First encounter of Access Denied (at first): On Friday, I had to go to the doctors for both boys. I have been to this Doctors office (inside a Walmart) many times before and they have always been great. This time though, we had Roper with us and things were different. As soon as we walked in, they said I could not bring a dog in. I used the scripted line all of the graduates have coached me to say (thanks everyone). This is how things went down. Me: oh, he is not a pet, he is a service dog Them: it doesnt matter, a dog is not allowed in here Me: a service dog cannot be denied access, it is the law Them: you have to understand that we have people with allergies so you just cant bring a dog in here Me: again, we have a legal right to come in...the only 2 places that a service dog can be denied are a kitchen and an ER...surely if we can go anywhere in a hospital except for the ER, dont you think a doctors office would be fine Them: talking amongst themselves for a while, then...Youll have to wait until we ask Me: sure, go right ahead While waiting for someone to call someone to find out how to proceed...I take the time to educate. Me: I apologize if I sound a little crusty but it is very frustrating when you go somewhere where you are told you are not welcome just because they are not aware of the laws Them: well just as you are concerned about your rights, our patients have rights too, especially those with allergies Me: I didnt know the laws either before we got Roper a few months ago. We are probably your first service dog right? Them: yes Me: well, now youll be able to tell others that they are allowed everywhere but a kitchen and ER. Im sure someone will at some point mention about the allergies. You can tell them that there is no documented anaphylactic reaction to a dog so unless they are petting the dog or rolling around where hes sat (and hes on the floor so I doubt that right?), then theyll be fine. They can sit on the other side of the waiting room and you can wipe the room down after we leave Problem solved. Them: someone comes back in the room...the owner says it is perfectly fine for you to come in, follow me Me: Great, thank you In the room, she continued to relax and we chatted about Roper...she even petted him, leaving things on a very positive note. Now for the best part!!! We usually stay in the van or walk around Walmart waiting for our turn otherwise there is complete mayhelm in the waiting area LOL. Today, Roper helped us tremendously throughout the whole visit. Not only did he keep his boy calm while the decision was being made but he also helped keep him calm throughout the whole doctors exam!!! Way to go Roper!!! The calming effect he has and the aspect of keeping his boy safe from bolting...priceless!!! Roper, we are one lucky family to have you in our lives. Thank you Lions Foundation of Canada! Below is a photo of a Roper and his boy waiting calmly for the doctor. The other is of the pharmacy at Walmart where, when filling our prescriptions, we found out they were filming a commercial :)
Posted on: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 23:43:02 +0000
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