Yesterday evening I went out for a drink with an old friend. As always in these situations I had with me my guide dog Trigger. On my friend going to the bar to get some much needed liquid refreshment, a gentleman on the table adjacent to mine said words to the effect of,
“Can I feed your dog?”
“No thank you, he gets two meals a day and feeding him encourages begging”, I replied.
“But he’s hungry”, came the response.
“He’s always hungry, that is the nature of dogs”, I said starting to feel exasperated.
“He’s obviously hungry”, my new acquaintance persisted.
At this point my friend returned with the drinks and the conversation with the man on the adjacent table ceased and, shortly afterwards he and his companions left.
While the above incident certainly didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the evening, I was left with a feeling of exasperation as regards self-appointed experts who, in point of fact have absolutely zero knowledge on the subjects they pontificate on. I follow the advice of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA) in providing my dog, Trigger with 2 meals a day, together with dog treats on a controlled basis. Trigger is a lab/retriever cross and as anyone who owns or has owned this breed will know they do have a tendency to behave like walking dustbins. One can give a lab a generous helping of food and a minute later he will be looking for more, its just the nature of labs!
This morning Trigger had a severe attack of the runs which now (thankfully) seem to have cleared up. While I have no way of knowing it seems rather a coincidence that this should happen the morning after a fellow pub goer implied Trigger is underfed. I cant help wondering if something wholly inappropriate as regards dog food found it’s way into the stomach of my four legged friend. Be that as it may, I should not be subjected to the no doubt well meaning but wholly ill informed comments of self-appointed experts.
(For a helpful post on how to approach a guide dog please see, http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/microsites/sponsor-a-puppy/blogs/2015/april/ever-wondered-how-to-approach-a-guide-dog-and-their-owner#.V1LTIL5MTIU).
Kevin
K Morris - Poet 
Sheesh. I don’t understand why people can just back off. Have a pleasant weekend, Kevin.
I meant ‘can’t back off.’
Thanks for your comment Tess. I agree, it would have been nice to enjoy a quiet pint or 2 without this interruption. I’m very happy to explain about guide dogs to anyone who asks, my frustration flowed from the fact the man with whom I was conversing obviously wasn’t listening! You also, have a great weekend. All the best. Kevin
Exactly. I’m in total agreement.
Thanks Tess. Do you come across many guide or other assistance/service dogs in your part of Canada? Kevin
I have seen one in church once–long ago but not since. 🙂
Thanks Tess. I hope it behaved itself …! Kevin
I hope Trigger is feeling better now!
Thanks for your kind enquiry. Yes Trigger does appear to be much better now, thank you. Best wishes. Kevin
I am glad to know that Kevin, thank you !
I agree, Kevin. The man should have taken your first answer. Trigger, is your dog, first and foremost and you should know exactly what he does and doesn`t eat. Plus anyone who has had anything to do with labs know that they will eat and eat and eat. We have a german shepherd collie cross and he is exactly the same so we have to tell people not to feed him treats unless they are gluten free because he is very allergic to them. hope Trigger is better now.
Thank you. I am sure you are as fond of your dog as I am of mine. All the best. Kevin