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 is immediately confronted by bright lights, crowded aisles, and a rush to escape the overwhelming environment quickly. This setting poses a challenge for her due to her disabilities, which manifest as panic attacks and dizziness.
Accompanied by her service dog, Geneva, Rachel finds solace in his presence. Geneva dons a mobility harness labeled with “service dog” and “do not distract,” aiding Rachel in her quest to navigate the store and locate items on her list.
Rachel Lyons describes how her service dog, Geneva, transformed her life.
It is common for individuals to approach Rachel and express a desire to pet Geneva. Politely, she informs them, “Please don’t pet him. He’s working,” and proceeds with her shopping, accompanied by noise-canceling headphones that ease her navigation through music.
However, not all interactions unfold smoothly. Rachel recalls an incident at a grocery store last year where she politely declined a stranger’s attempt to pet Geneva but was later confronted by the same individual, expressing anger at being refused.
Feeling cornered and startled, Rachel removed her headphones, only to face accusations of disrespect from the stranger, escalating the situation into a tense encounter.
After the stranger finally departed, Rachel found herself trembling and struggling to regain composure. Seeking solace in a quiet corner with Geneva’s support, she managed to overcome a panic attack triggered by the stressful confrontation.
Reflecting on the episode, Rachel underscores the impact of negative interactions on her well-being in navigating an already stressful world.
She highlights the pivotal role Geneva plays in her life, enabling her to partake in activities she once found daunting, such as attending concerts and relishing outdoor experiences.
