Weird experience at Jollywood last night

[2vets]

Not sure whether/where to post this, but it’s still weighing on me. I’m here solo this trip (dsis was supposed to come, but she kept waffling and wound up deciding against it). I come out here with family a lot, and I almost always add on 1-3 solo days to get some time to myself, so I’m accustomed to being by myself in the parks. I did a solo MVMCP on Friday, which was lovely. Last night, I had a solo Jollywood booked. Definitely a more adult (Dapper Days-ish) crowd, although there were plenty of littles, as well. About 30 min after the party started, I saw a woman really decked out, and she had a service dog with her - he was wearing a Christmas sweater and had a glitzy, lit-up collar (adorable). I have a dog-loving family, so I wanted to capture a covert pic of the dog. He was working, so I didn’t talk to him or attempt to touch/pet him, I was a few feet away and pointing my phone downwards, no people/kiddos in the frame. The woman saw me and absolutely laid into me. Started screaming, “No! NO!! He’s working, NO!!! You do not take his picture!!” It was loud. People were staring at us - just humiliatingly loud. I apologized and walked away, but it bothered me so much that I wound up leaving the party less than an hour later. It is still getting to me this morning. I’m leaving today, and for once, I’m not disappointed to go home.

I have no idea if what I did was really taboo - for reference, I’m a veterinarian and cognizant that you should not pursue an interaction with a working animal. But even if so, the top-of-lungs screaming at someone instead of saying, “I prefer you not take a photo of him, thanks” - just wow. It shook me, and very few things do.

 

[DisneyMom93]

Personally I feel you did nothing wrong and that was an insane interaction.

I don’t always agree that if you’re out in public it’s fair game for someone to take a pic of you. I don’t think someone should be able to take a pic of a person for no good reason but whatever (it’s always wrong if it’s a photo of a child). However, it was a dog. And you didn’t interact with it. And even if maybe a flash of the camera would disturb it (not that I’m saying there was a flash) she could have just nicely said no picture please. It’s not like the dog dressed itself up just for fun. It’s obviously going to get attention.

Please don’t feel bad. I’m sorry it ruined your vacation.

 

[Disneylover99]

I don’t know a thing about the protocol of taking a picture of someone’s dog, working or not, but I just wanted to say, I’m so sorry the interaction with that woman caused you so much stress you felt the need to leave.

Hope you can get past this and enjoy many more future solo trips!

 

[Marthasor]

Perhaps you could have politely asked her if you could take a picture first? Maybe you "shook" her as well. People have service animals for a variety of reasons.

I think photo culture has gotten out of hand. Why not just look at the dog, appreciate how cute he looks and move on? Taking "covert" photos of anyone, anyone's children or anyone's service dog or pet is invasive and disrespectful, IMHO. The service dog is not a Disney character walking around the parks. If it isn't a picture of you, your immediate travel party or something created by Disney in the parks, why take the picture? You could have started the interaction by not being "covert" and simply asking her for permission to take the picture. You didn't give her a chance to have a say in a situation that involved her and her service dog.

 

[Disneylover99]

It’s not like the dog dressed itself up just for fun. It’s obviously going to get attention.

Exactly.

And the screaming was just over the top.

 

[kristenrice]

My personal opinion is that if you take out a dog (any dog) in public, and dress it up in a costume, it is literally ASKING and BEGGING for attention. If you get that attention, you have nobody but yourself to blame. I would have kept my distance and taken as many photos as I wanted without any regrets. If she didn't want her dog to have attention, she could have put him on a leash with a harness and left it at that. That's my $0.02....

 

[2vets]

Perhaps you could have asked her if you could take a picture first?

Sure. Of course, and I thought about that afterwards. But I wasn’t that close to her, as I didn’t want to distract her service dog or interrupt her. Nevertheless, it wasn’t that she didn’t want me to take a picture that bothered me. It was the yelling.

(ETA - I was not taking a picture of her, just her dog’s outfit. I would never take a photo of another person or -yikes!- their kids!)

To be clear, I had a great trip otherwise. But boy, did this get to me. Obviously, since I’m posting about it.

 

[2vets]

My personal opinion is that if you take out a dog (any dog) in public, and dress it up in a costume, it is literally ASKING and BEGGING for attention. If you get that attention, you have nobody but yourself to blame. I would have kept my distance and taken as many photos as I wanted without any regrets. If she didn't want her dog to have attention, she could have put him on a leash with a harness and left it at that. That's my $0.02....

Thanks, you guys. I’m now wondering how many others were yelled at last night? There is no way I’m the only one who pulled out my phone to take a pic of him.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I'm gonna be a bit of an outlier, so far at least, if you say this was a service dog you saw we may have to recognize that part of the woman's reaction can be related to the reason why she needs the service dog. That is a possible assumption on my part but it's because my first reaction was hmm she might have been over the top in her reaction but I re-read and sat for a moment to think. Most people would probably think about it from the viewpoint of dressing up a dog is inviting people to make comments about it but maybe not so for the person with a service animal OR they expect people to see the service animal and ignore the outfit and treat them like they would any other time which is ask permission (for petting, for approaching to begin with, for taking pictures, etc). IDK but I think it's an important part of the story here.

But here's the thing, regardless of all of that, I think you might want to also take a fraction of responsibility here. Not for her reaction, that's on her end, but that your reaction is to get more upset because you were to put it as gently as I can you were embarrassed that people stared looking at you, and likely startled as the bigger reaction than you expected, or what is probably assumed no reaction to the dog's picture being taken. Sometimes we do something totally innocent to us but it ends up backfiring. The fact that you're still really bothered by it further goes with my thinking. I'm not advocating people can just willy nilly yell at others but IMO you are more or less glossing over, in your mind, that you might have inadvertently without any ill intent did something that legitimately upset someone else and are just focusing on how it made you feel and that it is still sticking with you and now you're asking yourself how many other people got yelled at that night.

I'm okay being the outlier here but the woman isn't the one posting here and we don't know her situation so it's hard to just presume she's way overreacting and you're totally good.

 

[2vets]

I'm gonna be a bit of an outlier, so far at least, if you say this was a service dog you saw we may have to recognize that part of the woman's reaction can be related to the reason why she needs the service dog. That is a possible assumption on my part but it's because my first reaction was hmm she might have been over the top in her reaction but I re-read and sat for a moment to think. Most people would probably think about it from the viewpoint of dressing up a dog is inviting people to make comments about it but maybe not so for the person with a service animal OR they expect people to see the service animal and ignore the outfit and treat them like they would any other time which is ask permission (for petting, for approaching to begin with, for taking pictures, etc). IDK but I think it's an important part of the story here.

But here's the thing, regardless of all of that, I think you might want to also take a fraction of responsibility here. Not for her reaction, that's on her end, but that your reaction is to get more upset because you were to put it as gently as I can you were embarrassed that people stared looking at you, and likely startled as the bigger reaction than you expected, or what is probably assumed no reaction to the dog's picture being taken. Sometimes we do something totally innocent to us but it ends up backfiring. The fact that you're still really bothered by it further goes with my thinking. I'm not advocating people can just willy nilly yell at others but IMO you are more or less glossing over, in your mind, that you might have inadvertently without any ill intent did something that legitimately upset someone else and are just focusing on how it made you feel and that it is still sticking with you and now you're asking yourself how many other people got yelled at that night.

I'm okay being the outlier here but the woman isn't the one posting here and we don't know her situation so it's hard to just presume she's way overreacting and you're totally good.

In no way do I mean to imply I did nothing to upset her, or that I’m “innocent” of something upsetting - and to be clear, I apologized. Of your points, the one I keep landing on is that her disability could have been tied in here and may have played a major role in her reaction. Thank you for pointing that out.

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

In no way do I mean to imply I did nothing to upset her, or that I’m “innocent” of something upsetting - and to be clear, I apologized. Of your points, the one I keep landing on is that her disability could have been tied in here and may have played a major role in her reaction. Thank you for pointing that out.

Sure

But I do want to make it clear I don't want my comments to be used as a way to say it's on her only. I think the ultimate point I was trying to make when I made those comments about your reaction is that even now you're still side stepping it by saying you apologized (which yes I saw that in your OP) but you are still focusing on her reaction. It bothered you enough to leave the party early, bothered you enough that you thought about it this morning and bothered you enough to post about it on the DIS but it's about how she made you feel when you did something to her. I wouldn't want to be yelled at either so I'm not trying to say it's not understandable for you to be caught off by that but the ruminating on it is different.

It's two parts here. One is using some understanding for her that maybe it could be her reaction is in part due to why she has the service dog in there but two it's understanding your role in it. You didn't intend harm but you may have caused harm and if you spend your reflection just focusing on how it made you feel for her to yell at you when you thought you were doing something innocent (and when I said innocent I meant that the act of taking a dog's photo to many is a harmless don't even give it one thought kind of thing) or just chalking it up to her reason for needing a service dog it's kinda missing the opportunity there for you.

You will likely encounter far more owners (not specific to service animal) that are totally fine at photos being taken, pets and approaching them but for the one that isn't okay we just sorta have to understand that instead of thinking well geez you shouldn't get so upset it's like oh okay yeah oops my bad and maybe approach it differently the next time.

But really I'm glad you had a good trip overall but I would try and not mull over this much more now

 

[crazycatlady]

The same thing, to a lesser degree, happened to me at the Beach Club while waiting for a Cape May reservation. We were out on the beach and there was a man walking a very cute dog a ways away. I did the same as you and kept my distance but went to take the dog's picture to send to my kids (we are an animal family and have many former stray/shelter animals among us) and the man shouted at me that I could not take his dog's picture. There is no way that the dog would have noticed that I was taking notice of him as I was pretty far away and I was frankly surprised that the man even saw me himself. I was shocked and embarrassed but of course, didn't take the picture.
This was quite a few years ago before service dogs were as numerous as they are now, so I really couldn't understand what the heck was going on.

I agree with the previous posters that if you dress your dog up in cute costumes, then you are asking for people to notice them. As long as you don't interact with them or disturb them, I guess I don't understand why taking their picture is wrong. And I CERTAINLY don't understand why someone would freak out about it. Asking you not to do it would have garnered the same outcome and not offended anyone.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Don’t let her - or anyone else - steal your joy. She’s obviously got “issues”. I saw a lady on IG yesterday (not sure same person) who was in the parks with a Golden Retriever with a Service Dog vest. Someone asked kindly in the Comments what they dog was able to do for her and she said it was for anxiety/panic and that the dog was trained to even let her know if her heart rate was elevated (and a host of other things I can’t remember right now). A noble cause, but when they’re outside in a public place it’s fair game for photos (whether she likes it or not), especially dressed up as they were for the holidays. I doubt you were the only one. Thanks for what you do, by the way - even more so, it feels like she was targeting a “friend” to me. I’m willing to bet had the dog been hurt somehow you would’ve been the first one to jump in to help. I’d try to let it go if I were you (I know easier said than done).

 

[2vets]

Sure

But I do want to make it clear I don't want my comments to be used as a way to say it's on her only. I think the ultimate point I was trying to make when I made those comments about your reaction is that even now you're still side stepping it by saying you apologized (which yes I saw that in your OP) but you are still focusing on her reaction. It bothered you enough to leave the party early, bothered you enough that you thought about it this morning and bothered you enough to post about it on the DIS but it's about how she made you feel when you did something to her. I wouldn't want to be yelled at either so I'm not trying to say it's not understandable for you to be caught off by that but the ruminating on it is different.

It's two parts here. One is using some understanding for her that maybe it could be her reaction is in part due to why she has the service dog in there but two it's understanding your role in it. You didn't intend harm but you may have caused harm and if you spend your reflection just focusing on how it made you feel for her to yell at you when you thought you were doing something innocent (and when I said innocent I meant that the act of taking a dog's photo to many is a harmless don't even give it one thought kind of thing) or just chalking it up to her reason for needing a service dog it's kinda missing the opportunity there for you.

You will likely encounter far more owners (not specific to service animal) that are totally fine at photos being taken, pets and approaching them but for the one that isn't okay we just sorta have to understand that instead of thinking well geez you shouldn't get so upset it's like oh okay yeah oops my bad and maybe approach it differently the next time.

But really I'm glad you had a good trip overall but I would try and not mull over this much more now

I’m not side-stepping - I legitimately have no idea what I did to warrant that response so that makes the situation difficult, but I clearly did something. The only lesson I can take here: don’t attempt to take a photo of another person’s dog/pet, service or otherwise, without permission. Also, you’re correct - I’m ruminating on it (less so this morning); that’s a result of my own personal issues with raised voices in anger. It wouldn’t matter who the yeller was, this sort of thing takes me time to get past.

 

[lowlight]

You have no expectation of privacy in a public spot. Especially a spot that is likely one of the most photographed on planet Earth.

I also dislike the thought of someone taking an unsolicited picture directly of me or anyone I’m with, but don’t mind if they are taking a picture of something that happens to snag me as collateral (taking a picture of the castle and I’m walking by).

Her reaction was over the top, though. Why? My guess would be she has a guilty conscience and is assuming anyone photographing her dog is going to use it as evidence.

 

[HopperFan]

It is pretty standard ... do NOT take photos of a service dog. One could ask the owner of the dog but be prepared for a no.

BUT how she reacted was completely inappropriate and rude. She should have politely said "Please do not take a photo of my working dog". I would add her dressing the dog up and making a spectacle out of him was almost inviting folks to pay attention to him, and her .... and at these kind of events folks take pictures of others costuming.

No, you shouldn't take photos of service dogs (without asking) AND no her dog (or issues) doesn't give her the right to scream and verbally accost someone. Hate that it upset you so much you wanted to leave. Please don't let it weigh on you now. She likely forgot about it, at least until the next person tried to photo her costumed dog and she berated them.

 

[hardcorestitch]

Not sure whether/where to post this, but it’s still weighing on me. I’m here solo this trip (dsis was supposed to come, but she kept waffling and wound up deciding against it). I come out here with family a lot, and I almost always add on 1-3 solo days to get some time to myself, so I’m accustomed to being by myself in the parks. I did a solo MVMCP on Friday, which was lovely. Last night, I had a solo Jollywood booked. Definitely a more adult (Dapper Days-ish) crowd, although there were plenty of littles, as well. About 30 min after the party started, I saw a woman really decked out, and she had a service dog with her - he was wearing a Christmas sweater and had a glitzy, lit-up collar (adorable). I have a dog-loving family, so I wanted to capture a covert pic of the dog. He was working, so I didn’t talk to him or attempt to touch/pet him, I was a few feet away and pointing my phone downwards, no people/kiddos in the frame. The woman saw me and absolutely laid into me. Started screaming, “No! NO!! He’s working, NO!!! You do not take his picture!!” It was loud. People were staring at us - just humiliatingly loud. I apologized and walked away, but it bothered me so much that I wound up leaving the party less than an hour later. It is still getting to me this morning. I’m leaving today, and for once, I’m not disappointed to go home.

I have no idea if what I did was really taboo - for reference, I’m a veterinarian and cognizant that you should not pursue an interaction with a working animal. But even if so, the top-of-lungs screaming at someone instead of saying, “I prefer you not take a photo of him, thanks” - just wow. It shook me, and very few things do.

What a real Scrooge.

 

[Dave006]

I have no idea if what I did was really taboo - for reference, I’m a veterinarian and cognizant that you should not pursue an interaction with a working animal. But even if so, the top-of-lungs screaming at someone instead of saying, “I prefer you not take a photo of him, thanks” - just wow. It shook me, and very few things do.

I have (2) questions in a long post.

Did you use your flash on your smartphone or camera? If yes, were you taking a picture directly into the dog's face ( I doubt you were ), where the dog could have been startled by the Flash, and maybe have a minute of light sensitive that could have impacted its role as a service animal to monitor important cues that could put the handler’s health or safety at risk.

Nothing else matters in my view if your answer to these (2) simple questions is no.

The dog would not have been impacted by your action. The reaction by the other Guest did seem over the top but we know nothing about her or why she reacted in this manner.

Yes others will complain that you should have ignored the working animal and only interacted with the handler if you felt that you wanted a picture of her medical equipment (service dog) as proper etiquette.

Based on your description, I seriously doubt it was a true service dog vs a pet but that is just my view. Others will ask if you would take a picture of their mobility device, and I would say yes you might if it had blinking lights and a Christmas Sweater!

I have (2) close friends that have service dogs, and they don't dress their service dog up in costumes with lights on the dog's collar. The dogs only have an official vest that identifies the dog is a working service animal. One of these friends has prosthetic limbs that he has custom painted with very interesting, and highly visible imagery. He has commented that people when he is out often notice these custom prosthetic limbs, and that is the exact reaction he enjoys.

Dave

 

[Joanna71985]

While she shouldn't have shouted at you, I think it's wrong to take pictures of people's service dogs

 

[2vets]

It is pretty standard ... do NOT take photos of a service dog.

This is very helpful. Thank you. I had never been in this position before (it’s it’s obviously different in the work environment) and was unaware, but obviously it would never be my intent to upset someone.

I have (2) questions in a long post.

Did you use your flash on your smartphone or camera? If yes, were you taking a picture directly into the dog's face ( I doubt you were ), where the dog could have been startled by the Flash, and maybe have a minute of light sensitive that could have impacted its role as a service animal to monitor important cues that could put the handler’s health or safety at risk.

No and no - I doubt she would have noticed if she didn’t turn in my direction at exactly the right time! Definitely a lesson learned.