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張宏林
A guide dog assisting a visually impaired person lost control and urinated at the entrance of a store. Rather than respond with anger, the shop owner offered warmth and compassion — a gesture that has quietly resonated with many.
According to Taiwan’s ETtoday and other reports, local radio host Zhang Honglin witnessed the scene in the underground shopping area near Taipei Main Station and shared it with the media.
At the scene, the guide dog accompanying the visually impaired person was unable to hold itself and urinated at the store entrance.
The dog appeared to realize instinctively that it had made a mistake: it hung its head and cowered in apparent shame. The episode risked disrupting business, and tension briefly rose among bystanders.
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The shop owner’s reaction, however, was unexpected. Instead of scolding the startled dog or its handler, he calmly reassured them — “It’s okay, don’t worry” — then quietly fetched newspaper and cleaned the floor.
He told the handler there was no need to apologize, only to keep passersby from stepping in it, a response that moved those nearby.
Guide dogs undergo rigorous training to remain composed and control bodily functions, but they are still animals and errors can occur. Yet some establishments continue to refuse guide dogs entry, reflecting lingering stigma and gaps in social acceptance.
After the story circulated online, commenters praised the owner: “People like this make the world worth living in,” and “The dog looked so miserable after the accident; the owner’s handling was admirable.”
The incident prompts a reconsideration of how society treats guide dogs in public spaces and underscores the need for greater awareness, respect, and compassion.
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