BCSD says that they’re offering Jacob independent study work until he returns, including materials for a series of tests due to take place next week. Jacob hasn’t returned to school without Thor because his family says their bond is too tight for them to be separated. Kristi Saecker says they won’t sign the agreement because its misidentifies what kind of service animal Thor is. Both sides hope to work out a deal so that Jacob can return to regular class.

Linda MS

After all, it IS law. Just because someone doesn’t obey it, doesn’t mean that it isn’t binding.

For everyone else, here are direct links to the stories Chasing Justice in Pet-food Lawsuits, and Another Recall of Dog and Cat Dry Pet Food.

A brushed dog does not shed enough, provided they are receiving their Omega Fatty Acids, to get into the food, etc.

Perhaps these people who block service dogs need to be reminded that it is a violation of the rights of the disabled to do so and then the person with the dog might talk to the local district attorney about bringing a few charges against those who do this.

And yes, I am serious. They have no right to cater to the public and then block the disabled. That is wrong and it is against the law. I would think the local DA would have someone who could help to convince these restaurants of such, too.

Just my thoughts from a first time poster.

Service dogs don’t take the place of ramps or elevators…they assist people with disabilities in certain specific tasks…such as picking items up off the floor, turning light switches off and on, sometimes pulling a manual wheelchair…and so on.

Ramps and elevators are a must, as a wheelchair or mobility scooter cannot navigate stairs usually (and neither can moms with strollers). There is a power chair that will climb stairs…but it is very, very expensive.

A theatre is the only example of what i could consider to be potentially awkward, if they had unconventional use of the theatre in which they had to rush down the isles and didn’t want to run over the dog as there isn’t much room in the seating section. And a dog might find a pretend murder confusing. (As I don’t know how they interpret threats.)

Other then that everyone is used to ramps, front parking lot spaces and larger bathrooms. I would think accomodating a service dog would be considerably cheaper for the business then installing ramps or elevators in old buildings. I wouldn’t even say that service dogs are incredibly common, I hardly ever see someone with a guide dog but I know what they are. I’ve never heard of anyone having any sort of problem with them, that’s simply bizzare.

I work for an Independent Living Center, who for 30 years has been assisting persons with all disabilities to achieve their independence. I have a disability myself.

Even though the ADA was passed in 1990, advocates and persons with disabilities continue to fight for equal access to services in their communities. Many business owners just don’t get it, or don’t care, which is unfortunate for them, as they are losing potential business from consumers with disabilities.

According to the United States Department of Justice website:

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go. This federal law applies to all businesses open to the public, including restaurants, hotels, taxis and shuttles, grocery and department stores, hospitals and medical offices, theaters, health clubs, parks, and zoos.

For more information:

http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm