We’ve all been there: you see a cute dog, and you can’t help but smile and want to pet it. But what happens when that dog is an emotional support animal, and you didn’t ask for permission? One person found themselves in the middle of a canine controversy when they pet a stranger’s beautiful golden retriever on a bus. The owner, who claimed the dog was her emotional support animal, was not happy about it, leading to a dramatic and emotional confrontation.
Working from the Library

Enter the Golden Retriever

Dog Lover’s Dilemma

Friendly Encounter

Owner’s Reaction

Not Letting It Go

Confusion and Confrontation

Apologies Not Accepted

Emotional Outburst

Crying and Accusations

Freaked Out and Fleeing ♀️

Questioning the Situation

No Indication

A Canine Conundrum: Who’s in the Wrong? ♀️
Our dog-loving protagonist found themselves in a whirlwind of emotions when they pet a stranger’s golden retriever on a bus, only to be scolded by the owner who claimed it was her emotional support animal. Despite apologizing multiple times, the owner continued to berate them, even breaking into tears and accusing them of not treating her like a human being. With no visible indication that the dog was an emotional support animal, the situation raises questions about boundaries, etiquette, and compassion. Let’s dive into the internet’s thoughts on this canine conundrum…
“NTA. You made a friendly gesture towards a dog and apologized.”

ESH: Owner overreacts to dog being petted without permission

Emotional support dog drama escalates, suggesting need for bigger support

NTA: Dog owner failed to indicate it was a service animal

NTA – Drama queen uses dog to flip out on you

NTA, woman should have controlled her dog properly

NTA. Dog approached for pets, owner should control dog’s approach.

NTA: Owner needs emotional support, but overreacted to OP’s apology

Dog owner should control their pet. NTA for interacting.

Dog drama! NTA for petting a friendly pup.

Owner’s lack of control over dog sparks heated controversy

Engaging with a friendly dog without knowing the rules

Owner’s emotional support dog fails to provide emotional support

Dog owner’s emotional outbursts cause controversy

NTA. Emotional support dog controversy on the bus

Cousin with fake ESA causes chaos and confronts others. NTA.

Asking permission to pet a dog prevents a**hole encounters

Are Emotional Support Animals just pets or more than that?

Unwanted dog petting sparks heated debate, sympathy for the owner

NTA. Service dogs and emotional support pets don’t need vests.
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