"Dogs are people too..!"

My dog is my constant companion and one of the nicest persons I have ever met. We travel on foot and bicycle daily doing our chores, errands and routines.

Strangers continually walk up to my dog and start petting her and speaking baby talk to her, most do not ask permission and if they did ask I would say, I would appreciate if you did not pet her, she is a certified service dog and needs to know I am her master and the one needing her services. I am also a germaphobe and do not know where peoples hands have been, once they  pet my dog, I pet my dog and who knows....

My dog is like my child, I wouldn't go up and touch someones child, why do people feel it's proper to grope my dog?

Please remember to ask permission before petting someones dog, next time someone asks can I pet your dog, I will say do you mind if I pet you!?