Embrace a Simple, Mindful Lifestyle Today

I'm frustrated, so before you read on, if you think I'm lucky to have a service dog, please just stop reading. I have a service dog because I have bipolar 1. One of my biggest struggles is with people; I feel like strangers are always judging me, and I dislike others being too close or touching me. I’m not comfortable with hugging family members (although I'm trying to work on that). This is just one of the issues going on in my mind, and it's definitely not a matter of luck!

Today, I went to Safeway to pick up a few items. I was almost finished, just needing a couple more things, when I noticed a lady with her dog. As I turned down an aisle, there he was barking at Watchher. Usually, I would turn around and go back later, but this particular woman has been in the store before when I was with Watchher, and her dog had reacted to us in the past. I’ve complained previously, but the store informed me that there’s nothing they can do. So, I had to wait for her to finish in the aisle before I could grab the last few items on my list. I was ready to get in line, but I remembered I needed cheese, which was on the other side of the store.

I could see the woman with her dog standing between me and where I needed to go. I really didn’t want to go all the way around her, so I thought the main aisle was wide enough to pass by her. She was on one side, and I figured if I walked to the left and Watchher was on the inside (since he walks on my left), we would be fine. Unfortunately, that was not the case. There was no contact with the other dog, but he lunged at us. I partially blame myself for being lazy and not taking the long way around. But another part of me thinks I didn’t do anything wrong; I’ve encountered this woman before and had to walk around her or just leave, which isn't fair.

I spoke with the manager and told him this isn’t the first time I’ve had issues with her and her dog. I emphasized that this isn’t a service dog, as they’re not supposed to react to other dogs or people at all. Not many stores are aware of this, but if a dog behaves like that, they can be asked to leave because not only did they put me and Watchher in danger, but also other customers.

Now, I’m not sure what the manager told the other lady, but she was checking out at the same time as me; however, he made sure we had a clear path to exit the store.