Hands off these good service dogs

What if you or a loved one could be aided in coping with any of a myriad of conditions — diabetes, deafness, autism, mental illness, blindness, epilepsy, arthritis, cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, Down syndrome, cardiac problems and a host of other issues?

What if the unthinking actions of strangers — even a well-meaning, kind-hearted stranger — could undo all the good done by that assistance?

You just wouldn’t let that happen.

Yet every time someone reaches out to pet a service dog who is on the job, he or she is jeopardizing the future of someone who needs that dog’s assistance.

Yes, it really is that simple.

Today we feature a story about an unusual service dog. Lukas is a a small, brown Yorkshire terrier. He rides around in owner Mesha Ambert’s bag like Bruiser on “Legally Blonde,” but he’s no frou-frou canine; he’s Ambert’s lifeline.

So when Ambert reports that Lukas’ usefulness has been diminished because people just can’t resist scratching his cute little head when Ambert and Lukas are out shopping, it’s not just a doggone shame — it is a serious problem. Lukas’ bag has very visible notices on its sides saying that Lukas is service dog, he’s on the job and he is not to be petted.

While most people will stay away from a German shepherd leading its blind owner and will keep their distance from a Labrador aiding a physically impaired human partner, Ambert reports Lukas’ diminutive size generates too much curiosity to keep people at bay, despite the signs. The result is Ambert’s diagnosed anxiety increases and Lukas’ training is impaired.

The fact that Lukas can help Ambert in so many ways is amazing. That dogs can sense the early onset of a seizure or a heart attack, smell the presence of a tiny tumor, can be a person’s eyes, ears or mobility, and so much more, is mind boggling. We’ll learn even more from our companion animals as we recognize their uncanny abilities and dispel the myths about “dumb animals.”

It’s a shame that it is the obtuseness of humans that is hampering the work done by service animals. Working service dogs must be respected as the professionals they are. Sometimes it’s best to let all dogs — not just those sleeping — lie.