Question

You are a messenger at a law firm. It is customary to shake hands with anyone who enters the law office. A visitor who is blind enters with his service dog. What should you do?

A) Ignore the visitor and engage with someone on your phone to not appear awkward.
B) Say hello and introduce yourself, but do not shake the visitor's hand.
C) Introduce yourself, and ask if you may shake the visitor's hand.
D) Ask the dog's name and pet it before you shake the visitor's hand.

Answer 1

The correct action is to introduce yourself and ask if you may shake the visitor's hand, being mindful of the visitor's needs and the role of the service dog.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a visitor who is blind and accompanied by a service dog enters the law office, the appropriate action to take is C) Introduce yourself, and ask if you may shake the visitor's hand. It's polite to acknowledge the visitor's presence and introduce yourself as you would with any other guest. By asking permission to shake hands, you show both respect and consideration for the visitor's comfort and preferences. Avoid petting the service dog as it is working and this could distract it from its duties. Remember that service dogs undergo extensive training, such as the Seeing Eye dogs, to perform their important role effectively.

Moreover, keep in mind general etiquette concerning personal space and interactions. Despite variations in greetings depending on cultural backgrounds, a friendly verbal greeting is always a safe way to initiate an encounter. Rely on verbal communication to convey warmth and politeness, as The Seeing Eye staff emphasizes ongoing support and the significance of properly interacting with service animals.