I am a student at MSU and have recently become frustrated with people who simply cannot see a person with an assistance dog and leave them be. My mother is completely deaf in one ear and uses a "Paws with a Cause" dog to help listen for her and tell her directions of sound.

Every assistance dog must wear a vest that identifies them, which also says "Please do not pet, I'm working." It is unbelievable the number of people who stop her and ask all about the dog while she is simply shopping or walking down the street. You wouldn't walk up to a person in Meijer with a wheelchair and start asking them all about what's wrong with them, would you?

I expected young children to gawk and want to pet the dog, but it seems to be mainly grown adults who can't seem to read. They just walk up and pet the dog like it is no big deal. No matter how normal a person with an assistance dog looks, they do have the dog for a good reason. The working dogs go through extensive training to help their owners, and bothering the dogs by calling them or petting them does not let them do their job. The handicapped individuals have things to do and places to go, just like you do. So please, when you see a person with an assistance dog, leave them be.

Dan Stefan
finance senior