Today I was going to go to the mall to try and sell raffle tickets for the jewelry donated by Tasha Tonning, http://www.exxoticdesigns.com, for my fund raiser to get the mobility harness I need for my Service Dog.

But, after many positive experiences yesterday, I let one negative experience shake my confidence and cause me to want to stay home today. While we were out last night, a guy, (drunk) made fun of me and my Service Dog. He laughed and interrogated me, saying "What can that DOG do, that a cane wouldn't do?"
When I said he is also a Psychiatric Service Dog, he laughed and shouted to his buddies, "Can you believe this? A psychiatric service dog! RIGHT! She must be joking! What does a dog do as a psychiatric service dog?!"

He wouldn't let up. Even as I decided it was time for me and my Service Dog to leave, he was screaming derrogatory remarks as I tried to exit the building. Who makes fun of someone that is disabled? And why did I let it upset me? He was ignorant, and drunk, and loud. I should have been able to confidently stand up for myself, but I didn't. I felt hurt and embarrassed. Up until that time, I had enjoyed a rare evening out on the town, with lots of friendly people and support for our fund raiser and raffle. Luke had been very good, and I had appreciated Tanya's company, but now I was depressed. I don't know why I let one incident effect my self confidence, but it did. Tomorrow, I will get some housework done, and maybe get back out in the public. Today, I just stayed in and spent my time on the computer, and chatted with friends, and checked my email.

I will not let this one set back tear me down. I will dust myself off and pick myself back up, put a smile back on my face, and go back to my business, confident that MOST people are not jerks, and MOST people understand disability and Service Dogs, or are at least open to learning about them.
Tonight, however, I am digesting the previous night's events and relaxing, giving myself time to heal from this insult. I will be stronger in the future. It never feels good to be made fun of, to be challenged and laughed at, but I will learn from this experience and let it go. Thank you to the people that show compassion and understanding. Thank you to the people that welcome me and my Service Dog in their homes and businesses. Thank you to the people that are participating in my fund raiser, however small. I appreciate the kindness of so many.
If you haven't yet, you can go to my facebook event, even if you aren't on facebook. Leave a comment to let me know you dropped by, and thank you if you choose to make a contribution.

http://www.facebook.com/events/357216397689711/357233481021336/
or you can go directly to the donation site:
http://amyregan.chipin.com/bld-mobility-harness-and-equipment-for-my-service-dog-lucas

No donation is too small. A single dollar means a lot.

Amy and Luke