Please don't pet me! Local incident prompts reminder of service dogs

This comes after a recent incident where a dog assisted a woman who was having a seizure.

VI K9 Assisted Human Services Society President Tyson King says it happened at a shopping center here in Victoria.

“Unfortunately a gentleman didn’t know what was going on and started interacting with the dog. Luckily the dog didn’t move because the person may have fallen and injured themselves.”

The encounter resulted in a confrontation and loud voices as the dog happened to be with a trainer who attempted to intervene verbally. It caught the attention of nearby shoppers and shopkeepers.

King says it's a reminder not to pet or otherwise interact with a service dog that's doing its job. However, he says there are exceptions when a service dog is barking for attention or there is information or medication on the dog's harness that is needed.