I used to work at a movie theater, and occasionally people would bring in their service animals. The dogs were usually identified in some way, either by a vest, leash, or tag. We were required to ask if it was a service animal, and if the person said yes, we had to let them in. Of course, I’ve never gotten any complaints about it, and I loved seeing the dogs that were brought in!

However, smiling at a dog/looking at it is one thing, but touching them is a different matter. Yes, it is tempting to touch/pet any dog that you see, but it’s important to remember that service dogs are TRAINED and they are currently at their job. How would you like it if you were working and someone came up to you and randomly touched you without asking? Plus, it may distract them from actually assisting their human. For a list of tips on how to behave around service animals, check out this post by Felissa Elfenbein at Two Little Cavaliers:

-Allow them to concentrate on their human.

-Some handlers allow you to pet their dog, but ALWAYS ask first- never get mad if they say no.

-Never give the dog food.

-If you have kids with you, do not allow them to approach/pet the dog either.

-Don’t ask the handler what they need the dog for.

Photo Credit: Calsidyrose

I’ve had Betta fish all my life, since I was about fifteen years old. They usually live 3-4 years, and are completely beautiful and fairly low-maintenance. I always name them after wizards: I’ve had a Merlin, a Gandalf, and a Voldemort. Voldemort died about two years ago, and I just haven’t had the heart to get myself another one. Since Bettas attack other fish, they have to stay in their tanks alone. Seeing them just float around all day alone depressed me too much, and I haven’t gotten a new one since.

However, if I had read this article by Pippa Elliot at Wikihow, I think I would have been a better Betta parent. It shows how you can actually grow a bond with your Betta fish, and how to keep it entertained and stimulated. Now that I know that you can play with them, maybe I’ll get another one soon! Check out some of the tips here:

-Keep the tank in an active area, like kitchen or living room- they like to watch the action around them!

-Name your betta, and talk to it! It craves the interaction.

-Give it visual stimulation- write on the tank with a dry erase marker, move it to a new location, or switch up the plants/ tank decorations every now and then.

-Play with your betta! Drop a (CLEAN) ping-pong ball in the water, let your betta explore it! Move your finger around on the tank wall (don’t tap it), and see if you can get your fish to follow it.

Photo Credit: Neil Mullins