S.A. veteran says service dog was kicked out of store, harassed

[sabra]

Source: KENS 5

SAN ANTONIO — Local dog lovers are stepping forward to defend a veteran who was allegedly kicked out of a business and ridiculed for having a service dog.

...

Hanauer is just one of the local dog lovers rallying support for Adan Gallegos, who says he and his dog Botoz were kicked out of Billy Bob's Beds on Tezel Road. He was allegedly told to take off his wounded warriors shirt and to go occupy Wall Street, instead.

...

Gallegos is taking his case to federal court. Hanauer and Beck said they hope it can bring positive attention to service dogs, showing just how much veterans can rely on their best friends.

Attorneys representing Billy Bob's Beds issued the following statement:

"Mr. Gholson and his employees honor the military service of Mr. Gallegos and all veterans and active duty personnel. Billy Bob (BB) regrets the way things occurred and the misunderstanding between Mr. Gallegos and BB."



Read more: http://www.kens5.com/news/Wounded-Warrior-Sues-Local-SA-Business-175535981.html

[flying_wahini]

1. I bet the storeowners regret it NOW

Boycott Billy Bob's Beds/

I wouldn't buy a bed from a company with this name, anyway.......

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

4. With a name like Billy Bob's Beds....

....jeeeeeesus, not hard to boycott that.

[dmr]

69. I sent this article to Al Franken's office.

Here's Senator Franken's 2009 press release.

http://www.franken.senate.gov/?p=hot_topic&id=526

Senate Approves Funding for Service Dogs for Veterans
Legislation Funds Key Priority for Sen. Franken
Monday, December 14, 2009

By a vote of 57 to 35, the Senate yesterday gave its final approval to the FY2010 Omnibus Appropriations Act, funding a key priority of Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.), which is providing service dogs to veterans with disabilities.

“We can never do too much for the men and women who risk everything to fight for their country,” said Sen. Franken. “I feel a real obligation to them for the courage they show and the sacrifices they make. I’m glad that we’ve been able to take this small step toward improving their lives when they come home.”

The Appropriations Act directs the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to immediately begin the process of assisting veterans with physical and, for the first time, mental illnesses, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), who would benefit from having a service dog. It also provides $2 million in medical services for the program and additional funds for research and VA Inspector General oversight. VA is also directed to expand its partnership with accredited nonprofit service dog organizations where veterans with PTSD help train service dogs.

“With the support of Senator Johnson (Chairman of the Military Construction/VA appropriations subcommittee), and his House counterpart Representative Chet Edwards, the final version of the provision directs VA to include veterans with mental disabilities among those eligible to receive a service dog,” said Sen. Franken. “I am also grateful to Representative Steve Israel, who carried this effort in the House.”

“I applaud Senator Franken for his efforts to expand VA’s service dog program. These dogs have proven to not only expand our veterans’ ability to live more fully, they also seem to have the ability to increase veterans’ morale and quality of life as well. I was happy to include this funding in the FY10 VA Appropriations bill,” said Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.Dak.), Chairman of the Military Construction/Veterans Affairs (VA) Appropriations Subcommittee.

“Our veterans put their lives on the line and too often return home with physical injuries and PTSD. An expanded service dogs program for veterans will bring more of our troops the comfort and rehabilitation they need. Veterans have told me they benefit greatly from having access to service dogs, so I’m proud to join Senator Franken in increasing the scope of the service dogs for veterans program,” said Rep. Steve Israel (D – N.Y.), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs who requested increased funding for the program.

The Service Dogs for Veterans Act was the first piece of legislation authored by Sen. Franken, with original co-sponsor Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.). It passed the Senate unanimously two weeks after he was sworn in as Minnesota’s second Senator. Sen. Franken visited the White House to see it signed in to law last month. Sunday’s approval of funding was the next step in making the provision of service dogs to veterans with disabilities a reality.

[Jumping John]

93. William Thomas Gholson is Billy Bob - The owner. And the site I post

below says he is a pedophile and a money launderer for a drug sindicate and an FBI informant.

Look at this site:

http://sanantonio.citysearch.com/profile/10132435/san_antonio_tx/billy_bobs_beds.html

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

5. Disgusting comment

Wow.

[naaman fletcher]

44. What's disgusting about it?

[CreekDog]

57. Illegal --service dogs are permitted in businesses by law

learn it.

[naaman fletcher]

62. You didn't answer the question

What is disgusting about it?

[CreekDog]

72. you didn't ask me a question -and if you won't acceptt he law, what's the point of arguing with you?

do you know or not know that regardless of your opinion, the law requires service dogs be allowed in situations like this?

if you don't, then everyone is wasting time arguing with someone who thinks their opinion trumps the law.

[jdsunflower]

163. what CreekDog said.

[aquart]

142. Everything.

From not grasping the difference between a highly trained service dog and a pet to disrespecting our wounded veterans.

Loathesome, even.

[Eleanors38]

179. And it's still disgusting. He thinks he's cutting edgy.pu

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

83. There's no "claiming" here

It's a certified service dog. The fact you ignored that to push your anti-ADA bullshit says it all.

And disregarding veterans with PTSD? Doubling down on stupidity.

[naaman fletcher]

86. Who disregarded veterans with PTSD?

He either has a right to have the dog in the place or not.

The article keeps trying to impassion the audience with the "vet" stuff. Freepers fall for that all the time. I am surprised when DU does. Who gives a shit if he is a vet? He has a right to the dog or not.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

90. He has the right

You are still seeing fit to complain about it all anyway

"...depressed, or whatever."

Yup, whatever.

[obamanut2012]

99. I give a shit that he is a vet

Money is poured into the the Defense budget, but barely a trickle is funded to vets, disabled or not. I personally have disabled vets in my family. Being a vet doesn't make one better than a non vet, but neither should it make them a object of scorn just because of their status. Which is what happened to the vet in the OP by the store, and by what you are implying -- any old thing, by depression.

I also give a shit that businesses should be HEAVILY fined for ILLEGALLY banning service animals, dog, horse, whatever.

[freshwest]

176. If it's a certified service dog, it doesn't matter what the disability is or what he is.

Last edited Sat Dec 8, 2012, 08:24 PM - Edit history (1)

When you look at the photo at the link, the dog is clearly harnessed like a service dog. It's common practice to allow a service dog on public transportation and retail and public establishments. In fact most businesses have signs allowing them and it's the law.

The reason many people won't discuss their disability in public is because of the attitude of the public who judge a person based on their own health and life, and know nothing of the medical case. These presumptions are often petty and ill spirited, much like tea baggers. The video of baggers bullying a Parkinson's disease sufferer and him a 'communist' and telling him he was a beggar, tossing money is a classic. Abusing someone they know nothing about whatsoever, does happen.

I think the vet reference comes more into play because he was wearing a shirt and the clerk saw fit to tie that into a protest group. Many vets wear such things, many do not. I'm not sure why they do, perhaps they desire comfort from other veterans, or the public.

The rudeness of the employee really had nothing to do with the dog or the man being a vet. He just thought he could use him as toilet paper. I'm glad someone called him and the store on it. Life is hard enough without all this dreck being shoved in faces for no reason other than one person thinking they're entitled to do so.

[Ken Burch]

194. Why are you questioning whether he has that right or not?

Why are you assuming the man was asking for undeserved special treatment?

Your hostility towards and suspicion of Mr. Gallegos is really disturbing.

[obamanut2012]

98. I'm answering for the other poster

Because you are ridiculing people who need service/therapy dogs for just any silly thing, including being depressed. WTF???

You are mocking vets who need service dogs for PTS and other "invisible" wounds.

Because the law says service dogs cannot be barred from any place of business, mode of transportation, public land, etc.

Because your lack of empathy for those needing service animals is appalling.

[jdsunflower]

164. well put.

[bluedigger]

6. Most facilities allow service dogs.

"Seeing eye" dogs is kind of an outdated concept and I doubt you will find any signage referring to such. The fact that he is a veteran just adds insult to his injury, and embarrassment to the assholes at Billy Bobs.

[obamanut2012]

100. Yup, and Seeing Eye Dogs are ONLY service dogs from one place

The Seeing Eye Place in NJ. Only a small amount of service dogs for the seeing impaired come from there. It is trademarked.

As you said, an outdated concept.

[TrogL]

7. Service dogs go through special training and are certified

You can't call just any dog a "service dog". People have service dogs to address their issues within the autistic spectrum, PTSD and to predict seizures.

Please do some research before you spout off.

[Actionman]

27. And some exploit that

I work in a Casino and I had to respond to a situation where two people would not show supervisor any papers and said they would call the ADA. They became very angry when I informed them I was very aware of ADA laws and if the dog is not identified their claim didn't have to be honored.

So wait to see what else develops from this story... If BB staff made the comments regarding occupy it's wrong and a better apology needs to come from the staff person.

Dogs in a bed shop is NOT good for business.

[heaven05]

31. troll

you should be under a bridge demanding crossing fees.

[Sunlei]

42. your casino and you discriminated.

"When it is not obvious what service an animal provides, only limited inquiries are allowed. Staff may ask two questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability, and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform. Staff cannot ask about the person’s disability, require medical documentation, require a special identification card or training documentation for the dog, or ask that the dog demonstrate its ability to perform the work or task.""

In addition we're now training horses to be service animals.(live much longer than canines) So, if a mini horse trots into your casino, you should follow the law. http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

[naaman fletcher]

45. Yup

I have met more than one person who is just a self entitled twat and wants to take his/her dog around with them, including on planes.

Of course, some people are allergic to them but that doesn't matter when DU gets on it's high horse.

[obamanut2012]

102. I doubt it

And, it's interesting you think someone's allergy to a horse or dog trumps the right to someone to have a Service Animal.

[naaman fletcher]

128. Yes I do think that

I think the guy can leave the dog in the care when he buys a bed.

[Ikonoklast]

165. Who cares what you 'think'?

You 'think' people are allowed to break the law because they don't like it?

Must get chilly in that cave, it's affecting your 'thinking'.

[naaman fletcher]

168. You do, obviously

or you wouldn't sill b butt-hurt over a week-old post.

[Ikonoklast]

169. Say hello to kctim for me.

You'll be where he is soon.

[naaman fletcher]

170. Kentucky Council of Teachers of Mathematics? nt

[DiverDave]

182. wow, another joke, man are you SURE you are in the right place?

You cant see why your comments might cause a problem?
Then I suggest you try and find a site that agrees with your take on peoples suffering.
and NO it is not legal to kick out a service dog.
Who cares if it's a chicken? as long as it helps the persons
suffering.

[naaman fletcher]

183. The most interesting thing on DU in the last two weeks

Is the total mob mentality of yelling "Freeper!" at every person who is one step out of line. It's a great study in mob behavior.

[DiverDave]

185. If the shoe fits

and here, it does.

[CreekDog]

171. so you still want businesses to violate the law and just do what you say?

[naaman fletcher]

172. Ahh.. creek dog is back...

At what point so you ever forget about a post that you didn't like? Will you still be harassing me a year from now?

[CreekDog]

173. Everybody doesn't like your post

maybe at Free Republic they'd like it, but nobody here does.

you think it's about me? NOBODY likes it.

your posts were so bad on this issue that they are a form of trolling. why do i call it trolling?

because you said something false, something inflammatory, you made fun of veterans, you mocked PTSD, you mocked the ADA law and confronted again and again on all the ways you were wrong ...

you doubled down and stood behind every statement.

that's trolling and you're doing it on this issue, absolutely.

[naaman fletcher]

174. Yes I know

I know what you have to say about it. You have said it endless times. Will you give up ever?

You are like a religion.. you want stop until every last person bows down and begs your forgiveness for sins.

It's not going to happen here.

Find something else interesting to do with you life besides being butt-hurt over this thread.

[CreekDog]

175. you miss the point --all I'm doing is reminding you what you said

it's you that seems to think begging for forgiveness is warranted after being confronted with your own statements.

[suffragette]

127. Actually DOJ addresses allergies in the ADA link posted directly above your post

It's not about DU "get[ting] on its high horse."

Its about ADA law.

And I'm glad to see so many on DU have compassion and "get it."

[naaman fletcher]

129. The law huh...

I forgot that "the law" was the be-all and end-all on DU. I will remember that from now on.

[suffragette]

131. It's odd to me that someone on DU is not in favor of civil rights law and that's what the ADA is.

[CreekDog]

136. Oh, so we shouldn't follow the LAW, we should just do what Naaman says

you think too much of yourself.

[Gormy Cuss]

96. Congratulations. You broke the law.

Businesses can not require documentation.

There are conditions where it is acceptable to bar the animal (e.g., it's running wild in the business disrupting or endangering others) but it's none of your business who certified the animal or why.

[obamanut2012]

101. It is against Federal law to make demands like you did

You and your employer broke ADA.

[revolution breeze]

123. After Katrina, a lady got in huge trouble.

She was selling Yorkshire Terriers and Shih Tzus as "service dogs" for PTSD. These animals had no training, they were just small animals that could be easily carried and, while they offered companionship, they were not "service dogs". Unfortunately that caused alot of people to have really sour impressions of actual service dogs. Imagine walking in a restaurant and sitting next to someone with her puppy hanging out of her handbag or riding in the cart while grocery shopping.

[Nevernose]

132. Yes, you can just call any dog a service dog

At least for a couple hundred dollars.
http://www.cptas.com/pk.html

I think it's total BS and does a disservice to the many people out there who actually need service animals, but abuse of the system does happen.

There aren't any national licensing or registering mandates to my knowledge.

[TrogL]

139. That's a link to a psychological assessment firm

...which I agree looks a bit fishy, but what does that have to do with service dogs? These people don't prescribe.

[Nevernose]

141. It's part of a larger site

They certify the dog as long as you provide a doctor's or psychologist's recommendation. Conveniently, if you can't find one, they will provide one for you. It's shady as hell, easy for the unethical to exploit, and damages actual people who needs service dogs.

It's like how ten years ago it was easy to go on the Internet and get a prescription for OxyContin with only an "online consultation" with a doctor.

[Drale]

9. Wow just wow

I don't know how to respond to this horrible ignorant statement.

[naaman fletcher]

46. The fact that you didn't is telling. nt.

[yardwork]

11. THIS might be the worst thing I've ever read on DU.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

15. And allowed to stand by a jury

Unreal

[yardwork]

16. I just posted a thread about it in Meta.

I'd like to hear from the 4 jurors who thought that this was just fine.

[yardwork]

26. And the folks in Meta see nothing wrong with the post. Sad.

[Actionman]

30. His opinion

Why are people so whiny when someone says something they don't agree with and not punished...

Chill, it's his opinion and he said nothing wrong just his opinion. I don't agree with the military part of his post but that's me.

[obamanut2012]

103. So, his opinion trumps Federal law?

And, if one gives their opinion on here, they should expect blowback, especially if that opinion mocks folks who need Service Animals, especially those "whiny" people with depression and PTS.

[tkmorris]

81. That's not really accurate

A few of them, myself included, said they would not have voted to hide it. I cannot speak for anyone but myself but I DO find some things wrong with the post, just not anything that rises to the level of needing to be hidden. I freely admit that my standards with regard to what makes a post rise to the level of needing to be hidden are different than some others. "Things I disagree with" is not one of them.

Furthermore whenever I am faced with a post that seems somewhat questionable if there is any possibility that it is the result of a misunderstanding I always assume that is the case rather than leap to assuming some nefarious intent on the part of the poster. In this case it seemed as if the poster was of the belief that the service animal was not a service animal at all but rather just the shoppers pet. I do not know how he arrived at that conclusion as the article offered no information on this point. HOWEVER, given that for whatever reason the poster seemed to have reached that conclusion, his post seemed more reasonable. Thus my opinion that I would not have voted to hide it in spite of the fact that I believed he drew the wrong conclusion about the role of the animal in question and perhaps the nature of the man's disability.

We really are all on the same side you know.

[naaman fletcher]

54. Maybe they didn't think it was "just fine".

Maybe they thought it might have been an opinion that they disagreed with, but that it clearly didn't violate any terms of service or attack another poster here.

Maybe they don't think the Jury system exists for you to whine to when you don't like someones opinion.

[StarryNite]

89. Sometimes it's best to let somebody expose himself

so everybody can see what little he has to show. btw, I was not a juror on this one. I don't know how I would have voted if I had been.

[naaman fletcher]

47. how so?

[PassingFair]

121. You must have missed the thread about kicking a pregnant woman with a sick child off a bus...

This place is going batty.

[Occulus]

12. We aren't born with enough middle fingers to respond properly to that

[freshwest]

192. Be discrete, use your pinkie finger. 'When you don't care enough to send the very best.'

[awoke_in_2003]

13. Stay classy. nt

[msanthrope]

17. Dear Naaman,

I hope that someday soon you will come to a deeper, more empathetic understanding of what a service dog does.

[naaman fletcher]

48. So all service dogs are the same?

I have seen some great ones... I have also seen people who just want their dog hanging around.

[obamanut2012]

104. You just proved Msanthro's point

You don't have any idea what a service animal is, nor the type of people who need them.

Yes, all Service Animals are the same. Protected by Federal Law, and not subject to the opinions of people who mock those who need Service Animals.

[StarryNite]

91. I just hope he never has one of his own...

he's liable to strap it to the roof of his car just to keep it away from the people and luggage riding inside.

[Tribalceltic]

18. Slight correction

Stores are allowed and often required to exclude animals including dogs in stores. There is a difference between service animals and other random animals.

No, not just anyone can bring a dog anywhere. Service dogs are trained and certified depending on state law. Service dogs can be trained to help with many different disabilities, most notably psychiatric illnesses.

See http://www.psychdog.org/research.html

The man was not asking for "special rights", he was simply asking that he not be verbally abused, and that the workers not harass him. The fact that he was a Veteran simply shows how low the workers in that store have sunk.

[naaman fletcher]

49. Sure,

But if psychiatrists will give you pretty much any drug you want, and if you tell them you have anxiety and only your dog will relieve it, they will say it's ok to get a service dog, too.

[Tribalceltic]

97. Because it's so much more believable that someone would "fake" illness

I have known people to cross state lines and assume false names to get treatment for mental illness. There is still a great stigma about admitting mental illness. Faking it so you can take your dog into a store seems pretty far fetched to me.

I agree that some Dr.'s will go along with what you say, but do you have a better system? If Y drug doesn't work, then try z, and let me know. That is the way that it has worked for a long time. Most people want to get relief for whatever disease they have and are honest with their doctor. Who has more knowledge about how they feel?

Your reference that we should let all dogs into stores seems sarcastic and absurd. What are you really trying to say? Are you actually opposed to the use of assistance dogs in general even though they are a proven therapy and treatment tool for many?

[obamanut2012]

105. Educate yourself

Now.

There's this thing called "Google" now. Even Wikipedia.

[valerief]

19. Yeah, it's not like they're superpersons like corporations or anything.

[Spazito]

20. "I reject that vets should have special rights"

Wow, your post is beyond despicable for so many reasons.

[naaman fletcher]

50. so elaborate them.

I couldn't care less that the guy is a vet. He chose a career like all of the rest of us.

[Jumping John]

94. You talk like a Freeper. and look here at a site that says Billy Bob is a pedo criminal:

http://sanantonio.citysearch.com/profile/10132435/san_antonio_tx/billy_bobs_beds.html

"February 06, 2012
BILLY BOB REVIEW BYE PERSONAL SON. billy bob is william thomas gholson an fbi informant for fourty years wanted bye the mexican mofia for drug laundering also a well know pedifile of child pornography who maid a million dollars for the fbi in the last few years i'm his son he molested me at the age of three then sent me to a military school for acting up after sucking his cock . william thomas gholson is a worthless sack of SH and instead of making money bye the fbi he should be locked away for life I HOPE THE MEXICAN SYDICATE PUTS HIM IN HIS PLACE"

W T Gholson must be a republican also.

[smirkymonkey]

147. WTF??

Have you NO compassion?

[Javaman]

21. Your ignorance is highlighted

by your lack of compassion.

[AsahinaKimi]

134. +1000

I also think people who disrespect Veterans are the most disgusting people on the planet.

[kestrel91316]

23. Service dogs provide a valuable service, dumbshit.

Go crawl back into that hole you came out of. Go hang out on FR and eat those cheezy poufs a tad more.

[naaman fletcher]

51. every one of them? nt

[Akoto]

61. Yes, every one. They are trained and certified to provide special services.

You can't walk into the local pet store and say, "I'd like a service dog, please!" They go to people with actual needs, whether you can see them with the naked eye or not.

Superficial, judgmental pricks make me so angry as a disabled person. It's as though a person's disability is no big deal if you can't see it, and they must not need help.

[naaman fletcher]

66. I disagree

Psychicatrists will pretty much give people whatever they want.

[Akoto]

76. Holy hell. I can't debate with this level of bigotry and craziness. n/t

[naaman fletcher]

80. Bigotry to say that Psychiatrists will give people pretty much whatever they want?

lol

[Akoto]

87. It is bigotry to make that assumption in the first place ...

... because you then cast doubt upon every person who makes use of a service dog. Many people need them for reasons that are not apparent to the naked eye, and frankly, whether or not they "deserve" one is none of your damn business. That's between them and their healthcare providers.

As well, your assertion that psychiatrists (or any other health professional) are just flinging service dogs at anyone who asks is flagrantly false. There is never a surplus of service dogs, not just because they're needed, but because it requires a certain kind of dog with a great deal of specialized training to make the cut.

[obamanut2012]

108. Waiting lists for service animals are insane

And, they are very specific who they give them to.

[TrogL]

140. Pretty much, yeah

Any psychiatrist I've dealt with prescribes what they want, not necessarily what I ask for unless they happen to line up, which is rarely.

[LeftishBrit]

178. Yes it's bigotry...

because it's implying that people who need some service or accommodation due to a mental illness are in general likely to be fakers or making unjustified demands for help.

In the UK, our right-wing government and even more right-wing media have been causing great distress and suffering to people with mental illnesses and other invisible (and sometimes visible) disabilities by pushing the view that lots of people are on disability benefits unjustifiably, and are basically just a lot of workshy scroungers. This has caused an increase in hate-crime toward disabled people; increased poverty in an already mostly-poor group; a great deal of stress and humiliation to people who do not need it; and has even in some cases contributed to premature deaths. Part of this has involved implying that doctors cannot be relied on to assess whether people are unable to work or not, and putting the decisions into the hands of a particularly nasty and irresponsible group called ATOS:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-19437785

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/paralympics/paralympic-sponsor-engulfed-by-disability-tests-row-8084799.html

It may be that your opinion is restricted to service dogs in particular; and that you do not suspect mentally ill people of being undeserving of other forms of assistance; but the argument that 'psychiatrists just give people what they want' is easily used to deny mentally ill people the right to any help at all. Moreover, it simply isn't true. Psychiatrists may arguably be sometimes over-ready to simply prescribe pills instead of looking at the broader picture; but that does not mean that they just give people any drug that they want.

[obamanut2012]

107. Not true

[secondvariety]

124. Sounds like the voice of experence.

Next time, ask for something to straighten out your moral compass.

[Ikonoklast]

167. Prove it. Those that assert, must first prove.

Otherwise, you are just talking out of your ass.


As always.

[obamanut2012]

106. Yes, as well as service horses and service monkeys

Everyone.

[GoneOffShore]

24. Did you come out from under your bridge just to be nasty?

Or is that a permanent state for you?

[vduhr]

28. Traditionally? NO, it is the law.

http://governor.state.tx.us/disabilities/resources/assistance_animals/ Also, "meh" indicates that you are blowing this off as a non-issue.

[heaven05]

29. ??

bah humbug!!!! Such mean people in this country.

[billh58]

35. Dear Naaman,

On behalf of myself, and US military veterans across the nation, I would like to inform you that we never asked anyone for "special rights."

Having said that, we do expect to be afforded the standard Constitutional rights that everyone enjoys -- even angry, "it's all about me," individuals such as yourself.

Service Dogs are a means of survival for individuals who, through no fault of their own, need assistance with everyday living. Of course, you, and those who think like you, may have trouble understanding anything that benefits anyone other than yourself.

Say hello to Billy Bob when you see him? Heah...?

[naaman fletcher]

53. OK

But the writer of the article keeps mentioning that he is a vet. Who gives a shit if he is a vet? A guy with a service dog got kicked out of a bedding store. Whether that was right or wrong has NOTHING to do with weather or not he is a vet.

Me, personally, I would like to buy beds that don't have dog hair on them, and would like me allergic son to be able to go into stores without worry about if there is a dog there.

[LanternWaste]

58. Special treatment, eh?

"allergic son to be able to go into stores without worry about if there is a dog there..."

Special treatment, eh?

[naaman fletcher]

63. I don't get your point?

It makes no sense.

There is a difference between medical conditions and having a certain chosen career.

All I said is I don't give a shit if he is a vet or not.

[LanternWaste]

68. ome people want special treatment for their own special circle,

Some people want special treatment for their own special circle, and deny it (or trivialize it) for special circles they're not in.

Odd how that often works. You are correct though, it makes no sense...

[naaman fletcher]

71. So

Are you stating then that Vets should get special rights? I never said that.. but it seems you are.

[obamanut2012]

111. You believe you and your son deserve special rights

That supercede Federal Law and the civil rights of disabled citizens.

[eaglesfanintn]

109. It is a medical condition

Whether you agree with it or not, it is a medical condition. By your (failed) logic, nobody who does anything that is even slightly dangerous for a career should get treatment - whether it's a service animal or medication. Hey, problems after being at Ground Zero? naaman says, "too bad, you chose to be there". Way to go. You've just alienated everyone.
Also, if your kid is buying a bed from the showroom floor and taking it home, he's going to have more to worry about than a few stray dog hairs. You're going to get one from a warehouse that has been covered so your argument there is moot.

[obamanut2012]

110. Why do you think your special rights supercede Federal Law?

[billh58]

120. Actually, many people

"give a shit" that he is a disabled vet, the same as if he were a disabled non-vet. Your harping on the fact that he is a veteran sounds like a personal issue that you, and not the vet, needs to deal with. All disabled people are allowed by Federal and State statutes to be given special parking privileges, special access accommodations, and yes, even allowed to take their service dogs where animals are normally not allowed.

I would suggest that if you observe a service dog which is rightfully and legally on the premises of a business, and it truly upsets you so much, it is your obligation to avoid the business, and to keep your allergic son away from these situations. In these situations, the disabled person's rights trump your paranoia.

And finally, I would like to suggest that if the thought of buying a bed with dog hair on it upsets you so much, you could always ask for one which is sealed in plastic. In this case you just have to trust that a disabled worker with a service dog didn't pack your bed at the factory. Oh, the horror of it all if that worker also turned out to be a decorated veteran.

[Jumping John]

36. "I reject that vets should have special rights." Yea like special rights to respect and

medical care or bandages or artificial limbs & wheelchairs.

Some people may reject that Billy Bob has the right to freedoms to be an ass.

And some people have the right to act like Billy Bob acted appropriately.

[yardwork]

37. I don't think that the opinion expressed is that of a liberal.

The post is full of right-wing talking points. "Special rights," people with disabilities are just faking it for attention, service dogs are just pets with privileged owners, etc. etc. All right wing talking points. Sounds just like Romney and his 47%.

[obamanut2012]

112. +1

[yardwork]

117. can you believe this?

The original post is bad enough. The defenders and apologists - mind-boggling.

[obamanut2012]

119. Appalling

[naaman fletcher]

52. huh?

Who says I am against medical care, limbs, etc?

The irrational responses to what I posted are very telling, indeed.

[CreekDog]

60. you just don't know the law and you keep doubling down on that ignorance

at some point, it's clear you are TRYING to remain ignorant of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

which is kinda sad considering you're on Democratic Underground.

[naaman fletcher]

65. Huh?

It's one thing to respond with "Naaman, you are wrong", but that is not what you did. You accused me of being against vets receiving medical care, which is insane.

[CreekDog]

70. well now you don't even know which poster you're responding to

try again, genius.

[CreekDog]

75. you are confusing me with another poster (I never said that)

jeez, you're embarrassing yourself in this thread.

[naaman fletcher]

79. Yes

I confused you with someone else. I apologize for that.

[CreekDog]

151. don't worry about my feelings, worry about dismissing PTSD by calling it "depressed or something"

that's not only ignorant, it's incredibly dismissive of what PTSD actually is.

i realize you have a history here of badmouthing soldiers, so even though this attack on them is unfair , your attack on the ADA law also dismisses disabled people who aren't veterans --both are uncalled for.

apologizing to me is ironic considering the truly offensive things you've said in this thread are things you haven't apologized for, even those things that you are verifiably wrong and ignorant about.

[naaman fletcher]

153. WTF?

I didn't say PTSD was "depressed, or whatever".

I said service dog could be for "depressed, or whatever".

Also, who says I have a history of bad-mouth soldiers? that is bullshit.

[CreekDog]

154. here's you, after not knowing what the law says, you say the law doesn't matter

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1014&pid=278359

[naaman fletcher]

155. huh?

So to be clear, what does that have to do with your last response to me and my response to it? Or are you changing the subject?

You also might just want to get over it. The world isnt going to come to an end because you dont like what I said.

[CreekDog]

156. LOL then don't worry that *I* don't like what you said, worry about everyone else in this thread!

Almost everyone in this thread thinks your posts and opinions on the subject suck.

Almost everyone in the thread sees that you spoke about the topic without knowing the law.

Almost everyone in the thread sees that once you were told about the law (numerous times) you dismissed it as less important than the superficial and ignorant arguments you were making.

Almost everyone in the thread sees that when commenting about a story about a soldier who has PTSD and a service animal, you referred to people getting dogs because they are "depressed or something", and later protested ("but I didn't mean that about him -yeah right...sure, completely unrelated).

The reason you got flamed so badly in this thread is you posted several ignorant posts that were hostile towards a veteran with a disability related to his service. That's cold. The rare unity among posters in response to you should tell you that something isn't right.

[naaman fletcher]

157. yes but

Everyone else got over it

[CreekDog]

158. keep telling yourself that

[naaman fletcher]

160. Telling myself that?

You are the only one still posting. Most of us don't sit around dwelling for two days over a post some asshole made that you disagree with.

You are the only one.

[DiverDave]

184. nope, not the only one

now I see you have a son that has an allergy, I'm sorry you have to put up with that.
More importantly, to your SON that he has to live with it.
I bet you would be all over someone who diminished and begrudged anything that would help your son.
Do you get it that YOU are doing that?
For some reason you keep talking like someones suffering doesnt matter to you.

And I would have hidden your post as it's disgusting that you would feel that way,
much less post it here.

[naaman fletcher]

186. Where did I say someone's suffering doesn't matter to me?nt

[DiverDave]

188. Oh, I think I get it now, you just like

arguing.
You know exactly why your fucked up post and comments have people in a twist.
Just go away, this is some twisted game?
I guess your 'peers' have had a good laugh?
to use your word
meh, enough of you I'll just ignore the ignorant (thats you btw)

[naaman fletcher]

189. Me go away?

I've been trying to go away. It's people still butt-hurt a weak later who keep bringing it up.

PS, like a lot of other people here, I noticed you made a specific accusation (that I don't care about suffering) that when called on you can't back up.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

82. Do you also consider the VA Hospitals a special right?

[naaman fletcher]

84. WTF are you talking about?

I didn't say that Vetarans have any special rights at all. That is why I don't care that he is a vet. It keeps saying in the article "he's a vet". So what. I don't give a shit. He either has the right to have a service dog for a reason that may or may not have to do with his army service, or he doesn't.

I don't care that he is a vet.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

85. "I reject that vets should have special rights."

Do you consider the VA Hospitals to be a special right?

[obamanut2012]

113. Well, vet hospitals are just FULL of psychatrists

And, as per your own posts in here, they will just give any meds or dogs or whatever to any person, including vets, who ask.

[Jumping John]

64. A service dog is a medical treatment for the wounds of PTSD.

[naaman fletcher]

67. Sure

But the article doesn't even say that, it just gins up outrage over his being a vet. I don't give a shit if he is a vet. Either he has a right to the service dog (which may or may not be because of wounds) or he doesn't. I don't care if he is a vet.

[Jumping John]

92. Romney doesn't care about vets either. Thanks for sharing your sentiments. nt

[obamanut2012]

114. You said dogs shouldn't be allowed to be in bed stores

Even if they are Service Animals, because of dog hair on beds.

You know, I see Service Dogs lounging on beds and couches in IKEA all the time, as well as running around the kitchen there licking meatballs. "eyes"

[magical thyme]

40. um, anybody can't just claim their dog is a service dog

they have specialized training, certification and papers to prove it. And they aren't "traditionally....seeing-eye dogs."

Service dogs are highly trained to assist people with many kinds of disabilities, including deafness, seizures, and blindness.

You're welcome to "reject that vets should have special rights" as your personal opinion. But the laws are laws, and service dogs are allowed to be in places where other dogs are not.

[LanternWaste]

43. Six of one, half a dozen of the other, yes?

On the other hand, we just have a situation where anyone can advertise their lack of understanding of an issue, proclaim an unthoughtful, visceral, wild guess based on zero evidence, and claim it's an opinion.

I'd imagine that for those who do, 'It would be easier to just get it over with and' admit they simply want to stir the pot for its own sake rather than ad any meaningful discourse.

PS, I don;t care if they didn't get enough attention from their parents as a child. I reject that as an excuse for a lack of civility and manners. It's an excuse... not a reason.


Six of one, half a dozen of the other, yes?

[CreekDog]

55. The law is the law --if you can't be bothered to know the law, you should be quiet

[smirkymonkey]

148. Thank YOU. I have been speachless at such heartlessness and ignorance.

His comments have made me absolutely sick.

[Smilo]

73. Do you work for BillyBob's Bedstore?

And are you a closet GOPT'er because you obviously have no compassion.

Oh and by the way............


Texas Law
Requires public facilities and common transportation carriers to admit a person with a disability accompanied by a service dog for assistance and also to admit a trainer of service dogs accompanied by a dog for training purposes.
Requires evacuation, transport and temporary shelter of service animals in a disaster.
Provides a criminal penalty for those who deny access to people with disabilities because of an assistance animal. Offenses are punishable by fines of not less than $300 and not more than $1,000.
Provides full and equal access to housing accommodations for people with disabilities with assistance animals.
Provides that people with disabilities may not be charged extra compensation for assistance animals, however, any damages caused by an assistance animal are the responsibility of the person with a disability using the animal.
Provides that assistance animals must be trained by organizations generally recognized as reputable and competent by agencies involved in rehabilitation of people with disabilities.
State employees may obtain up to ten days of paid leave to attend a training program to familiarize themselves with an assistance dog.
Provides protection if an assistance animal is attacked, injured or killed by an individual or an individual's animal.

[suffragette]

130. Not allowing the service dog to accompany his handler in store is discrimination - pure and simple

It is a violation of ADA - which is a civil rights law.

And the person being a veteran is pertinent, both due to more veterans needing, having access to and using service animals and because of the point made in the article about the comment made about the t-shirt.

[CreekDog]

150. and the other reason it's discrimination is keeping the dog out keeps the disabled person out too

there are people that will be compromised if separated from their service animals, so discriminating against their animals discriminates against their owners too.

[FloridaJudy]

143. Service dogs are clearly marked

Unlike the usual pooch. I encounter a gent in the grocery store the other day who had a dog with him, and the dog was wearing a vest that had "Service Dog" emblazoned on it. I just had to ask, since the dog was a chihuahua "Is that a seeing eye dog?", since clearly it wasn't! Turned out the guy was a brittle diabetic, and they now train dogs to smell dangerous levels of blood sugar. That way the person can either inject insulin or grab a gulp of glucose in time to prevent a coma.

Service dogs are also highly trained. They go through a vigorous selection and training program before they're allowed to wear the vest, so that they don't take a dump in the produce section or bite a toddler.

I suppose some idiot could put a fake vest on Rover, but like fraudulent voting, I doubt that's a common practice.

[LeftishBrit]

177. That's a horrible thing to say

Would you say the same about mobility aids, or about the need for parking spaces for disabled people, or for elderly or disabled people to have human assistants? All of these things could be abused by fraudsters; it is reasonable to expect some sort of certificate or proof that the dog really is a service dog. But just rejecting the whole need for them is equivalent to the Right's wholesale rejection of people's need for benefits.

'I reject that vets should have special rights.'

They had lots of special duties. Why should they not also have a few special rights?

[Le Taz Hot]

180. Congratulations, naaman fletcher.

In 11 years on DU this qualifies as one of the ugliest posts I've ever seen.

[DiverDave]

181. What a jerk thing to say

YOU dont care? Then why are you here?
I bet if YOU needed help, you would say the same, am I right?
I find your comments disgusting and rude.
Are you sure you meant to respond like that here?
Sounds like you got us mixed up with a site
that cares nothing for peoples suffering.
Maybe you should rethink your comment.

[haele]

187. Dogs for people who suffer from seizures don't fall into the same category, eh?

Last edited Thu Nov 1, 2012, 03:15 PM - Edit history (1)

My neighbor, an Iraq vet who survived an IED was medically discharged with traumatic brain injury - TBI - and severe shoulder damage has a small spaniel trained to anticipate his seizures so he can take his meds or get help if he doest have them on him - which can happen when he's driving, out shopping or trying to do his part-time work.
The many doctors he sees still don't know what triggers the seizures, but he can have them anywhere from none to daily within a month's span, and the dog is the only accurate method he has to be able to pull over when he's driving and take his meds - because in the eyes of most people, he's not "disabled" enough not to work, but too disabled to hold down a regular job.

This isn't a "feel sorry for the poor depressed vet" whine, you don't f'n know why the guy had his dog. TBI affects a good number of vets, and you can't tell who has it or who's "just depressed", or who might just fall down in front of you or go off in a blind rage for no apparent reason - or pass out and crash a car into a schoolyard and needs that dog to keep from killing or injuring you and your kids while he or she is trying to have the "normal life" most US citizens expect them to have instead of living off the dole that consists of "hard earned taxpayer money".
Or would you rather they just go ahead and slink off into the bushes with the other homeless and wait to die, or be locked up in the family attics/institutionalized like in the good old days because they're obviously too defective to be in the general population?

It is acknowledged that as therapies that is a wider range of service animals available than just for the blind than there were back in the 60's/70's, because studies have shown a greater usefulness due to the heightened awareness and senses animals such as dogs (or parrots, or horses) have that most people don't have. Their ability to anticipate has been a lifeline to normalcy for people with epilepsy or other physical issues that aren't easily visible to the naked human eye.

But, hey. It's easy to be hard on the whiners, isn't it. Especially if their rights to have a normal life might just seem to inconvenience someone else's comfort level.

Out of consideration for a family member who is apparently allergic to animal hair, I have edited the post, but as someone who is allergic almost to a disabling level to various industrial vapors myself, I find that there is very little sympathy for me because I know that because I am in public I might be in contact with those sorts of vapors and if do not have the means - benedryl, etc - to control or treat my reactions, it's pretty much on me. Just as someone who has seizures and the service animal (means) to anticipate them has the responsibility to have his or her service animal and their meds with them.

Haele

[UnrepentantLiberal]

190. Nice guy.

[Ken Burch]

191. The issue isn't that he's a vet-it's that he NEEDS the service dog.

You seem to be assuming that, when most people claim their animal is a service animal, it's a bogus claim. Do you have anything tangible to back that up?

[Hepburn]

3. WTF????

Holy shit...a Vet with a service dog...a WOUNDED Vet and he gets shit on.

Listen attorney for BB: Apologize, bull shit...how about a free ortho bed and set up for a wounded warrior??? And...some charity donations for other Vets, combat or not...they ALL served.'

Fuck you, BB...

[Sez Eye]

32. Disgusting!

Reminds me of what happened to the Vietnam Vets when they came home. Being called baby killers and being spat upon in airports and on the street. Absolutely uncalled for.

[uppityperson]

33. That "spat upon in airports" myth? How did they get spit on in military airports?

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2005/04/30/debunking_a_spitting_image/

STORIES ABOUT spat-upon Vietnam veterans are like mercury: Smash one and six more appear. It's hard to say where they come from. For a book I wrote in 1998 I looked back to the time when the spit was supposedly flying, the late 1960s and early 1970s. I found nothing. No news reports or even claims that someone was being spat on.
(clip)
Like many stories of the spat-upon veteran genre, Smith's lacks credulity. GIs landed at military airbases, not civilian airports, and protesters could not have gotten onto the bases and anywhere near deplaning troops. There may have been exceptions, of course, but in those cases how would protesters have known in advance that a plane was being diverted to a civilian site? And even then, returnees would have been immediately bused to nearby military installations and processed for reassignment or discharge.
(clip)

The exaggerations in Smith's story are characteristic of those told by others. ''Most Vietnam veterans were spat on when we came back," he said. That's not true. A 1971 Harris poll conducted for the Veterans Administration found over 90 percent of Vietnam veterans reporting a friendly homecoming. Far from spitting on veterans, the antiwar movement welcomed them into its ranks and thousands of veterans joined the opposition to the war.

The persistence of spat-upon Vietnam veteran stories suggests that they continue to fill a need in American culture. The image of spat-upon veterans is the icon through which many people remember the loss of the war, the centerpiece of a betrayal narrative that understands the war to have been lost because of treason on the home front. Jane Fonda's noisiest detractors insist she should have been prosecuted for giving aid and comfort to the enemy, in conformity with the law of the land.

[yardwork]

38. Nobody every asks that very basic question. Who were those military personnel spitting on vets?

Total fake made-up story designed to make anti-war protesters look bad.

[Tribalceltic]

41. Not a myth

Most of it happened quietly and in the shadows and backgrounds where bullies tend to congregate.

One of my brothers was in the army in 1970 and flew home, yes most of the trip was through military airports, but the final leg was on a commercial flight into Syracuse. He told us that most of the people he met in the airport were wonderful to him, but one young lady there asking for change, said "babykiller" loud enough for him to hear as he passed by. Stunned by it, he never said anything to her or anyone else about the incident. When his leave was up, he insisted on taking the bus to the airport and stopped for lunch in a small city while waiting to change buses. It was a chain restaurant, and he saw the cook spit on his burger when he pulled it off the grill. The cook and others knew that he was running close to making the bus, so again he made no fuss about it, just got up and walked out.

Other Vietnam era vets have told me similar stories, most of the interactions were very positive, very few would talk about anything negative. Just like most of the vets I have worked with (in the medical field) would rather pay their own way, or go without for medical care no matter how much they deserved it. I was told by a majority of them that, "somebody else needs it worse than I do".

For my Father, Grandfather, my 3 Vietnam era brothers, countless cousins, uncles and ancestors I would like to thank all veterans for their service

[uppityperson]

59. Oh I am sure some were called "babykillers" and of course some small town grill cook spit on a burge

but as far as them being spit on in airports, I haven't read credible reports and that was what I was addressing.

I hope your brothers are doing ok.

[obamanut2012]

115. Bob Greene investigated this and wrote a book about this

And, it's basically a myth.

[yardwork]

118. I'm not saying that I don't believe you. I am saying that all these stories are remarkably similar.

All the stories involve a hippie girl screeching "baby killer" and a short order cook spitting on a hamburger. Now ask yourself - and I was alive in 1970 and it sounds like you were too - how likely is it that such things could have happened in public places and there not be a riot? I remember 1970 very well, and the overall sentiment of the public was pro-America and pro-military. Strongly. Personally, I think that a short order cook observed spitting on a returning veteran's hamburger would have been beaten up by the other customers and dumped outside the diner. And that hippie girl sure got around. Usually the story is that she screeched baby killer in the San Francisco airport.

[Tribalceltic]

125. It was a strange time for me, but I remember some things very clearly

I dislike to argue to defend my brother but I do remember him telling that story to me when it happened and again later. I'd ask him about it now, but he has had a stroke and I won't bother him about it.

I left out a few points that may have muddled the story. He was very young, 17 and assigned to an air cavalry unit as a mechanic. I did not say that the girl "screeched", she said it loud enough for him to hear. He did not call her a hippie, but did say she had long scraggly hair and was apparently begging for money. I got the impression that it happened so fast that he didn't think much about it. I find the story he told us later of the cook spitting on his burger because my father often took us to that burger shop before this incident. I believe this happened well before the regular lunch crowd was around. I find it extremely easy to understand how that particular place could have very few customers in it at that time. He was in a hurry to catch his bus, I can easily understand how he would have left without saying anything.

Let me add that this traumatized me (as an 8 yo) than it did him. I remember many, many more wonderful stories of his buddies, and special treatment he go in the way of jobs and opportunities for his service. I do remember That patriotism ran high in our little town, and I got special treatment in scouting, at school and in general because of their service. As in "hey be nice to that kid all his brothers are overseas". That was always good for seconds or extra desserts for a growing farm boy.

I'm not claiming all of the stories are true, i"m sure that some have been exaggerated especially with the passage of time. I'm equally sure that some are twice told tales like mine.

I spent my last job as a home health aide who because of a wonderful scheduling nurse got to work with veterans in their homes for the last ten years that I worked. I found out several things about them and have respected almost all of them. The majority of them had several things in common no matter what their branch, era of service or length of service. Very few will talk as easily about their service to a civilian as another vet. Most of them are very modest. I had one introduce himself to me simply as "sarge", later helping him go over some paperwork I came across his true rank; Command Sargent Major. Very few will ever talk openly about anything negative that happened during their service.

My Marine brother has never ever talked to me about anything regarding his service. He did give me his boot camp yearbook. I still have his 8x10 combat gear photo. He does have a fungus related to handling agent orange.

My Navy brother spent 23 years working his way up to Master Chief, nominated twice for Master Chief of the navy. He is quite healthy and the only stories I have ever heard him tell are funny ones.

My Army brother spent two hitches working on helicopters, one in Germany and one in Korea. He has had a stroke and is blind, not related to his service.

[yardwork]

144. It's very sad. I wish you and your brothers well.

[Lightbulb_on]

146. I personally know someone who was spit on...

... along with the baby killer comment. This was from an Occupy protestor.

I'm not saying its common but it does happen.

[uppityperson]

149. An Occupy protestor spit on a Viet Nam vet when they returned?

[yardwork]

152. Severe disruption of the time-space continuum.

[Zorra]

159. And I saw Elvis yesterday. No, really.

He came walking right out of a flying saucer. He had sunglasses on too.

[Grins]

8. Supportin' the troops!

If this is what members of the military can expect in San Antonio, maybe Lackland Air Force Base, Randolph Air Force Base, and Fort Sam Houston with all it's medical facilities, should moved to a more friendly state.

Screw Texas.

[Wernothelpless]

10. I'll drive to San Antonio and buy a bed from BBB ...

when Adan Gallegos takes ownership of the company ... hope he has a good lawyer ...

[hack89]

14. Check out the addition to Billy Bob's website

http://billybobsbeds.com/

[Locrian]

25. isn't that special...

Bet it wasn't there a few days ago.



Of course, you have to be able to ignore the rest of his train-wreck website homepage! I've seen porn sites with more tasteful layouts! LOL!

[Jumping John]

88. Check out what I found:

This is quoted from the site:

"BILLY BOB REVIEW BYE PERSONAL SON. billy bob is william thomas gholson an fbi informant for fourty years wanted bye the mexican mofia for drug laundering also a well know pedifile of child pornography who maid a million dollars for the fbi in the last few years i'm his son he molested me at the age of three then sent me to a military school for acting up after sucking his cock . william thomas gholson is a worthless sack of SH and instead of making money bye the fbi he should be locked away for life I HOPE THE MEXICAN SYDICATE PUTS HIM IN HIS PLACE"

http://sanantonio.citysearch.com/profile/10132435/san_antonio_tx/billy_bobs_beds.html

[Jumping John]

22. I called Billy Bob and talked to hin. He sounds like

another corporate want to be whore. Says he doid not even know what PTSD was. Wants another chance. Said everyone deserves another chance.

I told him that I was going to call Sealy and any other matress company that was affiliated with his store. Told him that his shyster lawyer must care less than him since that statement was a nothing apology that shows BB and his lawyer were caring more about a dollar than about the humiliation he put on Adan Gallegos.

http://billybobsbeds.com/

And he kept asking, "Why are you so angry?"

WTF

[msedano]

34. thank you for making that call

when i was in the army, i met several friends who got special rights that fella above thinks are excessive. the government buried them for free. do you read me loud and clear? out here.

[Blue_Tires]

122. his site now has a banner "Military Always Welcome! Service Dogs Welcome!"

[douglas9]

39. SERVICE ANIMALS IN PLACES OF BUSINESS

1. Q: What are the laws that apply to my business?

A: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), privately owned businesses that serve the public, such as restaurants, hotels, retail stores, taxicabs, theaters, concert halls, and sports facilities, are prohibited from discriminating against individuals with disabilities. The ADA requires these businesses to allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals onto business premises in whatever areas customers are generally allowed.

U.S. Department of Justice
Civil Rights Division
Disability Rights Section


http://www.ada.gov/qasrvc.htm

[obamanut2012]

116. And, that says ANIMALS, not just dogs`

Mainly dogs, but more and more horses are being trained as service animals, and there are also monkeys and even pigs. I have read of some kitties, too, although they seem to be at-home service animals.

[Paladin]

74. San Antonio Is A HUGE Military Town.

Big-time mistake by these business clowns, possibly (and hopefully) harmful on a permanent basis.

[johnsmith9875]

95. I looked at their website

Holy cow what a strange website, it looks like one of those hillbilly shooting galleries at carnivals, it has so many animated GIFs on it.

Pictures of fat employees, chicks in tight tube dresses, a tractor trailer popping a wheelie. You aren't going to get much professionalism from these clowns.

[llmart]

126. I wanted to read all the replies before I posted.....

I volunteered for 11 years at a local organization that gives guide dogs to people who are blind. I also raised and trained two dogs from the time they were 6 weeks old until they were 13 months old for this organization. Both went on to become guide dogs for people who needed them. I worked in their kennels, in their offices, anywhere I was needed. I saw many, many people of all kinds come to the school to be trained with the dog they were given. The organization gives these dogs to people free of charge. They estimate that each dog costs them $26,000 to breed, raise and train. The money for the organization comes from donations, volunteers, grants, etc.

In all the years I worked there I gained a new appreciation for what it takes to train a guide dog and all the generous people who give of their time and money so that someone less fortunate than they are has the opportunity to more fully enjoy their lives. I have been privileged to be a part of what this organization calls dog issue day. It is the day the students come to the school and receive their specially, fully trained dog. It is a very emotional moment and I cried many a tear seeing how grateful these people are. I was also privileged to meet the person who received one of the dogs I raised and she thanked me profusely for raising her dog and then giving it up so that she could have it.

At times when I was feeling down or sorry for myself, it did me good to see those who were less fortunate than I work so tremendously hard to get accustomed to using their guide dog. And when I would see them out in public with their dogs I would think to myself, "There but for the grace of God go I."

So, to the poster whose name I don't remember and don't care to, who is disgusted because a vet brings his service dog into a shop and to the lowlife billy bob who owns the store, all I can say is I hope to God you never find yourself in a position where you need a service dog. You know nothing about what it takes to raise and train an assistance dog.

Oh, and by the way, the kennels where I volunteered? They were probably cleaner than billy bob's mattress store.

[AsahinaKimi]

133. So Service Dogs are now

Entitlements? REPUBLICANS sure HATE veterans. I wish I could say more, but too angry to put it into words.

[Go Vols]

135. What exactly is the law on this?

Last edited Wed Oct 24, 2012, 11:11 PM - Edit history (2)

Although it is a certified service dog,it isn't performing the tasks outlined in the ADA guide for a service dog at the bottom quote.

Since his return home, Gallegos has suffered from depression, post-traumatic stress and other emotional conditions linked to combat.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/disabled-vet-service-dog-booted-texas-store-lawsuit-article-1.1191429

Service Animals

Often businesses such as stores, restaurants, hotels, or theaters have policies that can exclude people with disabilities. For example, a "no pets" policy may result in staff excluding people with disabilities who use dogs as service animals. A clear policy permitting service animals can help ensure that staff are aware of their obligation to allow access to customers using service animals. Under the ADA's revised regulations, the definition of "service animal" is limited to a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability. For example, many people who are blind or have low vision use dogs to guide and assist them with orientation. Many individuals who are deaf use dogs to alert them to sounds. People with mobility disabilities often use dogs to pull their wheelchairs or retrieve items. People with epilepsy may use a dog to warn them of an imminent seizure, and individuals with psychiatric disabilities may use a dog to remind them to take medication. Service members returning from war with new disabilities are increasingly using service animals to assist them with activities of daily living as they reenter civilian life. Under the ADA, "comfort," "therapy," or "emotional support animals" do not meet the definition of a service animal.

http://www.ada.gov/regs2010/smallbusiness/smallbusprimer2010.htm#serviceanimals

[obamanut2012]

137. Why did you edit the entry?

The 2010 regs specifically mention PTS roles service animals are certified to play, and also that animals other than dogs have to be accepted as service animals, as long as their meet certain criteria (ie horses being housetrained or wearing horse "diapers&quot .

http://www.ada.gov/service_animals_2010.htm

[Go Vols]

138. The ADA link that I quote in the link above ...

The Department of Justice has revised its regulations implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). This rule takes effect on March 15, 2011

I edited as to add to my original entry.Why do you ask?

[obamanut2012]

166. Because you edited out part of the law

Which is odd, especially since it's pertinent to this thread.

[bbspokesperson]

145. A Message from Billy Bob's Bed

Good Morning. My name is Jenny and I am a spokesperson for Billy Bob's Bed's. Our owner Mr. Bill Gholson has issued a statement regarding the lawsuit. Please see it here: http://www.facebook.com/notes/billy-bobs-beds/a-message-from-billy-bobs-beds/10151106404151274 http://www.facebook.com/notes/billy-bobs-beds/a-

[Nine]

161. Not available. Why don't you post the statement itself? (nt)

[Nine]

162. Google "service animal fraud." It does occur.

I learned some things, and some of what has been posted in this thread is misleading. There's no "certification" program for service animals, and there is no significance to a vest that says service dog. It's entirely possible, though I have no information one way or the other, that this dog does not meet the legal standard of service dog even if the owner claims (or possible even believes) that it does. There is no justification at all, however, for a store abusing customers, if indeed that is what happened.

[Ken Burch]

193. Why on earth would they object to his t-shirt?

Is it really the business of employees to tell customers what they should and shouldn't be wearing?

[uppityperson]

197. Huh. nt