Do you get rude comments about your handicapped pet?

[sarah]

Just curious, because we do all the time

We have 5 animals, two of which are special needs. One of them though, Finn, is a 1 year old Boston Terrier who has spina bifida and as a result is completely incontinent. He is a VERY happy little dog (I'm smiling thinking about what a great little guy he is!), but we get rude comments every single day about him because he has to wear a belly band and diaper 24/7. Its hard because a lot of the comments happen at our business (we own our own business and take our dogs to work everyday). We've put up a sign and its helped a little, but, ugh. Its just exhausting. One of these days I'm just going to snap on someone LOL!

To elaborate, we adopted him KNOWING we would forever get questions about him and we're fine with that... but the rude comments, snide remarks, blatant laughs, etc. are just shocking. I'm just curious if anyone else out there has experienced anything like this? If you have, how did YOU handle it?

[slshepherds]

Oh yes. I have several dogs with limb deformities, some people stare, some ask questions but there are those who shout insults or say hurtful things. As for Carl, my paraplegic, strangely most people have no problem with his disability, being attracted to him I think because of his goofy nature. He gives me an amazing opportunity to talk to people about handicapped dogs. The only really negative comment I have ever had actually came from a vet tech who told me that "young dogs like that don't belong in carts". I guess they just couldn't see beyond the cart which is their loss.

[Bobbie]

Where did the vet tech think he should be? Dead, or dragging on the ground?

I got "spoiled dog" comments when Merlin was in the stroller. (Not in the cart, there he was the cute little dog or the poor little dog.)

[slshepherds]

Oh, I had no doubt that the tech thought Carl should have been euthanized as he was disabled. Sad that people focus so much on looks.

[critters]

I seldom get much trouble from "the world," but the family's full of it.