With my job search kicking into high gear, I was told by a prospective employer that they didn't want to use my DD214 (military release paperwork) in lieu of my social security card (which I lost many years ago). While I want to argue that the DD214 can be used in lieu of I decided I did not want to rock the boat, as I really would like this job... So, I did as any self-respecting IT guy would do and went online to get a new one. It was fairly easy (and free) but after I was finished I noticed that it would take about 5 days to approve and up to another 2 weeks to get the card. I worried about how long the prospective jobs HR department would be willing to wait. Time to jump in the car and head to the SSA office, God help me!
Before leaving I called and was told that they could print off a letter, not the card, that most employers would check off as the card till mine came in the mail. Would be better than waiting at the mailbox stressing that the slot I am fighting for would be given to someone else. As I came up to the office, not surprisingly there was a very long stretching out of the door. I parked, said a quick prayer, got out, vested Dougal, and headed to the door.
Going to the back of what I thought was the line I noticed that the 15 people in front of me all had the same paperwork for immigration and there was a break in the "line" in front of the door. We went in where a guard was standing there. We were asked the 2 golden questions and told the line started inside the building as the people outside were waiting for something different—blessing #1. Happy days! While the waiting was a pain the whole experience was rather pleasant. In line, I stood behind a very nice lady who had a lot of experience with the office and talked me through what I needed to do to get my call ticket—blessing #2. The ticket received now for the wait.
As I expected the lobby was packed, the seats were centered in the middle of the room and there were a few open, but much too many people for my comfort. Finding a good wall and clear floor I sat. Dougal alerted on me several times after I sat down, the stress was very real, but he (and I) calmed down quickly. As normal, we were the subject of several conversations going on and more than a few subversive pictures being taken. All part and parcel of life with a service dog. But, with Dougal being perfect the conversations I could hear were simply how well he was acting, so positive education was going on. We did have a few people ask about Dougal and I and it was all positive and a few "I had this dog" stories. Again, something I am used to and I had nothing to do but wait. Dougal was even allowed to meet (greet) a few people after they asked if it would be okay.
After the 2+ hour wait, we were handed the paperwork I needed and headed home. Great trip overall (not counting the wait). A positive experience for everyone there. Hopefully, we showed how a service dog is supposed to act, a couple of examples of alerts, and reinforced my confidence in society.
Before leaving I called and was told that they could print off a letter, not the card, that most employers would check off as the card till mine came in the mail. Would be better than waiting at the mailbox stressing that the slot I am fighting for would be given to someone else. As I came up to the office, not surprisingly there was a very long stretching out of the door. I parked, said a quick prayer, got out, vested Dougal, and headed to the door.
Going to the back of what I thought was the line I noticed that the 15 people in front of me all had the same paperwork for immigration and there was a break in the "line" in front of the door. We went in where a guard was standing there. We were asked the 2 golden questions and told the line started inside the building as the people outside were waiting for something different—blessing #1. Happy days! While the waiting was a pain the whole experience was rather pleasant. In line, I stood behind a very nice lady who had a lot of experience with the office and talked me through what I needed to do to get my call ticket—blessing #2. The ticket received now for the wait.
As I expected the lobby was packed, the seats were centered in the middle of the room and there were a few open, but much too many people for my comfort. Finding a good wall and clear floor I sat. Dougal alerted on me several times after I sat down, the stress was very real, but he (and I) calmed down quickly. As normal, we were the subject of several conversations going on and more than a few subversive pictures being taken. All part and parcel of life with a service dog. But, with Dougal being perfect the conversations I could hear were simply how well he was acting, so positive education was going on. We did have a few people ask about Dougal and I and it was all positive and a few "I had this dog" stories. Again, something I am used to and I had nothing to do but wait. Dougal was even allowed to meet (greet) a few people after they asked if it would be okay.
After the 2+ hour wait, we were handed the paperwork I needed and headed home. Great trip overall (not counting the wait). A positive experience for everyone there. Hopefully, we showed how a service dog is supposed to act, a couple of examples of alerts, and reinforced my confidence in society.