Instead of providing comfort in public, it is possible that a service dog may cause more stress. Some veterans and spouses reported that when being in the presence of the service dog in public attracts a lot of unwanted attention and stigma. People are more likely to stare at the family, whisper about them, interact inappropriately with the service dog, or come up to the veteran and engage them in conversation about the do, which makes the owner feel uncomfortable. Some veterans have stated that being in public with their dog is more stressful than being there by themselves and they avoid public places more frequently.