Having an assistance dog can be daunting sometimes as I’ve been asked numerous times by security for ID for Bundy and it can be scary and anxiety producing at the time.

I use Cérge because then I can tell the business in advance about Bundy and it means there is no weird moments that make my anxiety sky rocket. Today we had an excellent training mission today with the help of Cérge. Bundy and I visited the @Whitesigabaringa

I struggle with a condition called dysautonomia, which causes chronic fatigue and fainting episodes if i stand or walk for too long so having seating available is a must. A lot of big chain grocery stores don't have any seats available and I end up having to sit on the floor, which is embarrassing and can be dangerous for myself and people walking past. I now know that I can use the Cérge app to ask them to put a chair somewhere on the aisles so I can sit. This can be done incognito which is great and I wouldn’t feel like a fuss was being made.

As always, the IGA staff were amazing. One staff member asked if the grass outside was enough space for him to go to the toilet before we came in and it was plenty. The staff members kind awareness was really awesome and made us feel like we were not a problem at all.

Having the IGA's accessibility features listed on the Cérge app allows me to choose where I shop based on how accessible it is for my needs. I LOVE the new Cérge companion site that shows me photos of all the areas, plus a visual story, it’s incredible!! I want this on every business website. What a game changer.

I especially love the sensory board as training Bundy I need to be aware of high sensory areas for him like the deli. This is so so so helpful and I can imagine for people with sensory overload too.

When out I need a disabled stall available that is large enough for me to get Bundy in and out comfortably. Not having a disabled toilet stall available would mean that I would have to leave my assistance dog outside the stall, which poses a danger to him as anyone could come up and snatch him.

All of these seemingly small things add up to a hugely successful experience for myself and Bundy

Overall it was a great shop, as it usually is with the Whites IGA's. With the help of Cérge I was able to make this outing easier by avoiding any questioning at the door about my assistance dog, and I knew the staff had my back if I needed help with anything.

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