YEah, so true. There's been a few guide dogs in my shopping centre and my daughter has wanted to pat the dog, and i said exactly the same that the dog is the owners eyes and when a dog is wearing a harness like the guide dogs, she's not allowed to touch them, and the last time she saw a guide dog, she said " I'm not allowed to touch that dog mummy am i, as it's a guide dog " and i was so proud of her, and the blind person, and the carer heard her, and they thanked her for it, as said she was a good girl etc, and she couldn't believe she was only 5 and went to centre management and told them what happened and my daughter got an award from them, and got a free cd ( hannah montanna ) and free lunch.

Anyways, this is a great article and as Amerlinwinga has said, this is something that everyone should be aware off.

great advice,

xoxo

yeah leave them alone!!!!!!........They are doing there job. Well written and this is something everyone is aware of.

Tee

Great advice Nat. Its so hard when kids just wanna pat any dog. Well written.

Love Kelly

Were I live theres alot of dogs in the naighbourhood we have a dog now a big one she lovely so soft but gets excited soo easily. I know my kids will be raised to respect all people and pet's you made a very  good point many times i have seen parents stop a blind men for there children to be allowed to pet the dog, but this is teaching bad habits when mothers not there accidents could happen. I erg all parents to simply advice your children not to pet dogs they dont know we here too many horror stories!

mwah Jo xxx

we have a family friend that for years has worked for the guide dogs in brisbane and has been trying to get the word out there on how important they are and that they should not be pated unless the owner has said yes to it 

this is great advice well done

great advise... And if children also ask like my caitlyn did the other night when we were shopping as why there was a dog in the shop, its a good idea as well to explain why this dog over your own dog is allowed in the shops....

So important yet so overlooked
xxx

Hi there,

I too am in agreement with Lexi . . . Thankyou for bringing this to our attention . . .  It most surely is something most of us wouldn't think of . ..

Great advice . . .  Cheers Kellz

have to agree with lexi would have never thought of that.....thank for informing us....well done.....

something people don't often think of

 Lexi xxx

This is something very close to me also as my FIL is blind and has been for 40 years.

My boys have been taught from day 1 about the importance of these special animals.

My oldest knows that Poppy can't see him but knows what he's like by hearing his voice and listening to him play. And everytime we see a Guide Dog with their owner he always says "that dog's special like Poppy's." When visiting my in-laws the boys love to play with the dog but they also know that once the harness goes on then it's time to stop and to not go near him.

 Amanda.