If you’ve ever wondered what a perfect doctor appointment for someone with a service dog would be, stay tuned for this story!
Yesterday (yes, on a Sunday!) I had an intake appointment for an orthopedist regarding my talar dome lesion in my ankle. I had never been there before, and went with just Felix. I was a bit nervous coming in, especially as I chose not to vest Felix and have him just in his seatbelt.
I checked in with no one saying a single word about Felix, and was called back immediately. The nurse took my medical history with zero mention of my service dog. Then the doctor came in the room, and he didn’t even mention my service dog!
So here I am with this cute completely unmarked dog on my lap, and no one is saying a single word to me about him! It was perfect! That is exactly how I want to be treated as a service dog handler. Like I am a normal patient with nothing special about me!
In fact, the only time during the whole process that they ever mentioned Felix was when I told the doctor I wanted to be able to walk my dogs again, and he asked how old Felix was.
So that was my perfect doctor appointment with a service dog. Not one word about him, not one question, second glance, not even a raised eyebrow! I got to just be a normal person there for a normal reason.
And as to my talar dome lesion, they are doing an MRI in early January to get a better look, and then it is likely I might have to have surgery. But hopefully not, so we will see!