Category: the Rant Board
If someone else comes up to me to tell me how beautiful my dog is, or how wonderful it is that my dog is taking care of meBla Bla Bla I will hit them. I have had my dog now for two and a half years and this is really getting old. I just want to drink my coffee, eat my lunch, listen to music, etc. I am so tired of being this walking talking display that people can look at and come up to what the heck.
I don't blame you. I felt that same way when I had a guide dog. Unfortunately, as much as it sucks, the reality is that being a dog user, these things will happen, and I doubt they're going away anytime soon. Stil, as I said, I know the feeling. I tried to remain patient with the public on stuff like this. Sometimes I succeeded, other times I'll admit, my patience cracked, and I got pretty bitchy about it.
this is one of the many reasons I choose not to have a dog guide. Having said that, I can understand your frustration. I guess it's only natural for people to want to come up to you, compliment your dog and give him/her attention. Most people don't have a clue what the difference is between a working dog and a pet dog. Where it crosses the line is when the person in question won't respect you when you tell them they need to back off.
this is reason number one why I choose not to have a guide dog; I'd rather people focus on me if they choose, not the service animal.
It's both a good thing and a bad ting really. It's good if they can ask questions or what have you and still respect that the dog is working. It's when they can't that you start to have problems. Some of my best friends are guide dog users and I hope to at least try it for myself at some point. The real issue, although I'm sure you probably know this already, is that people feel more comfortable addressing a blind person if tey're accompanied by a dog. The problem lies in the fact that the dog is the focusing point of their curiosity. The dog is more interesting than a cane since it's a living thing and has its own personality. The thing that I see getting to me is if I'm walking along with a guide dog and someone tries to introduce their dog to mine. That happened with my friend Laura not long after she brought her dog home from GDB. And when she refused (she was just about to cross a busy street), te lady got all bent out of shape, sort of like the way some people do when they start trying to pull you along and you ask them to stop. And they do this no matter how polite you are.
Echo what many people say: Reason number 1 of many for me not to get a dog guide.
My sister-in-law is the handler of a mascott celebrity dog which to many may not sound the same, but I hear from here, then come on here and read posts, and the attention is exactly the same, excluding the blindness of course. I don't know what it is with people and these biologically-engineered descendants of wolves, and why the infatuation to the point of ridiculosity. Some of the things I see people do in public in front of a dog, effacing themselves, prostrating on the ground in front of it, wriggling, writhing, babbling, cooing, allowing themselves to be slobbered and slopped upon after the dog has just licked who knows what else.
We made dogs, so one can admire what we have accomplished, if one wants, and certainly people have strong feelings for the one theyhave, or their family / friends have, but this primitive idyllic devotion and prostration is really an absurd exhibition of people's primal characteristics maybe. Something out of a anthropologicla documentary showing people in front of stone statues they've made.
They just seem to come undone. I can completely understand people's frustration with that.
There's a blind young woman down the hall from me here at college. Yesterday, she told me people stop by her room, not to see her, but to see her guidedog. I told her that would make me upset. She just said she thinks it's funny. Um, really? I would be a bit insulted.
The only thing I find funny about how people react to guide dogs are the things people think guide dogs do for us, as if they're some mad scientist's experiment where he puts a human brain in a dog's body. It's kind of telling when people think the dog takes care of the blind person, as if it does the daily chores and puts the grocery list together while the blind person is kind of passive. But outside of that, acting as if a guide dog is more important or more interesting than the human part of the team can seem insulting and dehumanizing, even though I'll bet people really do not mean anything cruel by it. They just see the dog and, I don't know, they are very dog-focused people.
A humans brain in a dogs body lol. It's crazy what people think guide dogs do. I just don't understand why people think the dog is smarter than the blind handeler.
To Ocean dream and happy heart I totally understand your reasoning for not wanting a guide dog, because people like you because you have a dog, and if you don't let them pet your dog you become an evil bitch in there eyes.
Some blind people like the attention there guide dog gives them, I guess they are really lonely or have low selfasteam.
I'm another person who has no desire to ever get a guide dog. I have never cared much for dogs to begin with, and I have several family members who think it's just horrible that I won't even consider it. I've heard things like how no one will mess with me if I have a dog because it would attack them. No matter how many times I explain to these people that that is not part of their training, they don't back off about it. Now, whether a guide dog would defend its master if they were being attacked is up for debate, and I'm sure it's happened, but it's kind of counterproductive from what I understand because the dog can't really display a lot of aggressive tendencies.
Then there's the fact that I don't want to be ogled on the street. Sure, it's going to happen anyway because I have a cane, and that draws its own kind of attention. I've heard some people say that a cane is a source of pity and a dog is a source of empowerment. Supposedly having a dog is a big confidence booster, while the cane draws the wrong kind of attention and makes you a target. I don't know about all that either.
I disagree. I like dogs (my family has a labrador), but people seem to think that if I have a guide dog I won't need assistance ever again. They seem to think the guide dog will walk me to a car rental shop, help me pick out the right car and then identify the money for me to rent it, then drive me where I would like to go and find my hotel room for me. Of course, people still think my cane is an integrated GPS, analyzing computer, and magic wand, but this seems less prevalent than the guide dog thoughts.
If I were single I'd get a dog to pick up chicks.
I love that girl down the halls opinion. I'd think it funny too. Soon you know the people actually get to know you too. Smile. Dogs to get the girls and boys. I loved the people enjoying the dog. There is an easy way to say okay folks we've got to go now. People understand that. There is enough in the world to be uptight about, and this just isn't one of them. Eat your lunch, listen to your music and let them pet your dog. Lol
Roman, when I had my dog in college, I was once accused of using my dog to pick up guys, when that was the farthest thing from my mind. In fact, when a guy made unwanted advances toward me, Dusty placed himself between me and the guy, in a very rigid posture that clearly stated, "To get to her, you're coming through me." He didn't growl, for which I am glad, because if he had, I would have been forced to correct him for showing aggression. But I saw no need to do so just because of body language.
I do not plan to get a guide dog again. I love dogs. We had them as pets growing up. I'd like to have a pet dog some day. But the fact is, I'm much more comfortable with my cane. Yes, I miss the fluidity that comes with dog travel, but I couldn't get used to the lack of tactile feedback. People thought my dog could do anything from telling when the traffic light was red or green, to just knowing where I wanted to go without my commands. They don't understand that the blind person still needs to know how to get to their desired destination. I did not like the unwanted attention that having Dusty brought on. There are many reasons I won't get another dog, but that is one of them.
You mean your dog couldn't take you to the beer store?
I had a friend in college. Marvina could take us to the 7 11 and take us directly to the case he used all the time. We'd tell her beer! hahaha.
Now I know he wasn't suppose to allow us to walk with her, but me, because I was soon to get my own he's just give me her harnes and say go get the beer. Great dog, and a wonderful guide for all the foolishness we did.
Ah Jared, I'm afraid you would pay for dinner and drinks for her only to have her try to kick you out of the bed and snuggle up to that 'lovable dog' ... Those aren't the chicks you want, not for good times anyway. lol
That reminds me of a girl I dated about five yars ago. She wanted me to get a guide dog and kept on me to hurry up with it. But she wanted me to get said dog not because of the possible benefits to me, but because in her words, "then we'll have a doggie." I could tell just by that statement that she would have been a bad influence, and that's putting it mildly, on my dog.
Yeah, I'm right there with you on the unwanted attention my dog draws. There are days when I just want to slap people. The ones that really set me off are the people who come up to me and say "I know I'm not supposed to pet your dog but..." while they stand there and pet my dog. Assholes! At first I thought it was kind of fun that people were less freaked out by my blindness and people would actually talk to me. But now, I just find it offensive that they're all only interested in my dog and I might as well not even exist. If I'm going to be ignored by most of the world, I'd rather not have to have the same dog conversation 20 times a day. I really only want to get to know the people who look past the dog and are interested in me. Those kinds of people will be able to look past a cane as well so I'm definitely over thinking of my dog as a good ice breaker with people. Unfortunately, she only attracts people I'd rather not know. I do enjoy the ease of traveling with a dog but at this point, I've decided against getting another one when my girl retires - partly because I'm tired of dealing with the public and partly because I miss the tactile feedback I get from a cane. I can walk faster with a dog, but I think I prefer going slower and getting more feedback. I've got a few years before I'll really have to make that decision and maybe things will change. Don't get me wrong. I love my dog and would do anything for her. The partnership between a guide dog and handler is an amazing relationship and I know I will miss it. I'm glad that I've had the experience, but if she retired tomorrow, I'd go back to the cane for sure.
Um, for whatever reason, I'm kind of outraged at this behavior. OK, so here are people who are fully and lucidly aware they are not supposed to pet/handle/distract a working dog, but I guess because it's a dog, they feel it's OK to do what they know they're not supposed to do?
The irony is that I've seen instances of more kids getting it right than adults. I'v been with lots of guide dog handlers when a mom or dad told their kids, "let's go pet the doggie." And the kid was more often than not the one to tell the parent no, because it's a working dog. So oftentimes the kids are smarter than the parents.
So it really is that the dog walks you and not you walking the dog?
I really never got uptight about the people petting my dog. We'd move so fast some times that they'd have to jog to keep up, so maybe that was why?
Now them girls... *sigh Make sure you send them home if you detect she's after your dog. You never know what she might say in the morning.
"I got bitten last night honey did you feel it too?"
Time Traveling Bunny, I figured out the same things when I had a dog. In my mind, people saying it's an ice-breaker are just kidding themselves. It sucks when you figure that out, but it's the truth.
Godzilla, yes, people's behavior is outraging. They'll do exactly as TTB said. "I know I'm not supposed to pet your dog, but do you mind if I do?" As they're already doing it.
Bryan, you're right. When I had Dusty, more often than not it was parents wanting to pet my dog, and their small children telling them they couldn't.
I am a handler and totally hate this too. My mom thinks it is freaking great, which is why never move in with parents then get a guide lol. We have to stop and be nice to everyone we meet in the stores and god forbid if I just say thanks and quickly walk away I am being hateful and rude.
Another thing I find odd is how people feel the need to tell me about their dogs. "Hey, I have a dog. It's a (insert breed here)." Um, really? That's fascinating. You are the first person in the entire world I have ever met who is also a dog owner. I never know what to say to these people. It's just so random. And they all are so sincere in their belief that I will find this to be amazing news and it never occurs to them that I hear 20 dog stories a day.
Brian, you are right about kids. I love it when I hear a kid correcting the parent. And this raises another thing that I find extremely rude. It's the parents who say "Hey, look at the doggy" or hey, let's go pet the doggy". Thanks for teaching your kids to stare, point and goggle at people who are different. That's some good manners you're passing on there. I always want to point back and say "Hey, look at the rude dumb ass." But of course that would be considered rude. And what makes these people think that I am walking around for the amusement of their children? I am not here to provide entertainment. I just don't get it. I feel like a walking freak show. I should start charging people. $1 to stare, $5 to tell me about your dog and $10 to pet my dog. That's it. I'm going to print up a shirt. Only problem is, no one will see it because all anyone sees is the dog and I am invisible. I used to have a t-shirt that I liked to wear when I was out with my dog. It said "keep Staring. I might do a trick." Interestingly, I had a woman tell me I was rude for wearing it and told meI deserved to get my ass kicked for it. Fortunately, that was one of those encounters where I was moving too fast for the chick to bother with chasing me down. Some people just don't appreciate sarcasm. I really need to replace that shirt.
Of course, I knew all of this kind of crap was going to happen before I decided to get a dog so I really try not to get too worked up about it. But, I do find it entertaining to rant about this stuff every now and then. It helps keep me from becoming homicidal.
@ Godzilla, you hit it right on the nose bub.. I once heard a stor about a man who got onto an elevator with his guide dog and felt for the braille numbers that would get him to the right floor... Do his disgust he found that the elevator didn't have braille on it... He knew there was at least one person who was on the elevator as well, so he politely asked if they could pres floor 4. After a few seconds of awkward silence and no response to his request the man reached out to pat the person on the shoulder to ask again. After tapping the man he asked again a little more impatiently, "could you please press floor 4 for me" the man a little startled responds, "Oh i'm sorry I thought you were speaking to the dog"
lol, what the heck?
OK, TTB, I will soon be going to Google to find such a shirt. I think that's great, although I'm sorry that one chick couldn't get over herself and go buy a sense of humor. LOL!
I'm glad I'm not the only one to find the attention overwhelming and have the desire to be left alone. I had an awesome German shepherd for a couple of years but decided it was best to give him up because I could not fully adapt to the lack of tactile feedback. It was disorienting, like floating down an unfamiliar river, and in addition to that I must follow the same set of algorithmic steps to get from point A to point B each time. One even small random change in the route by my dog could cause me to be lost in my own apartment complex or school campus. So after I gave him back, I was entering the school building and an unfamiliar voice asked, "Where's your dog?" My response: "Who are you? I don't know you."
Love that shirt. hahahaha.
man I gotta get a shirt like that
TTB, that's awesome! We need to start making such shirts!
You can have them made at any mall to say whatever you like. T shirt shops do it for a fee per letter.
I Googled and a number of places sell such a shirt already done up, so it's not a rarity by any means. Some of the places I saw it were Zazzle, Wiztees and URtshirts. Just put the phrase in quotes in a Google search, followed by a plus sign, then the word t-shirt also in quotes and you should see some results.
In reply to the original post of this topic, I must say I have a story to tell, that is rather hilarious myself.
A friend of mine, who is visually impaired and deaf, uses a guide dog. When people aske to pet it, he either tells them, "You can't pet him, he's working," or just ignores them. Smelly, you just have to ignore it, or indulge it. The public responds to a dog walking passed them, and you just have to deal with it, though if they start bitching, just move/leave/move along. I, personally would enjoy having a guide dog, because I looooooove dogs in general (if they are slightly small e.g: a French Bulldog to a great dane) but also for the bondage that you and your dog will develope over time.
Cheers and best wishes all round,
Austin
so would people prefer that the public remained ignorant?
I have to say that some of the attitudes on this thread show people as having massive chips on their shoulders.
The reality is that people attract to all sorts of things. If you have a guide dog then people will come and tell you what a lovely dog. If you have a baby people will come and tell you "what a beautiful baby," (and this regardless of whether you are blind or not). I know someone with twins, and people stop her in the street all the time "oh how lovely, twins, are they identacle?" and someone who has two girls a year apart "oh how lovely. Are they twins?" and so it goes on.
Fact is that people take an interest in various things, and those things might just not be you. And it's not all about the need to "educate" people, some people are just interested, and yes, some people are ignorant, but if we don't correct their ignorance they will remain so Is that what people want?
I have a guide dog. He is my 3rd guide dog. I have had the "oh does your dog help with the cooking/oh he doesn't know when the lights change? well he's not very good then, is he?" comments from people and I politely explain. I have had the occasional person run up to him in the street and to be honest the majority of those have been children who have been able to be corrected that A "you must always ask to stroke a dog because while my dog is friendly not all dogs are," and B "no he's working at the moment so I'm afraid you can't stroke him right now," (if in a busy place), but I have been known to stop and drop the handle in order for a child tostroke my dog because ultimately, today's curious child will become tomorrow's ignorant adult if no-one gives them the chance to discover how it is.
I have recently moved to a new area. Some of the routes around here take me across massively busy roads. I have already met people who have marvelled at the fact my dog is able to take me across x road, and I have gently explained that it is my responsibility to know when to cross, but his to stop me if I get it wrong, and they have picked that up and are more aware now. I have had people spot me with the dog and offer help across the roads (which I always graciously accept) including one who actually came back across a road to get me even though technically he could have shouted that it was safe to cross (these are junctions with high amounts of traffic on all sides).
If I'd acted in a stand-offish manner towards these people because I thought that they thought I was helpless how willing do you think they would be to offer help in future? or to offer help to someone else in a similar situation but who lacks my confidence?
Many of peoples' perceptions of disability (any disability) are born out of ignorance. But I'm afraid to say that it is equally true that many people's perceptions of disability are formed from the way in which the disabled person reacts. Whether we like it or not, people will only learn that the blind aren't helpless if we show them that we're not helpless.
How else do you expect people to learn?
I love your post Sugar. . You have the correct outlook on it. Seems to me, and I have said things to this place all the time that getting along is better than negativity.
I still like that shirt, funny. Lol
I understand what you're saying, Claire, but, looking/asking about a person's children isn't the same as wanting to pet a guide dog. they're two extremely different scinarios, in my opinion. it'd be like comparing oranges to chocolate; you just can't do that.
when people see someone's babies, they don't say, "oh, may I touch them"? they simply look, maybe ask a few questions, then promptly move on. so, while society does take interest in things, it's also our right to welcome that (or not).
I don't think choosing to ignore it is a bad thing; it's simply a matter of personal choice. sometimes there are reasons why (such as needing to get somewhere quickly) in which case, I wouldn't welcome attention of any kind.
oh but people do stop to touch babies.
Go on to any parenting forum and I will show you posts from women who are outraged that someone stuck their face into the pram to see the baby/touched its cheek/offered it a chocolate button/biscuit on a bus. If you want unsolicited opinions then become a parent.
Of course there are times when it is annoying that people distract your dog. And of course there are times when it is appropriate to ignore them and move on. On Friday night in fact I was at a railway station when a man was blatantly trying to distract my dog. Yes, it annoyed me. Yes, I commented to my companion about it at the time. But there is a vast difference between someone who stands to one side trying to call your (working) dog to them thus distracting it from its work, and someone who comes up to you to tell you that you have a beautiful dog and probably wanting to make conversation. Maybe you have time for conversation, in which case why not do so for an instant. Maybe you don't, in which case say "thank you," and move on. And if someone needlessly tries to distract the dog just ignore them and carry on, or if they engage then say "please don't distract him he's working," and move on.
But this attitude that the world is somehow ignorant/against the blind and that the dog comes first just really doesn't show people in a good light at all. There are ways of declining attention without showing yourself to have a chip on your shoulder.
I still don't, nor will I ever consider the fact I say guide dogs come first in people's eyes as having a chip on my shoulder. I've seen that be the case more often than not, as well as had other guide dog handlers vocalize it. if you feel differently, though, more power to you.
for the record, I'd react just the same if someone walked up and touched my child. I'm not a violent person, but that sort of behavior isn't to be tolerated. there are things in life you just shouldn't do, and touching my guide dog/child without permission from me are two of them.
then how do you ever expect people to change their attitudes towards the blind if you are not prepared to engage with them? It is not always a case of that the dog comes first, it is just that the dog is a talking point, and whether we want to admit it or not, there are still a lot of attitudes surrounding disability that will remain unaddressed if the people with said disabilities remain unwilling to engage on those points.
The point I always make to people re my dog is that:
When the handle is up, he is working and please do not distract him (incidentally he has a sign on his handle which reads "please do not distract me, I am working,").
When the handle is down he is wearing the harness and is ready to be working but technically isn't, but that it's always adviseable to ask to stroke him because:
A: Not all guide dog owners are happy about people touching their dogs, and
B: if you stroke my dog without asking first, I might not realise you are stroking him and might just think he is messing around and will correct him for it.
I really don't see what the problem is with people touching a guide dog as long as it's not actively working at the time and they are at least polite about it.
on the front of not seeing why I take issue with people petting my dog/touching my child, all I'll say is to each their own. we'll clearly never see it the other's way, so it's best left as is.
and, I never said I'm opposed 100% of the time to educating people; as with other things in life, though, there's a time and place for everything. the great thing is, I have the freedom to choose when that will or won't be.
The public touching small child or guide dog, is unexceptable and rude. I don't understand why someone would want to touch someone elses kid, what if the kid has something contagous, or the person touching the kid has something? What if the kid is having a bad day and doesn't want to be touched by some strange passer by?
And the dog what if it isn't feeling up to being petted either?
People just reach out to touch things without even thinking about and I hate it.
oh shit sorry for the grammer issues in my last post.
Sugarbaby, I feel the exact same way. If some one is trying to pet my dog or talk to him I politely tell the person, Please don't distract my dog, he is working and I don't want to run into a wall or something, Then I smile and say thank you. I guess I just don't let things bother me, it's better to teach the public about guide dogs than not at all. Some of you just need to chill a little
I don't mind educating people if
1. The question comes at a time when I am in the mood to talk to this random person about something that is not one of my main interests.
2. The question is logical.
Education does not equal having to be someone else's brain because they refuse to use their own before asking a question. "How does your dog know when it's safe to cross the street," is an example of a logical question. "Does he turn the lights on for you," is not, because first, I don't need them and second, most light switches would be out of a dog's reach.
i have to agree with sugarBaby too, i fully plan to get a dog one of these days, and if i have to help people understand, so be it. Saying i don't want people to just touch things is pretty harsh, what if that person is visually impaired, like you, or has some other problem? think of what you say
Touching your child is not going to give that child anything. You know some people think that about the blind. You touch a blind person that blind is going to jump on you.
A dog is easy to get back in order, or should be. If sommeone is trying to get your dogs attenchen it is a simple thing to keep the dog going. These animals are train after all for what they do, and they have been schooled in distractions.
If I'm sitting at a table, or not doing anything go for it. Kiss it, pet it, coo whatever you like. The dog loves it. Lol
What if someone has a cold and touches your child? Also you don't know where peoples hands have been. I guess I should have been more clear. I guess we will agree to disagree. Children and dogs should be safe from curious hands.
So what a person is curious so what!
thats like me saying hay i'm blind and curious so can I feel your face, get a feel inside your purse and ask you questions about how it feels to see. How does your brain deal with all that visual information it is recieving. Don't you think If I started asking sighted people thease questions they would get a little affended.
I keep reading a repeated point on here. I'm perfectly happy to answer questions as long as its on my terms. you ask me a question when I'm not in the mood to answer it, and your a fuckin' asshole.
Sorry to tell you this, and it may come as a shock, but the world doesn't revolve around your moods. Sometimes people are going to do this little thing called talking to you, and sometimes they're going to talk to you about something you really don't want to talk about. In this situation, you have several courses of action, the most useful one is by politely nodding along until another conversation presents itself that is more palitable to you. You might also try engaging them in a conversation that interests you. This is called communicating, and its something that many humans do.
The thing about guide dogs is, they're dogs, what do you do with most dogs; that's right boys and girls, you pet them. Most dogs that adults or children have run into a cute, furry, yapping little ankle biters who wouldn't hurt a fly. Thus, when they see a dog, the first thing they think is, I want to play with it. You can't really fault them for that.
You keep saying, "well they should know its a guide dog". I personally don't remember being taught this before I got one. It wasn't taught in school, wasn't a sign on every street corner, there was no news report about it. Tell me, where exactly do you expect these people to get this information? There's a reason we are a minority, because there are more of them than there is of us. Guide dogs are not exactly common things, you don't see them every day. How many guide dogs do you just randomly run into on a daily basis? Probably not many, I know I don't. So you can't really blame them for their ignorance.
Also, saying that you will only discuss things which are logical is extremely subjective. I could feel the same about discussing something you have no idea about. Lets assume that you have never read a book on atomic particles, could I then call you an idiot for not knowing anything about them? Of course I couldn't, you haven't been taught.
The thing you have to remember is that people who are sighted have most likely never met a guide dog, have not known people with guide dogs, have not gone to a school, seminar, or meeting about guide dogs. Its very difficult for them to realize that its a working dog, and there are certain times that its inappropriate to pet them. There is, however, one way that they can learn, and that is you getting off your high horse, stop being an insufferable, stereotypical angry blind asshole, and explaining it to them. Does it get annoying at times, absolutely, there are days I feel that if I tell another person what the name of my guide dog is, I'll choke on it, but I do it anyway.
Remember this, if your going to be an insufferable asshole about it, you may one day need that person's help. What are you going to do if they refuse because you were so rude to them?
If you have a guide dog, and you get asked to pet your dog, or if someone pets your dog, follow these steps:
1. If the dog is working say something polite. "I'm sorry, please don't pet my dog, it/she/he is working right now." is always a good bet.
2. If the dog is not working, make a decision on whether it is alright for them to be petted. Remember, petting is not lethal, and will not kill your dog; they'll be fine afterwards. If you wish, take the harness off of the dog, if it is legal to do so in your area, and let it play a bit.
3. If you decide it is not a good time for the dog to be played with, simply politely decline and explain why. "I'm sorry, but I'd prefer you did not pet my dog today, it/she/he has not been well behaved lately."
That is called being polite, and I promise it makes it a lot easier.
agree with cody re logical/ilogical questions. Also think of it this way:
""Does he turn the lights on for you," is not, because first, I don't need them and
second, most light switches would be out of a dog's reach." The thing is, service dogs have now extended beyond guide dogs into the relms of hearing dogs and dogs for the disabled, so while a guide dog might not be trained to switch on a light switch, there are certainly dogs out there now who are trained to do just that, amongst other things, thus making the question not ilogical at all. Also, while you as a blind person may not need the light, the number of people who actually have no vision at all is very small compared to the number who are registered blind.
nowhere did I, or the original poster say we'd be rude to people wanting to touch our child/pet our guide dog. and, you know what? if I'm seen as such cause I don't allow it without my permission, so be it.
"I'm going to punch the next person who asks me" ... is the thread title. That doesn't exactly imply the desire for a nice polite chat does it?
maybe it was a form of expression. or, maybe it was meant seriously. however, you shouldn't fault the person for feeling that way just cuz you yourself think it's wrong. I personally wouldn't take that avenue, but to each their own.
still, I'm in complete agreement with smelly. it's refreshing to know someone feels similarly. and, I'd venture to say that most others would share our outlook, too.
maybe it's different in the UK, but here in the US, most people wouldn't be ok with their child randomly being touched by anyone, much less a complete stranger.
Well if we can't fault a person for feeling differently than us, because of something we think is wrong; you can't fault other people for doing something you think is wrong. You can't have your cake and eat it too. If you accept that everyone has different outlooks, and you just have to live with that sometimes, you have to also accept that that belief extends to yourself as well. Thus, your entire argument is unvalidated.
"maybe it's different in the UK, but here in the US, most people wouldn't be ok with their child randomly being touched by anyone, much less a complete
stranger." and nobody here said they would. What I said was that you get comments from people regardless of your situation, about how lovely your dog/baby/twins/even probably your dress/car if people feel so inclined. And let's not lose sight of the fact that we're not actually talking about children here - we are talking about dogs. It is totally natural for people to want to stroke dogs - any dogs.
I'm aware we weren't talking about children, but was trying to make a point. and, as you'll notice, I did say the same holds true for dogs as far as I'm concerned. so, yes it's valid.
I believe in the US babies get touched all the time. People are also smart enough not to touch your child if they are sick.
I don't believe it is possible to get a cold from a simple touch, unless its some kind of virus, like the bird flu. In that case people aren't even going to get close to you during that time.
Now these dogs, they love it, I say let it roll. Trust me, your dog is trained well, and has been schooled in these things. Maybe it would help to talk with your training school about the matter.
Now on the face feeling, I really think you should give that a try. Next time you hear a nice girl, or guy you think you might like, just put your hands on them and start to ask questions.
I want to thank all of you for taking the time out of your busy lives to listen to my rant. I got different points of views witch I enjoyed reading. I disagree with some of you but that is all good because if we all agreed life would be super boring. I feel it is wrong for people to stare and gawk and come over to me. I understand people are ignorant but I am not a teacher, if one wants to know about a subject then they should read about in a book or use the internet. Yes we are the minority so disfigured people are a minority and so basically what your saying it is ok to stare and point at them and us? We should welcome peoples ignorance because we might need help from them I don’t think so. So I am going to let you pet my dog because you have something I want. That’s like being nice to someone because they have something you want, that is not cool at all. I have to admit I have been nice to people and let them go gaga over my dog so that I could get stuff that I wanted, after wards I felt kind of cheap. After my dog retires I am totally going back to the Cain, it is so not worth the drama. I love traveling faster and I love my dog but damn not worth putting up with ignorant people.
I can see what Claire is saying here. And she's right about unsolicited opinions when you are a parent, and people wanting to pinch cheeks pat the baby, etc.
And, while I tried to be humorous in my prior post about how people react to dogs in general, I can certainly appreciate the struggle dog guide users have.
My brother has triplets, and while he and his wife are by nature rather reserved, not really in the public eye, there has been no way they can stay to themselves now that they have three boys who look identical. When they were babies, everyone came by as we walked. They couldn't go half a block without stopping sometimes. I'm sure they got some weird questions.
SilverLightning wrote:
"I keep reading a repeated point on here. I'm perfectly happy to answer questions as long as its on my terms. you ask me a question when I'm not in the mood to answer it, and your a fuckin' asshole.
Sorry to tell you this, and it may come as a shock, but the world doesn't revolve around your moods. Sometimes people are going to do this little thing called talking to you, and sometimes they're going to talk to you about something you really don't want to talk about. In this situation, you have several courses of action, the most useful one is by politely nodding along until another conversation presents itself that is more palitable to you. You might also try engaging them in a conversation that interests you. This is called communicating, and its something that many humans do."
I do not get angry and think anyone an asshole because he/she cannot discern when I would prefer to be left alone to think about one of my projects. When I had my dog and this happened, I tried to give what they wanted by having the answers to the most commonly asked questions at the forefront of my mind. I found that discussions about my dog which managed to stay on the topic of dogs for more than about five minutes rarely led to anything else of substance. It is only human to become overwhelmed by the constant barrage of questions and want to vent. That doesn't mean I am deliberately rude or that I am even angry. It simply means I am not google for blindness questions. My hope in life is not to construct each scenario in my day so that it serves as an object lesson for the education of the nearest sighted person. However, if it seems the person put a bit of thought in to their question, then I will give a more detailed answer and we will probably launch into an interesting discussion.
This is where the dog questions/comments topic spills into the general blindness category. SugarBaby, you are probably right in that my lightswitch-operating dog example was not the best one. My point is that if people don't put much thought into there questions, not only are they less interesting, they also tend to be too vague or broad and difficult to answer.
Example: "How do you live on your own?"
I was born completely blind and cannot imagine the kinds of struggles this person is thinking/imagining my going through as a blind independent person. I need a more specific question. Asking what cooking appliances I use, how I match my clothes, how I read my mail, etc. are all specific questions.
Giving short answers to specific questions is not being an "insufferable blind asshole". It's being a human who does not always appreciate small talk.
But you can't fault other people for not being able to read your moods perfectly. How do you expect everyone else to be able to gleen exactly what you think is appropriate? Do you wear it on a sign around your neck or something? How could they possibly know that you are not a very approachable person because you feel that your level of questioning is far superior to there puny ignorance?
The basic fact of life is that people are curious, and that curiosity often comes out in simple questions. Just because something is simple, doesn't mean that it is ignorant. Often, when faced with a new idea, we ask simple questions in order to better understand it. Why are you so opposed to answering these questions? What makes you so much better than the rest of humanity, that you are able to look down upon others for acting as humans naturally do?
Now certainly, repetition gets annoying. My dog has an unusual name, and I do get tired of telling people what it is over and over again, but its perfectly natural for them to want to know. My frustration does not make their question invalid, it simply makes it a question that a lot of other people have asked me. But how are they supposed to know that I've been asked the same question fourty times in the past six minutes? They aren't me, and they probably cannot read minds.
The basic premiss of the idea is that you are bringing something unusual into a public place. that will raise questions. Whether it is a guide dog, or a baby, or a tiger, or what have you. Unless you perfectly blend in with the crowd, you don't escape the public eye. Even if you have a cane you get asked these things. I got asked questions as often with a cane as I do with a guide dog, so really, what are you complaining about?
"Why are you so opposed to answering these questions? What makes you so much better than the rest of humanity, that you are able to look down upon others for acting as humans naturally do?"
I agree with you that telling others the name of my dog over and over again got really old, but at least I knew how to answer the question. There was only one possible serious answer. Again, my final point was, although I am not an education service, I do answer questions. It is not that I refuse to answer certain kinds of questions. I simply don't know how to answer them because there are too many possible answers. Example: How do you live on your own? Does this answer require an address, a monitary amount and disclosure of how I obtain that amount, an overview of how I cook and clean, or are they looking for some sort of understanding as to how I can stand to live without anyone else around? There are even more possible answers than the ones I've listed, and the question doesn't give me any clue as to where the other person is coming from and how to answer. Where I'm coming from, my first response to such a question is "How do I not?"
" Of course this isn't what they want, but how can you fault me for not being able to read minds in order to figure out the answers to such questions?
I personally don't expect anyone to read my mind or know when I don't feel like answering questions; all I'm saying is that I shouldn't be seen as a bitch just cuz I choose to take that avenue at times.
as I've said in numerous replies, I don't mind educating people. in fact, I quite enjoy meeting/talking to others. however, this mumbo jumbo about it being my job as someone who's blind to educate society, is absolute bologna.
if you wanna have that outlook, though, that's fine. in fact, I'll agree by saying that I'm educating people just by getting out into the world, living my life, and sure, on occasion, verbally educating someone. for me, that's enough; others probably feel differently.
I've to agree with the post 48 what kodi has posted here. just tell them politely. if the same person is asking the same question over and over, then there's a reason for getting anoyed and even I myself will get pissed off for sure.
I usually be friendly with my friends and surroundings. as long as they are not hurting me on purpose. As we are minority in this world, sighted people are much curious in knowing about our practice and such.
Whether you believe it or not, I think it's off topic but let me say that shortly. once one of our security guards at work asked me, while being a blind, how you people are doing intercourse and how will you identify the right spot. I got angry and asked him, do you keep your lights on while doing? there ends the matter. he gone quiet.
so try to be polite first, explain it at the beginning. and if they are repeatedly doing the same, kick them on their but.
Raaj.
Voyager, I will give you a simple process by which you may more fully answer the question of "how do you live on your own".
First, give the person a smile, this will let them know that you are friendly. Its good to be friendly. Friendly people are more liked by other friendly people.
Next, and this is the part where you may get lost, so pay close attention, you ask them for clarification. I know, its astounding, (actually its more astounding that you never thought of it, but lets be sarcastic shall we?), you simply ask them, "what do you mean?"
After this question has been asked, they will probably say something in the general area of, "Well, how do you cook for yourself?" Then, you can explain that you use other means to know when food is done, and so on and so forth.
Now, because certainly we have times when we are busy and cannot go into a full blown explanation of every day life, there is a shorter version which I find helpful. If someone asks you how you live on your own, or how you get around, or any number of a host of general questions such as that, you simply reply, "I've had years of training". this gives them the mental image of you going to school to learn how to do these things, and they're satisfied.
If you are too busy to even say that small phrase, then I have to ask why you even enter into conversations in the first place. You might try becoming a hermit. I'm told they are asked very few questions.
Seriously people, is it really so difficult for you to take a few moments out of your day to explain something? You might even ask them something in return, ask them what they're favorite style of underwear is, something. There is no need to be so off-putting about anything.
Now, I'll take that back, if they start asking you about something extremely personal, you have every right to not wish to answer. However, if its just a question of, "how do you know when to cross the street", is it really so taxing on you to explain the system of traffic to someone? What could you possibly be doing that takes so much time that you can't have a simple conversation with someone?
If its a matter of them breaking your concentration, you simply politely say, "wait just a moment". Really, you can do it, I promise.
You know, I sometimes wonder exactly how much of a wrong stereotype the angry blind person is. I can often see why people think we're angry all the time.
"I understand people are ignorant but I am not a teacher, if one wants to know about a subject then they should read about in a book or use the internet." No you may not willingly be a teacher, but whether you like it or not you are an ambassador, and rightly or wrongly people will often form their opinions of certain groups based on their encounters with individuals from within those groups. If you are habitually rude to people when questioned about any aspect of your blindness then it is likely that people may be reluctant to engage with blind people in future, and that will extend beyond just general questioning about the disability to engaging in general.
It also baffles me somewhat that it is those who are the most vocal about just how ignorant the general public appear to be that are the least reluctant to want to actually engage with them and to set them straight in the hope they will not remain that ignorant.
It seems to me that people want the genral public to know everything, but if they don't they should't be the ones to tell them.
You can't have it both ways. Either you want the public to treat you as an equal, or you don't. And if you want the public to treat you as an equal, then you have to be prepared to set them straight when they get it wrong
Thank you Sugar! That's exactl the point of what I'vetried to say in other, similar topics. That while we ourselves might not consider us as representatives of the blind community, whatever that may be, in the eyes of the sighted each and every one of us does, in fact, represent the whole. And sighted people will often judge all of s based on a single encounter with a single individual. And if said individual was rude to them they'll make the assumption, however inaccurate, that the rest of us must be as well.
But if someone meets a blind person with an additional disability, that person is going to walk away thinking we're all mentally incompetent/deaf/what have you. Should we be expected to be "ambassadors" and fix that? That's ludicrous. I agree that we shouldn't be too quick to write off the public curiosity, and I for one am a private person and prefer to be left alone, but whether I like it or not (and trust me, I do despise it at times) I'm going to be stared at and people are going to ask stupid questions. But avoiding additional publicity by getting a guide dog, to me, doesn't seem rude, it just means I'd rather not have a dog for my own reasons, and I think, because of my temperament, that the additional unwanted attention wouldn't be something I'd be comfortable with.
I know this is going to be the thing that annoys me the most when I get my dog.
I am so happy that some people feel that it is there job to be the imbassitor for the blind. Nobody elected you for this job.
I don't accept that position. I want to do good and useful things not because they represent the blind (I couldn't care less.), but because they are the right things to do.
right on, to voyager's last post. couldn't have said it better myself.
Yep, I was thinking the same thing. I have no idea how I suddenly became a billboard advertising the normalcy or lack thereof within the blind community, and whoever appointed us that can shove it.
you go Voyager do things because it will make you a better person not because it will make the blind community look better. If I woke up everymorning thinking that every little thing I do represents the blind community I would go crazy.
We also have to remember that the publics education comes much from television, and what they have been told. This education is mostly wrong, and is the reason people see us as they do.
I don't view myself as a representative of the blind community, I view myself as a representative of myself. I am polite because it advances my purposes. I answer questions because communication is how you make friends. I could care less about the rest of the blind community. The fact of the matter is, I live in a small enough environment, that I run into the same people on a regular basis. If I am not at least somewhat polite, I end up being alone, and I don't want that.
I agree, don't be an embassador for the blind, be one for yourself.
That's exactly my point though. WE OURSELVES may not consider ourselves ambassadors and representatives for the blind, but that's how many of the sighted view us, even if they don't think so on a conscious level. And THAT! is the point I've been trying to make. We're either depicted on V as helpless and savages (that stupid Blindness movie), or we have superpowers like in Daredevil. Of course neither of these are really true. But like it or not many sighted people do indeed judge us all by one person. If they meet someone who's rude and demanding and has the view that we're entitled because we're blind, tat's ow they're going to view te rest of us. Certainly more often than not they'll change their view as they have more favorable encounters but some will cling to teir original view like a security blanket.
but, Cody isn't saying he agrees with that stance. he's saying, as am I and others, that we aren't embassadors for blind people as a whole.
We may not look at ourselves like that but that is indeed how many sighted people view us, even if not consciously..
So how do you resolve this conflict between seeing yourself as an individual and the public seeing you as representing all blind people? Do you just be yourself despite how the public sees you, as long as you don't act like a jerk, or do you cater to the public and act as if they're right because they're the majority and it's their world, even if they're wrong, or do you do something completely different?
No chelsea, that isn't what I'm saying. I'm not saying we aren't ambassadors to the sighted, I'm saying we shouldn't act like it. There is a difference between not being something, and not acting like something.
I act how I do for my own purposes, this does not mean that it does not further the understanding of the sighted people I come into contact with. They judge others, and I have seen this in action, by how they view me.
The students at my college leaped to welcome the newly arriving blind student, because most of them had known me. My friends, who had experience with the things I need, were more than willing to help this new girl.
Now, if I were an unapproachable jerk to everyone, do you think it would have been as easy for her to be accepted? Certainly not.
Now, I wasn't polite in order for her to have an easier time, I didn't know she existed, but it worked out that it helped her. That is the difference.
But that's just it, you didn't know your politeness would have a hidden benefit to someone else. You just went about your business as you normally would, and that in itself was helpful. People who walk around with this mentality that they're doing something good for the community by educating people is what bothers me, especially since it's those same people who look down on others such as myself who don't take that attitude. I believe that living your life the best way you know how is its own reward, and we shouldn't concern ourselves with the reputation others have left because we can't control that. In an employment situation, we're hopefully going to get hired because of our skill set, and yes, it's going to be harder than it should be, but that would be so even if that employer met 10 nice, well-adjusted blind people before you.
post 81, my thoughts exactly.
So what your saying is, you feel that being completely unapproachable, and acting like an ass, is the best way to live your life? Your that impolite on a regular basis? I truly find that appalling, and hard to believe.
I don’t think anybody said that being unapproachable and acting like an ass is a good idea. I believe that constantly being bombarded with questions about blindness is annoying. I answer questions nicely but sometimes I get really tired of it. I feel that answering people’s questions does not educate them; it just makes them think that all blind people are like you. That is wonderful that your being kind to people benefitted another blind girl at your college, but know everyone at your college is going to think that she is just like you not cool. At my college I am very well known and liked, because of this my friend who is also blind gets asked all the time why doesn’t she have a dog or why she isn’t like me? Is that really the message we want to send to people. People are going to think whatever they want I don’t feel that it is my job to change this view. If they want to think we are all eye pocking, rocking idiots that don’t match so what One very important thing I have learned about blind people is we are all different and If me being a certain way effects how other people are seen that is just awful. I don’t have a chip on my shoulder I just have a dog that gets distracted really easy, and the solution I was given was to not let people touch. So the petting while you’re sitting down thing may work for some people I wish it worked for me but it doesn’t. I try my best to explain to people as politely and as calmly as I can about my problem but they seem to feel that it is a well trained dog and should be able to deal with being distracted and then going back to work. I literally got cursed out by this lady because I told her “sorry but my dog is working right now.”I even got one of those signs that say Ignore me I’m a working guide dog, nobody reads it, Or if they do read it they ignore the sign. When my dog gets distracted I have to use extreme methods to get my dog focused again. I just don’t know what to do about anymore. Has anyone had to do doggie obedience in front of a crowd of people it is oquard?
But you make it sound as if your the only one in the world who has things that they have to deal with. You get asked about your dog, the guy down the street probably gets asked about his wheelchair, the girl gets asked about her crutches, the little boy gets asked about his cast, and the lady gets asked about the abnormal growth she has. Everyone gets asked about something. Your not the only one who has something annoying they have to deal with.
I understand having to answer the same question over and over and over again. I even have to deal with the same follow up question. I have to repeat my dog's name at least twice before people get it right, and even then they have to ask me again in ten minutes because they've forgotten it. But, the thing is, that isn't their fault, its an unusual name. Do I get frustrated, absolutely, but what gives me, or you the right to take out our frustrations on someone else?
Think of it this way. You've been asked the same question over and over, and its aggrivating you, but how many times has that person asked you the question? You probably just said, "only once". So if you blow up at them, assuming they're being polite in the first place, then you look like a jerk. If your alright with that, then fine, that's your choice, and I pity you. However, it doesn't give you the right, and thus does not preclude you from the consequences, to take your frustrations out on others. You just don't have that right.
Now, in the case of the people who ignore your sign or cuss you out, you have the right to defend yourself, but escalating the problem by being standoffish, is probably not going to work. You might try just walking away from it.
Yes, it can be embarrassing when the dog messes up in front of a crowd, but you chose to get the dog in the first place.
Why do you assume that just because we get annoyed and express frustration on a message board that we behave like standoffish jerks. I don't like the attention and I do get tired of it at times. This does not mean that I act on these feelings. I answer questions with patience and politeness because I believe that being respectful to people is important and I want to be treated the same. I haven't seen anything that would indicate that Smelly acts like a standoffish jerk either. Saying you feel like punching people does not mean that you will actually punch people. The original post in this thread is clearly an expression of frustration and nothing more. It's a harmless rant. That is all. It is possible to have negative feelings without acting on them and there is nothing wrong with expressing these feelings in a forum read by people who are likely to be in a in a similar situation who are more likely to understand. Why does everyone make the leap that we are all angry blind assholes just because we say we don't enjoy a particular aspect of blindness i.e. staring, pointing and constant attention from the public about guide dogs? I too have an easily distracted guide. I simply can't allow petting in harness. However, I am always polite when dealing with this issue. I don't just say no. I explain why it is unsafe. If someone gets mad at me for not allowing them to pet my dog, that's their problem for not understanding. The public's desire to pet a working guide can never be allowed to take precedence over the safety of the guide dog team. If this makes me standoffish, then so be it. All I can do is represent myself. I treat people as I want them to treat me, even when they don't necessarily conduct themselves appropriately. Getting all judgmental and labeling us all angry blind assholes is out of line in my opinion. I'm sorry I can't be perfect and shoot rainbows out of my ass 24/7 because apparently being blind is supposed to just be freaking awesome all the time. Seriously, relax. And I hereby relieve you all of the responsibility of representing me. I don't buy into the idea that one encounter with a blind person will impact all future encounters with other blind people, even in a situation where someone has never met a blind person before. Sure, people make generalizations - that's why stereotypes exist in the first place. But I meet all kinds of people from all kinds of minority groups. Some of them are awesome and some of them are jerks. Blind people are no different. It is completely unreasonable to judge an entire group on the actions of a single person. Everyone I meet starts with a clean slate and I think that most people do the same. If you behave like a standoffish jerk, you will not be treated as well. this is true whether or not you are blind. By my experience, most people, who may start out being uncomfortable with my blindness, loosen up and are perfectly fine with me because I am courteous and try to make people feel at ease. This has nothing to do with the actions of any other blind person. It is because of how I choose to conduct myself. I am not actively trying to educate anyone. I am living by my own moral standards. If people learn from me, fine. But it is not my responsibility to carry the entire blind community on my shoulders everywhere I go.
time traveling bunny, your last post demonstrates my feelings exactly. very well said.
Yup @TimeTravelingBunny @HappyHeart I wholeheartedly agree. And, if I'm otherwise occupied, I don't necessarily opt to fulfill their curiosities. They have a right to ask, we have a right to either answer or refuse, no more and no less. I do try and encourage them to Google it if their questions come at a time when more important things are underway, however. Granted, am not a dog user, but to a lesser extent have had this with a cane, and with a daughter me being a blind parent.
Also I am going to bee nice because its just who I am but if someone keeps asking and asking dumb ass questions "there going to get a dumb ass answer." No, I am not sorry for that statement, this is a rant board "deal with it."
I agree with post 86; the idea that one blind person's actions/behavior are going to affect how every other blind person is treated is ridiculous. I've met sighted jerks.. does that mean I think all sighted people are jerks? No, absolutely not. We are all individuals and we are all different. None of us can be expected to be representatives for the blind community. To be honest, if someone is going to be judgmental toward me without even getting to know me because of a previous encounter they had with another blind person, I most likely would not want anything to do with that person anyway.
Time Traveling bunny I totally agree with you I couldn’t have said it better myself. This is a rant board and blindness questions are annoying, and some questions I just don’t know how to answer like:
1. Is the dog blind? How do I answer that question? no sorry I am It doesn’t make any since why would a person be taking a blind dog on the bus with them?
2. Can the dog make me a sandwitch? No sorry the dog has no thumbs. Some service dogs can open doors and stuff but mine can’t.
3. Is that your home dog? I had to ask the person what they ment.
4. Does the dog get mad at you? This question was so vage all I could say is I don’t think so in a confused tone.
Yes people have really asked me all of the the questions listed.
I get it I am not the only one who gets asked stuff. I am not the only one who gets asked can I pet your dog. It is just people wanting to distract my dog that makes me and my dogs life harder. I already know someone will disagree with this statement but I am sure people in wheel chairs don’t have people coming up to them to ask hay can I sit in your chair?
Others have expressed my sentiments much more eloquently than I could have, so I'll just say this. If anyone honestly thinks it's rude to consider myself a normal citizen, someone who may get a lot of unwanted attention but chooses to have a somewhat detached attitude about it, then you're the one with the problem, buddy. I don't think I should have to grovel and kiss the collective ass of the general public just because I should. I never said I was rude to anyone, nor do I intend on being rude. What I am saying is that I in no way represent every blind person in the world, and neither do you, nor does anyone else who has replied to this topic. So go ahead and pity me if you want, but I pity you just as much for bending over so far backwards your head is stuck up your ass.
Oh, I'm amused. Can the dog make me a sandwich? Why no, but anger it enough and it'll make a sandwich out of you, so watch your step! Hahahahahaha!
I'm kind of on the fence with this one. Of course, there is certainly no reason to be rude when asked questions, as long as the people are just asking/trying to make conversation with you. and I do agree that there are better ways of handling the situation than shoving someone off. Just nod, smile, tell them you apreciate their interest but you have things you need to do, or, as others have demonstrated, take the humor/sarcasm route if people really aren't using their heads. However, there is a difference between being rude to people, and not being okay with someone randomly coming up and touching what is clearly yours without your permission, whether that be a child, a dog, or any type of personal property. I'm sorry, but I'm not okay with that, and I don't blame others for feeling the same way. there's nothing wrong with firmly, yet politely asking them to refrain from doing this, but if the behavior continues, sorry, but you've been polite; the people chose to ignore your polite request. this is where I think you are within your rights to get pushy with people. I'm not talking all out battles, making threats and causing a scene, but if the situation calls for it, there is nothing wrong with physically removing a person's hand from your dog, or whatever the case may be. I react very similarly when it comes to people assuming I need help and physically grabbing me and "helping" me cross the street. come up to me and ask me if I need help, and I'll be polite and respectful to you all day long. I'll either accept, or politely decline your offer and let you know I appreciate the concern. But physically grab me, and we're going to have issues, especially those people who assume they know where you're going when clearly they do not.
To post 90, exactly! I meant to make that point as well and forgot. Well said and thank you for reading my mind and filling in the gaps.
The most mind boggling questions I've heard are:
1. Is that a real dog?
2. Does that dog live with you?
And believe it or not, both of those have happened twice! It's beyond stupid. It takes a great deal of self control to answer stuff like that with a straight face. I'm not going to lie. I laughed every time. I just couldn't stop myself. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get to the local guide dog storage facility to pick up my ultra-realistic looking super robot dog.
The only one I've heard directed at me was when my cousins sent me a picture they'd drawn as a Christmas present. Someone, I forget who, asked them how I was supposed to know what it was. One of them responded that my dog would tell me. Of course they first had to be told that I didn't have a dog, then that even if I had one it couldn't describe pictures to me.