Well, I guess it had to happen sooner or later. I really didn't think it would happen (maybe because it's the line of work that I am in or maybe because I didn't want to believe people were so d**m ignorant), Josh really thought it would! We were almost turned away from a public place because of our service dog! What a disheartening event!!
I told you in the last post that we went out to eat as a family of five and things went perfectly smooth! Riley was a great dog...if anything the girls were the obnoxious ones! Well, due to the 8+ inches of snow I didn't travel the state as I had planned today so Josh and I went to lunch today. We decided to return to the same restaurant as we had dined at last weekend with the girls and Riley. It was just a fact that Josh had Riley at work for continued socialization, thus he was going to head to lunch with us. As we walked in the front door (of our favorite restaurant I just might add) two employees immediately confronted us. One did the talking, while the other supported him. Mr. Talker stated that 'several other diners mentioned their discomfort with the situation and that the owner would only allow dogs for the blind.'
My hackles went up and I'm sure my face was a rosy shade of fire. I stated calmly, but with an advocates' voice. "But you are breaking a fedeal law by not allowing us in. You are not complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Would you like a card to describe this?" They stated that they would like a formal description of the act. WOLLA...out of Riley's vest, I pop a non-compliance card stating that if they do not allow us into their public arena that they could be slapped with heftly fines as well as lawsuits.
Nevertheless, we had OUTSTANDING service! Our drinks were always full, they checked back 3-4 times...yes, they. We had 3 servers checking in on us! How accomodating.
I will have to say that I did lose my appetite at first though. It's strange how disability becomes such a normal part of life for some and such an inconvenience for others. And that we do everything that we can for our daughter to overcome these disabilities and yet there are others in this world, this community, that are so ignorant and just ignore that fact...so we have to fight even more. I guess that's what good parenting is, what positive support from family and friends is and what this whole journey is all about.
So to wrap this post up I'll give you something to think about...does a service dog offend you or does seeing a working dog just enhance your awareness?
(Off my soapbox now... :) )
1 comment:
NO!!! They do not offend me or my family and I truely wish that there were more of these dogs available for all the children (and adults) that need them! I am however offened that a public place would try to bully you into leaving because you have a sevice dog with you. I was in a store when a worker there came unglued and screamed and shouted at a mother for bringing in her "mutt" to the store...it was a service dog (clearly marked with a bright colored vest)for her autistic and challenged son. The mother was visibly upset and when the employee bully her and tell her he was going to throw the dog out several other customers including me stood up for the mother and told this guy that he needed to back off and demamded to talk to a manager. There wasn't one available so someone called the police...long story short the guy got an education and his last paycheck that day! Service dogs are wonderful! :o) Oh yeah and we have met you before ... we are from AAI also
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