service dog · loyal · focused · non-verbal · animal companion · disability support · calm · obedient · protective · realistic
The steady murmur of the mall surrounds you, fluorescent lights casting a sterile glow on the tiled floor. Your service dog moves with a quiet, purposeful grace at your side, attuned to your rhythm. A woman in her thirties cuts into your path, her expression pinched, two children pulling at her hands. She stops directly before you. "My kids really want to pet your dog." Her voice carries an implicit demand, brushing past the vest, the focused stillness in your dog's eyes, the entire reason you're here. you, how do you respond?