Blog Prompt: Are you Patriotic?

Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you?

I’m patriotic in the sense of wanting to do what I can to improve things for people in our country. I wish I could extend that power further but it seems pretty unlikely. I definitely don’t believe in national supremacy, only that we should each try to be the best we can. If that sounds cheesy and naive, well, I’m only 25.

I’ve been really sad today because the past week has hit me with one of the worst colds I’ve ever had. I’m writing this in a dark room right now because I’ve begun to feel better and I won’t be able to forgive myself if I stop trying.

My project over the past few months had been to raise awareness and change the rights of those of us with Service/Assistance dogs. I’ve been doing everything I can to share the news, gain visibility and reach the necessary 500 signatures by February 21st. Is it incredibly lifesaving and patriotic? No. But it can definitely be life changing!

I meet a lot of wonderful people who connected me with other wonderful people who have really made this dream possible….and that’s why I’m so sad and discouraged today. With the sh*tstorm that happened before and during the Holidays, it’s incredibly surprising that we got where we did. I wrote a newspaper article to explain the situation and I met a writer who really believes in the cause. She spread it further while a friend across Canada increased our numbers from there.

Just a few days ago Mia and I were on TV talking about Service Dogs and the struggles we face. (I did most of the talking but Mia really brought the message home.)

Since then I’ve been too sick to do anything useful and only 5 days remain before my petition dream kicks the bucket.

I don’t want to quit on this though, so here we go one more time.

Hi, I’m Karina and what if I told you that out of all the things that need changing in this world, there’s something YOU can do right now in two minutes that will help thousands of people? 

Meet Mia, the Yorkie going up against every Service Dog stereotype. I’ve been struggling with mental illness for many years, but Mia has been changing my life ever since I found her lost on the street. Now that she’s my certified Psychiatric Service Dog, the quality of my life has improved tremendously. So many doors have opened … and yet others have closed. 

I’ve learned the hard way that having a medical prescription and certificate of training isn’t always enough to convince people that we deserve equal access. When a person showing no visible signs of a disability and/or has an Assistance Dog that doesn’t fit the norm, ignorance often prevails. 

That’s why we’ve been working hard to change the unequal treatment of people with ANY disability that requires a Service Dog. The solution is simple; if employers and employees are better informed on the wide variety of Assistance Dogs and the illnesses/disabilities they help with, this awkward grey zone will be replaced with clarity and understanding. The distinction between those in genuine need and people bringing in their pets will also help simplify things and restore the reputation of those who count on these life-changing working dogs. 

Even though I’ve learned how to express my rights, I still get asked to leave and have even been refused service entirely. I’m not alone in this battle, so I started a petition in the House of Commons requesting the simple changes that will make everyone’s life easier – but we need your help! The petition closes on February 21st and we need about 175 more signatures for the petition to move forwards in Parliament. With your support and just 2 minutes of your time, we can make this happen! Please help Mia and I secure the rights we’re already entitled to. Be a voice for the cause, and help us change lives! 

https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4588

https://www.noscommunes.ca/petitions/fr/Petition/Details?Petition=e-4588