My daughter, Mia, is about to turn 14, and if you saw her, you might not realize just how remarkable that milestone is. With her vibrant “rainbow” hair, a pair of Converse sneakers on her feet, and a cell phone usually in hand, she fits the typical teenage mold. However, Mia is anything but ordinary; she is a true fighter. For the last five years, she has bravely battled autoimmune encephalitis, a condition where her body attacks her brain, along with a mitochondrial disorder that has nearly taken her life on more than one occasion.
Mia’s life is delicate, and in order to thrive, she requires additional support. She has a port in her chest for monthly treatments and a feeding tube that provides her with necessary nutrition. While these medical aids can be easily hidden and don’t often elicit questions, her seizure alert dog, named Benny, attracts a lot of attention.
Mia is immensely proud of Benny and is always willing to explain his role, but the tasks he performs are just as critical as any medical equipment she has. People shouldn’t feel entitled to touch Benny as they wouldn’t dare to interfere with Mia’s feeding tube. Unfortunately, many lack this understanding, which can put my daughter in harm’s way. If Benny isn’t “tasking,” he might miss the scent that alerts him to an oncoming seizure, leaving Mia vulnerable in unfamiliar settings.
Benny underwent 18 months of professional training and can detect when Mia is about to seize, usually about five minutes in advance. This gives her the chance to find a safe place. He is also trained to seek help if a seizure occurs unexpectedly. Since Benny came into her life, Mia has avoided hospitalizations due to seizure complications. He allows her to enjoy a semblance of normalcy while providing me with the peace of mind to let her explore the world.
However, the curiosity and entitlement of others sometimes threaten that safety, and it’s incredibly frustrating.
Just last Friday, I was in Walmart quickly picking up a mouthguard for my son’s football practice. Mia asked if she could stay by the jewelry section. After a moment of hesitation, I decided to let her explore independently, remembering that Benny was meant to grant her more freedom. She assured me, “I’ll call you if I need anything.” But soon after, I received a frantic call from her. “Mom, they’re yelling at me. They won’t stop following me. All I said is he’s a service dog. Mom, please help!”
When I arrived, Mia was visibly distressed, pointing out two women who were harassing her. I approached them calmly, asking what the issue was. Instead of a rational answer, they erupted in a tirade of profanity, berating Mia for having Benny in the store. Their assault continued, and Mia was overwhelmed, leading to a seizure. Benny immediately laid over her, providing comfort while the women continued their rant. Their children were visibly frightened.
Security intervened, and we were escorted to their office. While reviewing the security footage, we saw Mia calmly talking to two children who had approached Benny, until it escalated when she politely requested they not pet him. The situation could have been life-threatening, all because an adult disregarded a child’s boundaries and the importance of her medical support.
Please, for everyone’s sake, avoid touching service dogs and educate your children to do the same. Dogs like Benny may be more appealing than medical devices, but they play an equally crucial role in ensuring safety. If they are distracted by petting, they can’t perform their vital tasks, which could have dire consequences.
Benny is a joyful dog, adored by Mia. He loves cuddles, sleeps next to her with her favorite stuffed animal, and enjoys playing like any other dog. However, when he wears his vest, it’s work time, and he understands the seriousness of his role.
Following the incident at the store, we pressed charges against those who harassed Mia. The emotional toll, however, was far greater. A service dog meant to empower Mia and provide safety inadvertently put her in a frightening situation due to someone else’s inability to understand his purpose. Now, both Mia and Benny face a new anxiety about the world around them.
Let this serve as a reminder: when someone requests that you not pet their service dog, it’s not a matter of selfishness; it’s a matter of survival.
For more insights, check out this blog post and learn about the experiences of other parents. If you’re looking for expert information on home insemination, Cryobaby’s at-home insemination kit is an excellent resource. For further reading, CCRM IVF’s blog offers valuable insights on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
In this emotional account, a mother shares the challenges her daughter Mia faces due to her medical conditions and the vital role of her service dog, Benny. After an upsetting encounter with two women in a store, the mother stresses the importance of respecting service animals and understanding their critical functions in a person’s life. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for awareness and compassion towards those with disabilities.
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