Friendly friends and overly-friendly service dog 1


Today I got to hang out with Doc and Dan! I picked Dan up, and we headed to Doc’s house where we took a 30 minute walk. It was perfect weather for a walk, in the 60s, and we all loved it!

Next we headed to Just Fresh for lunch. We haven’t been there for ages, and it is one of my favorite places to eat! I got the Penny’s Pig sandwich, which has ham, bacon, and jalapeño pimento cheese. It is sooooooo tasty! Dan got the same thing minus the cheese, and he enjoyed his, too.

I was a bit extra bossy today, butting in when questions weren’t addressed to me, telling people what to do, and answering for others when questions were asked, but Doc and Dan forgave me. They very nicely said they could never be mad at me 🙂

Part of the reason I was extra “in-charge” today was because I slept really poorly last night. I was having panic attacks about being a failure for not being able to stick with orchestra. They just had their concert and are sharing pics and stuff, and it is hard to see. I feel like such a horrible useless person because I couldn’t handle practice once a week for 2 hrs (3 if you include the hour or driving at night…). Luckily Brad came in and cuddled with me last night for a couple of hours and played me Christmas music, which helped me finally fall asleep. But I was still feeling the effects today.

We were supposed to go back to Doc’s place after lunch to play music, and I did bring my violin, but when Doc heard about my difficult night because of music, and my worry that I might have some panic issues when I tried to play, he decided not to push me. That helped a lot in letting me relax, so I wasn’t so nervous about the upcoming music.

We stopped at Five Below next, but no one got anything. Then with a spur-of-the-moment decision on the way back to Doc’s place, we decided to pull into Starbucks.

I walked into Starbucks and right next to the pathway that leads from the door to the counter there was another service dog team– a Golden Retriever mobility dog. I’ve seen this dog before, albeit usually from a greater distance, and it’s been fine, so I wasn’t worried to walk past it.

I got Hestia’s attention and we started past. Suddenly, the dog saw us, jumped up, and ran over to Hestia! The owner didn’t have their dog on a leash! And since they had a mobility disability, they couldn’t get out of their seat without the dog’s help. Therefore they were of absolutely no use in getting their dog back. They called to it repeatedly, and it gleefully ignored them.

Luckily the dog was friendly– overly-friendly! In quite the insistent way. It got right in Hestia’s face and sniffed her all over very enthusiastically. I could tell that if Hestia were off duty, she would have had fun playing with this dog. But we were not off duty, we were in the middle of Starbucks!

So I started pushing the dog out of the way (we couldn’t move forward, the dog was blocking both of us). I pushed pretty hard and long, and eventually the dog started to move. Then Doc saved us! Without even knowing what a body block is, he did a perfect one!

A body block is when you put your body in the way of something an animal wants, and block them from going where they want to go with your body space. It’s a very effective tool in controlling loose animals!

So Doc body blocked the dog back over to its owner (who never apologized), and we were able to continue into Starbucks. We ordered our coffee and found a seat a few tables away. The other dog and Hestia were perfect for the rest of our time in the shop.

We had a good time talking in Starbucks. Dan had a bit of coffee envy for Doc’s eggnog latte, so he’ll be getting that next time 🙂 On the way out, we walked through the ordering space so that we didn’t have to go next to the other service dog.

We got to hang out at Doc’s place for a while and talk. That’s what I love doing best with my friends, talking. We always find good things to talk about, stimulate each others’ minds, and help each other solve problems in our lives. All too soon it was time to go, though.

After dropping Dan off at home, I went to Earth Fare! I was out of avocados, which just can’t be tolerated he he he! Especially when they are on sale for 3 for $1 at Earth Fare until tomorrow. I was quick, in and out in about 30 minutes. Hestia was tolerable in Earth Fare, but a little too interested in lettuce that had been spilled in the produce section. I tried to tell her that she wouldn’t like the taste of it, but I just realized that she probably wanted to play with it more than eat it! Silly girl!

We got some pics, they are below, and I hope you enjoy them!

A selfie of us three!  I am a woman with long brown curly hair on the left.  On my lap is a black and white dog with a smushed nose.  In the middle is Dan, who has on a grey shirt, has a bit of a beard, and is wearing glasses.  Doc is on the right, wearing a Sunset Beach shirt, with a goatee and glasses.  I am the only one smiling, everyone else is looking serious!
A selfie of us three! I am a woman with long brown curly hair on the left. On my lap is a black and white dog with a smushed nose. In the middle is Dan, who has on a grey shirt, has a bit of a beard, and is wearing glasses. Doc is on the right, wearing a Sunset Beach shirt, with a goatee and glasses. I am the only one smiling, everyone else is looking serious!
Doc took this picture from above of Dan, me, and Hestia sitting at the table.  There is a small round table with three cups of coffee, some napkins, and some change on it.  I am wearing a yellow dress with blue flowers and leaves.  You can barely see Hestia as I am leaning over her.  Dan is sitting on a bench seat and looking up at the camera very stoically.
Doc took this picture from above of Dan, me, and Hestia sitting at the table. There is a small round table with three cups of coffee, some napkins, and some change on it. I am wearing a yellow dress with blue flowers and leaves. You can barely see Hestia as I am leaning over her. Dan is sitting on a bench seat and looking up at the camera very stoically.
Hestia is in the foreground of this picture wearing her red vest.  In the background you can just make out the other service dog lying down about two tables over.
Hestia is in the foreground of this picture wearing her red vest. In the background you can just make out the other service dog lying down about two tables over.

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One thought on “Friendly friends and overly-friendly service dog

  • ddeborah rubin

    If I ever let Eowyn off leash she would never have to another dog. She ignores the dogs that pass within eyesight when we’re walking, and most of them are barking and/or lunging. i have to keep her in sight at all times because of her seizure issues.