I was also pleased with the way people in the store treated us. They kept a respectful distance, but didn't veer around us, either. The only person who petted her, asked first. I had heard some pretty bad stories about service dogs in training having to overcome some pretty big hurdles because of something someone in the public does. There is only so much a handler can control.
So, FYI on service dog ettiquette--this goes for fully graduated service dogs and service dogs in training:
1. Never pet a service dog without asking first. Yes, they are friendly, but they are doing a job. At certain stages of training it is imperative that they focus on their handlers.
2. Treat the person with the dog as you would anyone else. This is important because the dog needs to understand the workings of real life.
3. If you want to pet a service dog, ask. It may be at a stage in training where it needs to be touched and handled by many different people. However, don't get upset or take it personally if the handler says no. They have their reasons.
4. Train your children to NEVER approach a strange dog--service dog or not. Children need to ask before they go up to any dog. This will keep your children safe as well as the dog. Most importantly, model this behavior--you ask before approaching a strange dog. Your kids will learn from you.
On to cuter things. One of the toys Peggy gave Cami became a favorite. It was a big, squishy pink ball. She would hold it in her mouth the entire time she was outside, no matter what she was doing. Unforutnately, she pulled the fluff out and the ball had to be retired.
