In this First Person account, Rachel Lyons, a resident of Ottawa, shares her daily challenges navigating public spaces with her service dog, Geneva. To explore more First Person stories by CBC, please refer to the FAQ section.
Each visit to the grocery store presents a sensory overload for me, with glaring lights, bustling aisles, and an overwhelming urge to swiftly exit the environment due to my disabilities. These conditions trigger panic attacks and dizziness, making it a daunting place for me to be.
Accompanied by my service dog, Geneva, sporting his mobility harness emblazoned with “service dog” and “do not distract,” I find solace in his presence as I navigate through my shopping list.
Rachel Lyons shares her life-changing experience with her service dog, Geneva.
Encounters with individuals eager to pet Geneva are common. While I politely decline their requests, indicating, “Please don’t pet him; he’s working,” I proceed with my errands, aided by my noise-canceling headphones that offer a semblance of ease amidst the chaos.
However, not all interactions unfold smoothly. A particular incident at a grocery store last year involved a confrontation with a stranger who reacted vehemently after I requested she refrain from petting Geneva. Her unwarranted anger left me feeling cornered and defenseless in the store aisle.
Feeling shaken and breathless, I sought refuge in a quiet corner, sitting on the floor with Geneva comforting me through a panic attack by applying pressure on my body to soothe my nerves.
Positive encounters amidst such distressing experiences are uplifting. Following the altercation, a compassionate store employee offered me a water bottle, showcasing a glimmer of empathy.
Geneva has been a transformative presence in my life, offering me newfound independence and security, a stark contrast to my past struggles with leaving the house and feeling at ease in public settings.
