After insulting me and my dog, a woman insisted that we leave the aircraft, but then something unexpected occurred 
I recently had to take a plane back to my parents’ house. I always have a trained service dog with me since I have post-traumatic stress disorder from a serious accident. In addition to being a buddy, this trained dog can identify fear signals, control my respiration, and keep me from “drowning” during an anxiety attack. Without it, I just couldn’t handle it.
As required by all the regulations, we sat down in our seats on the plane with composure, me by the window and the dog at my feet. However, the silence was short-lived.
When she spotted the puppy, a middle-aged woman who was wearing a disgusted expression suddenly halted. She declared loudly to the whole cabin:
— Are you serious? That dirty dog is not sitting close to me.
Calmly, I replied, “This is a trained medical animal.” – It will spend the whole flight at my feet. It’s also not filthy.
That is repulsive, she snorted. – Dog owners should choose a different seating area. What if I have an allergy? Your dog should go in the cargo hold.
I nearly started crying. An airline employee came up to our row.
“Is there a problem?” she inquired softly.
Yes, the woman yelled. – A dog is present. I don’t feel safe because I have an allergy.
The flight attendant clarified in a composed yet strong manner:
This is a certified service dog, ma’am. It is quite entitled to be on board. It will remain here as well.
The woman yelled, “I don’t care about the rules.” — It might sting! I want the dog and she taken off the plane.
The dog exhibited the ideal behavior of a well-trained animal: composure. And I could feel my breathing getting harder. There was a growing panic. Quietly, the flight attendant inquired:
— Do you have any papers?
I gave the dog’s papers and certificate with shaking hands. She grinned as she read them.
I’m grateful. All is well. You are welcome to remain.
The woman gave an eye roll:
Amazing. She doesn’t even have the appearance of a legitimate service dog!
“She is, I promise you,” the flight attendant said. — You can sit down or we can find you another if you’d like.
— I don’t have to relocate! She owns the animal!
The flight attendant answered calmly but firmly, “Then, ma’am, you may stay following the rules.” — Or we can take you out.
The woman sincerely regretted all of her remarks and insults after something very unexpected occurred at that precise moment. I hope we made the correct decision.
The pilot approached us. He talked aggressively and had a grim expression:
— Are you truly allergic to dogs? Could you give evidence?
After hesitating, the woman muttered:
— No. If I don’t want to, I’m not obliged to sit next to a dog.
He answered coldly, “In that case, I ask you to leave the plane.” — You won’t be taking any flights today. Additionally, I will personally ensure that you never again fly with our airline.
The cabin erupted in cheers. “Bravo!” was even yelled by someone.
The woman began to yell, accusing, threatening, and using profanity, but no one was paying attention. She was enraged but utterly alone. They took her off the aircraft.
I remained seated, resting my hand on my dog’s warm back. As he should have, he was still resting peacefully at my feet.
