Rachel Lyons, a resident of Ottawa, shares her experience with her service dog, Geneva. To explore more of CBC’s First Person narratives, please refer to the FAQ section.
Upon entering the grocery store, Rachel faces a challenging environment marked by bright lights, crowded aisles, and a rush to navigate through the overwhelming setting quickly. Her disabilities, causing symptoms like panic attacks and dizziness, make it a struggle for her in such spaces.
Accompanied by her service dog, Geneva, Rachel finds solace as he dons his mobility harness labeled “service dog” and “do not distract.” Having Geneva by her side helps her feel at ease while she shops for the items on her list.
It is common for individuals to approach Rachel and express a desire to pet Geneva. Politely, she requests, “Please don’t pet him. He’s working,” and proceeds with her shopping, aided by her noise-canceling headphones that make navigating the world a bit easier.
However, not all encounters unfold smoothly. Last year, at a grocery store, Rachel encountered a stranger whom she had asked not to pet Geneva. To her surprise, the same individual appeared behind her, visibly upset, after she stood up from grabbing an item. The stranger accused Rachel of being disrespectful and expressed anger towards her.
The confrontation with the angry stranger in the grocery store aisle left Rachel feeling frightened and cornered. She repeatedly urged the stranger to leave her alone, eventually finding relief when the person walked away.
Overcome with trembling legs and a sense of breathlessness, Rachel sought solace in a quiet corner, sitting on the floor with Geneva who lay across her lap, providing comfort during a panic attack. It took half an hour before she felt composed enough to stand, and the fear of encountering the woman again lingered throughout the remainder of her shopping trip.
While not all interactions with strangers