Encounter At The Market: Veteran’s Service Dog
(The Chattanoogan)
December 4, 2012
CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE– [Excerpt provided by Inclusion Daily Express] After a trip to the Chattanooga Market today, I would like to thank a member of the Chattanooga police department, Sgt. Mike Smith for his assistance. His knowledge of the ADA laws in regards to service dogs came in handy.
My husband is a wounded veteran; wounded twice in Afghanistan and medically retired from the Army over a year ago. He recently acquired a service dog and takes him just about everywhere he goes.
Today we decided to go the market downtown and, of course, the dog came with us. My husband and I entered the market and were approached by one of the vendors who informed us that pets were not allowed inside. My husband provided the documentation specifying his dog as a service animal. Although the gentleman insisted the dog needed to be wearing a placard or vest, he took the paperwork provided as proof and allowed us to enter the market.
Not all disabilities are readily apparent. My husband doesn’t use a wheelchair or any other device and appears, to the casual observer, to be perfectly normal but things are not always as they appear. People would do well to remember that. You never know what is under the surface.
Due to his disabilities he doesn’t often go where there are crowds. After this incident he felt harassed and discriminated against and attempted to communicate without getting upset, which is hard for him due to his disabilities.
Entire article:
Encounter At The Market – And Response
http://tinyurl.com/ide1204126
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