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It's pretty common knowledge that service dogs are different from common house pets.
Service dogs have a job to do.
Petting them/distracting them can actually interfere with that job, since their senses and focus must remain acutely attuned to their owner's needs.
So when a mom approached a woman in public training service dogs and asked if her child could pet the dog and was denied, things got... a little bit ugly.
The video was shared to Facebook by the trainer in question.
Megan Stoff, the woman who posted the video, said:
"Had this crazy experience yesterday at the mall where some lady asked if she could pet the dogs. People ask us all the time so I just said, 'no.' All the dogs are working so it's my go to answer. And they walked away. No big deal right?"
Well, clearly, big deal.
This woman went out of her way to come back and yell at the people training the dogs for being rude.
The internet is in pretty strong agreement that this mom is 100% out of line.
Most people know that working service dogs should not ever be pet without permission, but some mother with little c… https://t.co/4mbXi48F3l— Rafael (@Rafael) 1545418213.0
It may be confusing how to act when you see a #servicedog but this is certainly not the way to go. Patches on the d… https://t.co/fIZzlgYl1j— Stephanie ♿🌈🦓🤓 (@Stephanie ♿🌈🦓🤓) 1545424624.0
People pointed out that asking permission before approaching or petting ANY dog should be what is taught.
And when the answer is "no" there is probably a good reason.
No one has to let you pet their dog, even if it isn't a service dog! Don't let your kids run up to random dogs! Ma… https://t.co/wUams4VN8T— Josh H (@Josh H) 1545424476.0
These are the kind of parents that raise spoiled, entitled brats... just tell your baby no and keep it moving! You’… https://t.co/qgOZ07FqeO— Harleen Quinzel🖤 (@Harleen Quinzel🖤) 1545365152.0
What is wrong with people? Everyone knows you don't pet or approach service dogs, you nut job. Also, it is NOT ille… https://t.co/sUigNyYvyg— Lisa Nesbit Reuss (@Lisa Nesbit Reuss) 1545354936.0
No sympathy for this self absorbed entitled woman. Get a grip. It is clearly stated don't pet a service dog multipl… https://t.co/GLwAKRr1Gj— 🌊Velvett (@🌊Velvett) 1545458633.0
The video, which took place at a mall in Pittsburgh, has been shared over 87,000 on Facebook alone.
Stoff, who is autistic, says that this is not an uncommon occurrence, but the energy it takes to describe why to strangers is often beyond her capability.
She said to Bored Panda:
"I'm autistic and sometimes just can't speak very efficiently at all so I can't explain even if I wanted to."
It's a darn shame that certain people think they are entitled to do what they please. Angry Mom Confronts Service D… https://t.co/s4wYkCQdi3— Not Mike Prisuta (@Not Mike Prisuta) 1545582161.0
NEVER interfere with a service dog. They are working and have an important job to do. ALWAYS ask a handler, or an… https://t.co/MDDOVFl2am— Blanket Burrito OzpinWolf (@Blanket Burrito OzpinWolf) 1545496631.0
This.... Just because my service dog is small and cute does not give your permission!!! https://t.co/oxEJzZr3eC— Red (@Red) 1545576475.0
it's not hard. don't harass service dog handlers and their service dogs. period. https://t.co/hb6Z9prdL1— Sassafras Lowrey (@Sassafras Lowrey) 1545495364.0
Wow! Service dog or not you aren’t entitled to pet a dog. 🤦🏼♀️ But especially service dogs.... https://t.co/JsJQXTKEdf— Aimee Miller (@Aimee Miller) 1545437550.0
Security was called to deal with the woman, who was reportedly "crying" as she was escorted away.
Good God. No one is entitled to pet *anyone's* dog, let alone a working service dog. What the hell is wrong with pe… https://t.co/0RCAEaE7sw— Raven Mae (@Raven Mae) 1545523204.0
@crissles This entitled woman really said “I’ll call my lawyer” because her kid couldn’t pet a service dog in train… https://t.co/9gtHvsWmRA— Lexiiii ✨⚡️💫 (@Lexiiii ✨⚡️💫) 1545514355.0
If you see a dog in the mall, I think it’d be safe to assume it’s a service dog. I doubt the dog was out picking up… https://t.co/Umu0e7VQ5P— Becky🌼 (@Becky🌼) 1545447110.0
"There was no common sense here," Stoff says, which is a perfect way to sum up the ridiculous events which took place.