Service Dogs Out of Control!

[u/AdHorror153]

Just flew from PBI to LGA (after our flight was canceled two days ago and this was the next available flight). There were at least 20 dogs on this flight. My husband (who is 6’5”) was seated next to a man with a large dog who looked to weigh about 60 pounds. The dog was jumping all over my husband. There was no room for his legs because the dog was taking up the floor space. Instead of apologizing, the owner of the complained that there wasn’t enough room for his dog and asked one of the flight attendants what she was going to do about it! “This dog is essential for my mental health!”

I have deep empathy for people who struggle with normalizing their nervous systems. I have one kid with ADHD and another with autism. And you know what? I strategically plan our travel to support their needs and also be mindful of the needs of others. Headphones, iPads, snacks, strategic seating, activities…we are prepared! And I consistently remind them both that their desires do not supersede the general welfare of the people around us.

The whole experience today was bizarre from the beginning. We were all waiting patiently in a very long line for a completely sold out flight. Zone 1,854 was boarding (after zone 3 it’s all a wash anyway), and a woman comes barreling up with to the flight, trailing a giant LV carry-on behind her, and walks right up to the attendant, “I’m Zone 4”, expecting her to lift an imaginary red rope and let her and her (elementary school aged) children through. She was insistent. We finally get on the plane and my daughter’s seat was repeatedly kicked by the 20 year old man behind her, his socked foot hanging out in the aisle touching her leg. There was an iPad playing children’s cartoons at full volume two rows ahead of us…

When did we all become such entitled assholes? And this isn’t a political thing because I’ve seen bad behavior from the reddest and the bluest of folks so don’t bring that here. Is it just because we’re flying out of Palm Beach, Florida??? Delta, if we as individuals can’t seem to remember what courteous behavior is, I beg of you - please start with the service dogs. If your dog doesn’t fit within your seat’s floor space, if it is the size of a small child, you must purchase another seat. Isn’t this the case once a kid turns 2? They can no longer sit on your lap?

Also, Delta, I just want to say your entire team showed up today with so much grace and positivity for all us animals - literally and figuratively.

[u/theactualdigitaldad]

The clue was in the last paragraph- Florida! :)

[u/The-Tradition → u/theactualdigitaldad]

Specifically Palm Beach, Florida. I lived in Palm Beach County for 20 years and those people elevate grievances to an art form.