Can you do self-insemination at home ?
My daughter, Lily, is about to celebrate her 14th birthday, which is nothing short of a miracle. With her vibrant hair dyed in “unicorn colors,” her ever-present Converse footwear, and a cell phone almost always in hand, she seems like any typical teenager. But Lily’s story is far from ordinary. She is a true fighter, having faced autoimmune encephalitis for the past five years, a condition that attacks her brain, along with a mitochondrial disorder that has put her life at risk more than once.
Lily’s life is delicate, and to make the most of it, she requires several supports. She relies on a port in her chest for monthly infusions and a tube in her stomach for ongoing nutrition—supports that are easy to hide and don’t require constant explanations. However, her other support, a seizure alert dog named Max, attracts attention wherever they go.
While Lily is proud of Max and is always willing to explain his role, the function he serves is just as critical as her medical equipment. People should not touch Max any more than they would touch the tube connected to Lily’s stomach. Unfortunately, many do not understand this, and their ignorance can put Lily in danger. If Max is distracted and not alerting, Lily could easily find herself having a seizure in an unfamiliar place.
Max underwent 18 months of professional training, enabling him to sense when Lily is about to seize, giving her time to find a safe space. He is also trained to seek help if a seizure comes on suddenly. Since Max has been with her, Lily has not had to face hospitalization due to seizures. He allows her to lead a more normal life and gives me peace of mind.
However, sometimes people’s curiosity turns into entitlement, which can be incredibly frustrating. This past Friday was one such instance. I had quickly stopped at a store to grab a mouthguard for my son before his football practice. While passing the jewelry section, Lily asked if she could stay and look around. After a moment’s hesitation, I agreed, remembering that Max’s presence was meant to give her a bit more independence. She assured me she’d call if she needed anything.
Moments later, I received a frantic call from Lily. She was crying, saying, “Mom, they’re yelling. They won’t stop following me. All I said is he’s a service dog. Mom, please help.” When I reached her, she pointed to two women who had been yelling at her. Calmly, I approached them to ask what was wrong. Instead of a rational explanation, I was met with profanities about Lily and her dog being in the store. The situation escalated, and before I knew it, Lily had gone into a seizure, with Max laying beside her to keep her safe while licking her face. The original woman never stopped yelling.
Security intervened, helping us to their office. Reviewing the security footage, we saw two children approaching Max, while Lily calmly spoke to them. When she asked them not to pet Max, the situation turned hostile, leading to a moment that could have been catastrophic. This behavior is unacceptable—not because children approached, but because an adult failed to respect a child’s boundaries and medical needs.
Please, understand this: DO NOT TOUCH a service dog, and teach your children to respect that boundary as well. While dogs like Max may seem cuter than medical devices, they are equally important. If they are distracted by being petted, they might miss crucial signals, which could have serious consequences.
Max is a joyful dog who adores Lily. He enjoys cuddling and playing just like any other dog, but when he’s wearing his vest, he understands it’s time to work. The life of a service dog is not suitable for every dog, but it’s perfect for him.
Lily’s trip to the store resulted in charges being filed against those who shouted at her. However, the emotional toll was much greater. The very dog intended to provide Lily with independence and safety inadvertently put her in a terrifying situation, not because of her actions but due to the selfishness of others who failed to recognize the significance of his role. Now, both Lily and Max face a newfound fear of the world around them.
Take this as a learning opportunity: those who ask you not to interact with their service dogs aren’t being selfish; they’re doing what’s necessary to stay safe.
For more insights on related topics, check out this other blog post, or visit this authoritative site for further understanding. Additionally, Mount Sinai offers excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
A mother recounts a troubling incident where her daughter, who has a service dog, faced harassment from other adults in a store. The experience highlights the importance of respecting service animals and understanding their role in assisting individuals with disabilities. The story emphasizes the need for awareness and education regarding service animals and their critical functions.