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As my daughter, Mia, approaches her 14th birthday, it’s hard to believe how much she has overcome. With her vibrant blue hair and always-worn sneakers, she resembles any other teenager—except Mia is far from typical. She is a fighter. For the past five years, she has been battling autoimmune encephalitis, a condition where her immune system attacks her brain, alongside a mitochondrial disorder that has put her life in jeopardy more than once.
Mia’s life is delicate, and to make the most of it, she requires additional support. She depends on a port in her chest for regular infusions and a feeding tube for nutrition. While these medical aids are easy to keep discreet, her service dog, Bella, certainly draws attention.
Mia takes great pride in Bella and is always willing to share her story, yet the role Bella plays is crucial—just as important as the medical equipment that supports Mia’s life. People often don’t realize that they have no right to approach or touch Bella any more than they would Mia’s feeding tube. When Bella isn’t “tasking,” she can miss crucial alerts, leaving Mia vulnerable to a seizure in unfamiliar surroundings.
Bella spent 18 months in professional training. She can detect when Mia is about to seize, giving her the opportunity to prepare and avoid harm. Since Bella joined our family, Mia hasn’t been hospitalized due to seizures, allowing her to experience a more normal life while giving me peace of mind.
Unfortunately, there are times when the curiosity and sense of entitlement from others can threaten this delicate balance. This past Friday was one of those instances.
I had quickly dashed into a store to grab a mouthguard for my son’s football practice. Mia expressed interest in looking at some jewelry, and after considering Bella’s presence, I allowed her to stay while I stepped away. She assured me she would call if she needed help. But soon, I received a frantic call from her. “Mom, they’re yelling at me! They won’t stop following me!”
When I found her, Mia was visibly shaken, pointing to two women who had been harassing her. Approaching them calmly, I asked what was going on. Instead of an explanation, they bombarded me with profanities regarding Mia and Bella being in the store. Another woman joined the chaos, and in the midst of it all, Mia had a seizure. Bella instinctively laid over her, providing protection and comfort, while the initial woman continued her tirade, causing fear in her own children.
Store security intervened and helped us relocate to their office. Watching the footage from the security cameras revealed that Mia was speaking calmly to the children who approached Bella before the situation escalated. It was heartbreaking to witness how a simple lack of respect for boundaries could have led to a life-threatening moment.
Please, let me emphasize: do not touch a service dog. Teach your children to keep their distance as well. Dogs like Bella may be adorable, but they serve critical roles in the lives of those who rely on them. When they are distracted, it can have dire consequences.
Bella is a joyful dog who loves to play, snuggle, and enjoy treats, yet when she wears her vest, it’s time for business. The service dog life isn’t meant for every pup, but it’s a perfect fit for Bella.
After the incident, we pressed charges against those who harassed Mia. However, the emotional toll was far more significant. The very dog meant to empower Mia and keep her safe inadvertently put her in a frightening situation due to someone else’s inability to understand her needs. Now, both Mia and Bella have a newfound fear of the world around them.
This is a moment for education. Those who ask you not to pet their service dogs are not being rude; they are protecting their child’s life.
If you want to learn more about home insemination, check out this post on home insemination kits. For more information on artificial insemination, visit Make a Mom. Also, for a comprehensive resource on pregnancy, check out the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Search Queries:
- What to know about service dogs
- How to train a service dog
- Understanding autoimmune encephalitis
- Support for children with disabilities
- How to manage seizures
Summary: A mother shares her experience when her daughter, who relies on a service dog, faced harassment at a store. The incident highlights the importance of respecting service dogs and understanding their critical roles in supporting individuals with medical conditions. The emotional impact of the confrontation emphasizes the need for education around service animals and the boundaries necessary for their working environment.
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