Ginny's First Day Out as a PSD-in training

[caitfoster]

Well, Ginny has proven to be smart as a whip. She is willing to learn and wants to please. So I decided to introduce her to the public setting as a Psychiatric Service Dog in Training.

The first step was to call everywhere we were going to go today. That ment the transit system, A&P, the LCBO and Walmart. We have a wonderful taxi service in town that will take you and your pet around and stay with you while you do your errands, for a low price of 20.00$. No matter how long you are out!

So first we got on the bus, with of course, a little bit of trouble. But the bus driver (after explaining everything) radioed the supervisor, and the supervisor confirmed that yes, I was getting on with a PSD and a PSD-in Training.

Next was Walmart. The greeter welcomed me as she had been informed I would be comming in. Aparently during my hour there every sales associate came up to her and told her about a girl with 2 dogs in the store. But I only got told once that I shouldn't be in the store. A far cry from the usual 5-16 warnings I get when I am in there! I guess it pays to call ahead!

On to A&P. Billy Bob helped me do my shopping (he owns the pet taxi service) and everyone wanted to stop to pet Ginny! Of course I had to keep saying, "She is working, sorry, you can't pet her." Then proceded to explain what a PSD is and what they can do. So a 15 minute shopping trip turned into 45 minutes instead.

Finally the LCBO. Billy Bob carried Ginny and we got into a huge lineup for 2 bottles of wine. But no problems there. The sales associates were very kind and wanted to see Ginny.

So she is a hit! I didn't go into a dissasocative state today, so she got no practice, but I am very proud at how she managed on her first day out as a PSD-in training.

[Prue]

Wow sounds like a good day! Glad to hear Ginny did so well.

[IreneWpg]

Thank you caitfoster for informing people that dogs on the transit and in stores are working and should not be petted or distracted from their job. I learned that a while ago and always try to remember (even tho it is hard to resist some of them). People need to made aware that these are service animals and must be left to do their work.

[joyful]

Hey, glad it was a good day for you and Ginny!

[KaylaKat]

I'm glad to hear that you had a good day!

[Prue]

How's the training coming along Cait?

[caitfoster]

Training is coming along swimmingly! Ginny is very smart, and loves to go out. At first I had a little trouble putting on her vest (she hated it), but now when she sees it she knows we are going out.

I took her to a bar last week and that went over well. Some jerk got up on the kareoke mic though and said "Dogs are not accesories, they should be left at home, not brought to the bar!" So I went up to him after and said "Ginny is a Psychiatric Service Dog in Training and I hope you feel good that you have made fun of someone with a disability." He had no comeback except to say "Whatever."

I have never encountered such rudeness with my PSDs, but that is "my" bar, so to speak, and everyone knows me there, so they all comforted me.

[Prue]

Glad to her Ginny's training is going well, don't let some loser in a bar whose most intelligent response is 'whatever' bother you!

[WandaJean]

you are a very strong woman

[caitfoster]

you are a very strong woman

Thanks! I try. lol

I think that I am going to take Ginny & Atthe out today to Walmart.

[bcteagirl]

Let us know how it goes, glad things are going well so far!