruse.  I also got to see my friend Rosco and meet a bunch of new friends  At the dog park mom found.

♤Happe

Don't be to proud of yourself there, that was really bad. It wasn't that much walking, hush. 

☆Katie

Intetaction

I know itd probably getting repetitive but people learn through repeating. So again.

how to interact with a service dog 🐕‍🦺 

🐾 approach the handler, not the dog 

🐾 never touch, speak to, photograph, or feed a service dog unless the handler gives you permission 

🐾 a napping service dog is still on duty

🐾 if a service dog approaches you, follow it back to its handler! The dog might just need correcting, OR the handler could be having an emergency.

🐾 keep your dog and other pets at a distance from service dogs; they are at work

🐾 treat the handler with respect and sensitivity

Boston

I know I haven't talked about being in Boston a lot other than saying we moved and to be fair we aren't really in Boston, we're on the edge. But I can say he's adjusted well, we take more and longer walks, we go more places, and he has more friends here. 

Muhahaha! I've stolen mom's phone! I've never been one to distroy furnitue so me not eatting the furniture isn't an indicator of me settling in and neither is anything I normally do so FIGHT ME!

Too many walks if you ask me and most just lead back home without any middle. ALL THE NEW FRIENDS!!!!! And I love them all!!!!

♤Happe

Happe! Have it back and let me finish! 

I like it here too. Everything seems more accessible (maybe I'm just better prepared and its not more accessable) , people seem nicer, and I'm not scared sh**less to go out on my own  (don't kill my confidence).  Ok, fine, so you aren't settling in, bot mu  problem.

Yes, a lot iof our walks are circles but you can't stay on the sofa and get fat. Sorry (not sorry).

☆Katie

Good Vibes

So today I'm on the escalator to get from the train (subway) to the door out. The guy behind me voices his  amazement with how well Happe is behaving on said escalator and was amazed watching him get off. It always makes me so happy when I hear comments and/or have conversations like that.

☆Katie

Wednesday

In case I forget on Wednesday.

Wednesday marks two years since I got my wonderful guide dog, Happe, from Leader Dogs for the Blind. I am so incredibly spoiled with him and cannot believe it's been two years. He's been through a lot life's gigantic changes and some big issues  with me.

I have so much love for this dog.

♡♡♡Happe♡♡♡

☆Katie

PD: a young lady in a black jacket with a her eyes closed and a gigantic smile pressing her face into the neck of a yellow dog wearing a brown leader dog harness and his eyes closed in bliss

Did You Know

"While some may think petting a service dog is the only way to distract them there are actually many ways! These can include: staring at them, making noises

at them, teasing them with food as well as waving at them!

You can help service dogs work by ignoring them and interacting their handler."

MSAR Elite

Service K9 Foreman

@HerLifeln4 paws

Giving Help Don'ts

COMIC STRIP 

A Day in the Life of a PWD (Person With a Disability) 

Frame 1:

A woman using a white cane stops a stranger to ask for help.

WOMAN: Excuse me, could you help me find the post office?

Frame 2:

The stranger grabs her arm, startling her.

STRANGER: Sure! It's this way. C'mon.

Frame 3:

The stranger pulls her along with him.

STRANGER: It's just over here...

Frame 4:

They reach the post office. The annoyed woman has dropped her cane. 

STRANGER (smiling and walking away): There ya go! (thinking to himself) I'm so helpful!

ALWAYS ASK FIRST! NO MATTER THE DISABILITYOR SITUATION.

☆Katie

Post Ideas

What do you guys want to see in terms of posts? Any burning questions? 

☆Katie