Rachel Lyons, a resident of Ottawa, shares her experience living with her service dog, Geneva. For more stories like this, explore CBC’s First Person section by referring to the FAQ.
Every time I step into a grocery store, I am immediately struck by the bright lights, bustling aisles, and the urge to quickly navigate the overwhelming environment due to my disabilities, which manifest as panic attacks and dizziness.
Accompanied by my service dog, Geneva, who wears a mobility harness labeled with “service dog” and “do not distract,” I find solace in his presence as I go through my shopping list.
Often, individuals approach us wanting to pet Geneva. I politely request, “Please don’t pet him. He’s working,” while I continue shopping with my noise-canceling headphones on, which help me navigate the environment more smoothly.
However, not all encounters are positive. Last year in a grocery store, after asking a stranger not to pet Geneva, I was taken aback to find the same person standing close behind me, visibly upset, when I stood up. She accused me of being disrespectful and insisted I had mistreated a dog lover.
Feeling cornered by an angry stranger in a grocery aisle was a terrifying experience. To ward her off, I repeatedly urged her to leave until she finally did so.
After she left, I realized I was trembling, feeling weak, and struggling to breathe. Finding a quiet spot, I sat down with Geneva, who laid across my lap, helping me cope with a panic attack, a task he is trained to assist with by applying pressure and calming my nervous system.
It took about 30 minutes before I regained composure, and for the remainder of the trip, I was apprehensive about encountering the woman again.
Not all encounters are negative. Following the incident with the angry stranger, an employee approached me and offered a water bottle.
Geneva has been a life-changing presence for me. Over the four years since I welcomed him into my life, he has restored my independence, allowing me
