Northern Train conductor interacts with guide dog despite ‘do not pet’ sign, company apologizes
Northern, a train company, issued an apology after one of its ticket collectors petted a woman's guide dog against her wishes. The incident raises awareness about the importance of respecting working guide dogs.
Unexpected Interaction on a Northern Train
Chloe Tear, a visually impaired passenger, was traveling to Leeds on a Northern service when an unexpected incident occurred involving her guide dog, Dezzie. A member of the train staff approached Dezzie without permission and initiated contact with the dog. The staff member justified the interaction by claiming that Dezzie was lying down and not working.
Tear was taken aback by the encounter, especially since Dezzie was in his role as a working guide dog. A prominent sign attached to Dezzie's lead clearly indicated, «do not pet.» Despite this, the conductor proceeded to pet the dog.
Tear, who was returning to Leeds from a trip to Blackburn, explained, «It was a bit odd, it was like an internal monologue. He was telling Dezzie that he wasn't working so he could stroke him. Dogs are working, even if they're lying down. Dezzie is young, and we have only been partnered for four months.»
She also expressed the difficulty she faces when asking people not to pet Dezzie, as some individuals become defensive. Tear has relied on Dezzie as a lifeline after transitioning from using a long cane with the assistance of friends and family.
The Importance of Respecting Guide Dogs
Paul Bush, the Canine Assisted Services Operations Manager for the Guide Dogs charity, emphasized the significance of allowing guide dogs to focus on their guiding responsibilities. Distractions can potentially endanger their owners, especially in busy environments or while crossing roads.
Bush
