Editor’s note: photo of SOURCE file
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FRAMINGHAM – I am a service dog handler and have encountered several non-service dogs at both Target and Walmart.
On my last trip to Walmart I was greeted by a very rude “coach” who told me they could only ask one question and couldn’t ask them to leave.
I have contacted Framingham Health Board and Inspectorate Services who will try to deal with the situation.
I’m asking if you don’t have a trained service dog and what I mean is if your dog isn’t trained to do an actual task (without providing comfort or emotional support) , please leave it at home. You might think it’s cute to have a dog with you while shopping, but it puts those in need of a service dog at risk.
According to the ADA, service dogs do not fit in a basket. All 4 legs belong to the ground. They sit in the bare bottom where the food goes and it’s just gross.
A dog in a stroller is also not a service dog because it cannot do its job of alerting the handler to low blood sugar, grounding the handler during an anxiety attack, etc.
I will investigate this further if I continue to have issues with any company that sells food that allows non-assistance dogs inside. This is against the health advice and could lead to its closure. I will insist on it if I have to.
I don’t care if people lose their jobs, it’s my well-being and that of other people with disabilities and their legitimate service dogs that I worry about.
PLEASE LEAVE YOUR DOG AT HOME IF IT IS NOT A TRAINED ASSISTANCE DOG!
Kevin Cummings
Director
Felicia Rose Scholarship Program
https://www.cummingsfoundation.org/felicia/
