The reopening of businesses and other public places in Chicago comes with new rules about temperature testing and occupancy guidelines. Old rules about social distancing and masks still apply, and after months wearing a mask outside the apartment, it’s little bother and an easy way to keep Illinois numbers down.
The Seeing Eye sent an email out to graduates reminding us that with all these regulatory changes, one thing that stays the same is this: The law still gives us the right to have equal access to public places, transportation, and air travel. And the Seeing Eye dogs who guide us? They have equal access, too.
New Seeing Eye dog Luna has been guiding me to more places since Illinois entered Phase Three of re-opening, and with more pedestrians out and about, I’ve come across more people who are dead sure that dogs can spread COVID-19. “Beautiful dog!” one stranger called out as we passed her the other day. I thanked her for saying so, and when Luna stopped at the next intersection, I discovered this woman had followed us. “Can I ask you something?” she said. I nodded a yes while keeping my focus on the traffic, determining a safe time to give Luna the “forward” command. “Do you have a mask for your dog?”
Where to start? With a laugh, I guess. “Dogs aren’t contagious,” I said, still focusing ahead. “They can’t spread the virus.”
”Maybe not,” the woman said. “But dogs can get COVID, your dog could die.” Just then I heard the traffic surge at my parallel. We had the green light. “Luna, forward!” I commanded, and the woman called after us as we crossed. “You don’t want your dog to get sick, do you?” she scolded. “Get that dog a mask.”
I wonder now. Was that woman wearing one? From the CDC about COVID-19 and animals:
The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking. Recent studies show that people who are infected but do not have symptoms likely also play a role in the spread of COVID-19. At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
Studies do show that the virus can survive for a period of time on surfaces, including a dog’s fur. but there is no evidence that dogs can transmit the virus to humans. The message the Seeing Eye sent out to us pointed out that fear of COVID-19 transmission from dogs could leave store owners and workers at other public places with an excuse to try and deny us access. Advocate for yourselves, the note said, reminding us that fear is not an excuse for denying access to a qualified service animal under the laws that protect us.
One silver lining about people walking around misinformed about dogs spreading COVID? Those people get wayyyyyyy out of our way, and people aren’t supposed to distract — or pet — a working Seeing Eye dog anyway!
Put a smile on my face. Glad you and Luna are getting out more. Is she still in training or has she gotten used to “city life”? Miss our writing classes but grateful for Zoom classes Sharon started to keep us together.
I, too, appreciate Sharon for keeping that group together, and I, too, miss being with you all in person like we used to do. And funny you asked if Luna is still in training. I seem to remember the Seeing Eye saying that it takes at least six months at home before the dogs — and we humans who work with them — start feeling comfortable with their work. Luna just celebrated six months in Chicago with me, but we’ve stayed in our own neighborhodd more than we would have if all things were, well, normal. We’ll see how things go when we venture to new places….someday.at home
Ugh
Yes.
What is it with people and their unsolicited advice? Ridiculous! That is taking “mask police” or “mask vigilante” to idiotic levels.
It reminded me of your chapter in “Writing Out Loud” when a woman told you Whitney was too skinny. I got a great laugh out of your resolution to that situation!
Yes to your thought about peole giving unsolicited advice. And thanks for remembering the other str stranger , the one mentione in Writing Out Loud, who told me my dog was too skinny. It wasn’t until I literally started writing this blog post on my computer that I, too, noticed the similarities!
That just goes to show you how many people refuse to do the minimum of research. But it is wonderful that you get to go out more and enjoy a bit of summer.
It is wonderful getting outside again. Simple pleasures!
I wish I was better at telling people like the woman that you met to mind their own business. I usually find that cat’s got my tongue when I get “friendly advice” about my dog.
I know what you mean. An hour or two afterwards I often come up with something brilliant I should have said. Too late, of course!
Have you ever noticed how neighborhood scolds are so proud of themselves? You just know she went off and boasted to the next person she saw that “I told her…”.
Exactly. Most times when stragers stop to tell me how I should be doing things, I simply say “thanks” and move on. At least I laughed during this one!
There is a delightful though sly term for the so-called helpful people who are under-informed or using disreputable sources for their decision-making. Covidiots. Just tucking that in the back of my mind has helped me manage to keep a pleasant tone while keeping my job as a Member Service agent!
The bright spot has been seeing the little ways people are helping others through this mess.
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