[nagdu] STILL DEFIANT: Disabled vet plans to sue Big Y Supermarketover ban (video)

Wed Aug 11 17:41:13 UTC 2010

Well, at least some of the commentors have a clue...

The rest seem to have swallowed the store's version whole and spewed it out
the other end...  "Doug poop" indeed!

Never mind that the woman is crippled for life and probably will suffer
extreme chronic pain for having served her country... 

Tami Smith-Kinney

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Ginger Kutsch
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 6:30 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: [nagdu] STILL DEFIANT: Disabled vet plans to sue Big Y
Supermarketover ban (video)

FYI. Below is a link to the live video and another article about
the disabled vet whose dog pooped in the store. 

STILL DEFIANT: Disabled vet plans to sue Big Y Supermarket over
ban (video)
http://google.com/
Published: Friday, August 6, 2010
01 comment(s) 
By Luther Turmelle, North Bureau Chief
lturmelle at newhavenregister.com

im Mucha of Wallingford poses with her dog, Ivy, outside the Big
Y Supermarket in North Haven Thursday. In Ivy's mouth is the
Notice of Trespass Mucha received after the service dog defecated
in the store in late June. (Mara Lavitt/Register)

Kim Mucha remains firm about what she sees as an unfair and
illegal banning from Big Y Supermarket's North Haven store
because her 8-year-old service dog, Ivy, accidentally messed on
the floor of the produce section in June.

Mucha, who lives in Wallingford, said Thursday she has hired a
lawyer and is moving ahead with her plans to challenge the ban in
court, despite stinging criticism and online attacks, accusing
her of exploiting the situation for financial gain.

Mucha says she needs Ivy, who wears a special harness, to help
her with balance problems due to service-related disabilities.
Big Y officials claim they were within their rights to banish
Mucha and Ivy from the store because the dog was not on a leash
and defecated on the floor several times, including once near
where Big Y employees were making sandwiches for customers.

Claire D'Amour-Daley, a spokeswoman for the Springfield, Mass.,
company, which has 54 locations in Connecticut and Massachusetts,
was not available for comment Thursday about whether the chain
has any surveillance video of the incident.

But Mucha contends Big Y officials are misrepresenting what
happened.

"It's not about the money," said Mucha, an Air Force veteran.
"This is about making people realize that people have a right to
bring service dogs into stores. I'm not looking for some kind of
financial settlement; I'm looking for this to go to trial so that
I can fight and win."

Mucha claims that banning her and Ivy from the store is a
violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. She said she
would donate any money she might receive from a lawsuit to the
East Coast Assistance Dogs program.

The Torrington organization trained Ivy and has about 150 animals
it has worked with that are in use, said Lu Picard, a founder of
the group and its program director.

"Kim is not that kind of person; she wants to do what's right for
other people with service dogs, especially veterans," Picard
said. "But I'm concerned for her. She's very fragile emotionally
and some of the things that have been said about her are really
horrible."

East Coast Assistance Dogs has also seen some fallout from
controversy, receiving some harassing e-mails, Picard said.

"We're seeing a lot more people who have service dogs being
denied access to stores," she said. "A lot of times it involves
people with what I call invisible disabilities. But the military
is increasingly recommending service dogs for our soldiers who
are coming home from the Middle East with PTSD (post-traumatic
stress disorder) and so we're going to see more of this, not
less."

To illustrate her point, Picard cited the case of Luis Montalvan,
an Army veteran and the recipient of two Bronze Stars.

Montalvan sued fast-food giant McDonald's for $10 million after
two employees allegedly beat him in December 2008 when he and his
service dog tried to enter one of its Brooklyn, N.Y., locations.
Picard, who knows Montalvan, said his case was recently settled
out of court.

"Anyone who doesn't look disabled is being questioned," she said.
"It's just a matter of people not understanding service dogs and
what they do."

Mucha said she is troubled that some people think she is being a
troublemaker.

"I apologized many times to the people in the store when it
happened," Mucha said. "But some people just don't like hearing
what the law is."

Call Luther Turmelle at 203-789-5706.

Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. We ask that you be
polite. Offensive comments will be removed and repeated offensive
comments could lead to being banned from commenting. In no way do
the comments represent the view of nhregister.com.

Rob wrote on Aug 6, 2010 6:26 AM:

" Maam, I myself am a veteran and I thank you for your service to
our great country. But in all fairness, if your dog messed on the
floor several times in one instance, that is quite extreme. The
store also has an obligation to its customers, and who wants to
see a dog mess all over the place while grocery shopping for
food. 
I don't know how to resolve this situation, but God Bless you and
may things work out for you. "

Report Abuse

bigcheese wrote on Aug 6, 2010 6:29 AM:

" It's quite obvious the reason they dont want her and the dog in
there is because they are both white. It's racial discrimination.
"

Report Abuse

Wont shop in a store with feces on the floor wrote on Aug 6, 2010
6:41 AM:

" Please just call ahead, I'm sure that there is a wheeled or
motorized cart.

Doug p00p on the floor when I'm shopping is gross.

It is a money grab, just like her McDonalds friend.

and it is in the paper again??? "

Report Abuse

Laen wrote on Aug 6, 2010 6:56 AM:

" This woman is nuts. Her dog deficates on the floor of a food
store not once but twice and it's the stores fault. "

Report Abuse

no poop wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:02 AM:

" she needs to get someone to take that dog for a long walk
before going to the store. I don't want to see poop on the floor
when i am shopping. "

Report Abuse

no poop wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:05 AM:

" did you notice in the video she said she cannot bend down or
get down because it will cause a lot of pain, but in the photo
she is on the knees....figure that one out....lol "

Report Abuse

Unbelievable wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:06 AM:

" Lady, haven't you heard of Peapod? Have you no human friends
with whom you can shop? For crying out loud! I know I don't want
to buy food in a dog toilet. "

Report Abuse

lawyer wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:19 AM:

" Listen Lady:

Dog feces is poisonous ! Your dog can't do this in a place where
the public may get sick IRREGARDLESS of the fact you are
handicapped. 

You can sue all you want, its just showing your ignorance. "

Report Abuse

feel sorry for the woman wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:25 AM:

" I appreciate no one wants to shop in a store with dog feces (or
'doug' feces as one of the other posters who cannot spell calls
it). That said, it sounds like this was a one time issue. The dog
had an accident once. maybe it was sick. if it's not a reccurring
problem then the store overreacted. I'm glad she's taking legal
action to protect her rights and I hope to see a boycott of Big
Y. I know that I personally won't shop there ever again if this
is how they treat customers. regardless of the situation, they
certainly could have handled the issue more delicately. "

Report Abuse

redcybra wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:25 AM:

" If she can't keep the dog under control she has no business
bringing it into any store. Service dogs are trained and their
users also receive training before they take the dog home. Was
she "denied access" before the dog pooped? I don't think so. SHE
is the problem, not the dog. I hope Big Y sticks to its guns and
the whole story, including other witnesses, comes out. "

Report Abuse

pat wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:30 AM:

" Big Y says that the dog defecated near a place where sandwiches
were being made. so what? this seems irrelevant unless the dog
snuck behing the deli and pooped on the sandwiches or equipment.
yes, it's gross that the dog had an accident and i feel bad for
everyone who was there at that time. that said, accidents happen.
i saw a girl projectile vommit at an amusment park recently and
she wasn't banned. poor dog was probably sick and i'm sure this
was a humiliating experience for the woman. "

Report Abuse

JPinCT wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:33 AM:

" Another instance of a good dog, irresponsible owner. Unless a
dog is ill, they just don't go to the bathroom wherever/whenever,
especially a disciplined service animal. Sounds like Ms. Mucha
should have given Ivy a little time with the fire hydrant before
entering the store. Animal "accidents" happen, but any good pet
owner will accept responsibility as well as the consequences. Big
Y has a service to provide to the community and not just to Ms.
Mucha and I think her actions are hamstringing other persons with
service animals far more than helping them. Service animals are
an important part of many handicapped people's lives, but having
one doesn't put you above displaying common courtesy to the
persons around you. "

Report Abuse

fed up wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:47 AM:

" too bad she cry racism! "

Report Abuse

Bill in Wallingford wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:49 AM:

" This is not worthy of two front page stories within a few days
in the New Haven Register. I'm concerned about unsanitary
conditions in a grocery store, and we have a woman crying, "poor
me" and using her military service as a crutch. The food store is
correct in maintaining utmost sanitary conditions for its
customers. "

Report Abuse

Pat wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:01 AM:

" This woman is making a mockery of ADA. "

Report Abuse

grundle wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:11 AM:

" she has balance problems ??? sounds like a disability scam to
me. how about this.... carry a freaking cane!

why should i have do deal with your dog crapping in the procduce
isle when i am shopping there. why should ANYONE have to deal
with that, just because you cant keep your balance?

hey lady, wake up. the world is not here to serve you!

oh, and by the way, i am a veteran too "

Report Abuse

Mom of 3 year old wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:12 AM:

" First, to Lawyer. Ir-regardless is not a word, only regardless.
Sorry for being the grammer police but that non word makes me
nuts.
Second, I feel sorry for this poor animal. This lady is feeding
this dog Ol' Roy (Walmart) or the equivalent, not a high quality
product. My dog was the same way until we started giving her a
grain free product, only available in pet stores. The urge to
poop comes up so fast in the low quality product, the dog can't
help it. And Big Y is within its rights to forbid the dog inside
the store. Once is an accident, twice is the owner's problem not
the store. As a customer of a grocery store, I'd be put off by
dog poop even though I own a dog and clean up after it. "

Report Abuse

the Barrister wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:18 AM:

" Don't hire handicapped people. They will eventually use the
"crippled card" and force your business into expensive special
privileges, "rights" above and beyond reason that cause
resentment in other workers. They will usually find a way to
injure or re-injure themselves, all at the expense of your
business. Even if you provide every single thing they demand,
plan on a lot of time in court. all special interest factions end
up behaving this way. "

Report Abuse

Mike wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:23 AM:

" I thought this woman had problems reaching things on lower
shelves? She doesn't seem to have a problem kneeling on the
ground for a photo! Balance issues- not for nothing, but isn't
that what they make canes and walkers for? or how about the
motorized carts that Big Y provides for FREE! The dog just seems
a bit extreme to me in this particular case. "

Report Abuse

sam wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:30 AM:

" I certainly would not shop at big Y, just for this story alone.
She cleaned up the mess and thats that. "

Report Abuse

Truth wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:33 AM:

" I'm all for supporting VETs and the disabled (hate when people
abuse the handicapped parking spacing) - but this lady doesn't
have a case. I could see if she was blind and needed the dog but
if you have balance problems - use a freakin cane or a motorized
cart (provided at all supermarkets!!!!). The lady needs to take
the dog for a walk and care for it better. "

Report Abuse

Uh-oh wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:39 AM:

" her lawyer says, "She's very fragile emotionally and some of
the things that have been said about her are really horrible" 

if this was really an issue it wouldn't be shopped to the
Register.

bet he is counting his money?? "

Report Abuse

CONTRACTOR wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:39 AM:

" I had a add in the paper for a framer for my company, a guy
apply seem very nice. had a jacket over his right arm, I hired
him to start on a monday when he showed up for work he had arm
missing ( where the jacket was) he couldnt frame or carry wood,
when I fired him. the state was on my back. keep him on the books
for 6 months doing nothing, he abuse the power, it's always a
card people pull. gay/ black/ retard/ I'm sick of it! "

Report Abuse

Realist wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:40 AM:

" I feel sorry for this lady, but she's 100% in the wrong.
She does seem to have a problem with balance, sadly the mental
variety. "

Report Abuse

sarra wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:40 AM:

" Didn't we all see this coming? 
FYI-she already has a case going in criminal/mv court-sues people
for a living. I personally have seen her dog
crap in the Wallingford Walmart while she walked away from the
mess. She behaves as if she has a screw loose and
obviously no integrity. And I am a vet
and disabled, but this lady gets no sympathy from me. "

Report Abuse

Mike wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:49 AM:

" Hey, "lawyer": Did you attend Quinnipiac Law School by any
chance?

Perhaps at that fourth-tier (has it climbed to low third-tier
yet?) law school, the word "irregardless" is used, but in seventh
grade at my (admittedly elite) private school I was taught
there's no such word.

"Quinnipiac" is Native American for "stupid white kids," and
"Quinnipiac Law School is a local Connecticut expression for
"$200k in debt and no job. "

Report Abuse

Mike wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:53 AM:

" I want to see a binding, written commitment from Mucha to
forward the proceeds of a successful lawsuit or action to East
Coast Assistance Dogs. I'd bet Big Y would settle for a tidy sum
if she'd commit. Let her put it in writing. She has a lawyer. "

Report Abuse

Pam wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:03 AM:

" I agree with the store asking her to leave... once is an
accident,, more than that,, she should have left... what if a
customer had slipped and fallen in the poop...should the customer
sue her and her dog, or are they going to sue the store if they
fell... she has a lot of nerve,,, she should have left the first
time on her own after cleaning up the mess and taken her dog
home,,, the dog might have been sick - if a child got sick in the
store,, does the parent continue to shop or leave and go
home...what is next... "

Report Abuse

Dog owner wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:06 AM:

" A service dog is well trained and obviously house-broken. So,
was the dog sick? If he was sick, did the owner know that before
going shopping? If the dog wasn't sick, has he done this before?
Does the owner make sure the dog does all his business before
going shopping? 

Doesn't seem so much an affront to the disabled as to animal
behavior. "

Report Abuse

barbs wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:11 AM:

" A picture is worth a thousand words. Look at this woman
crouched on the ground - how do you get into that position if you
have "bad balance?" I
bet she got right up again unassisted too. What a scam! "

Report Abuse

sam wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:14 AM:

" Wow-could this lady's voice be any more
whiney? And she looks like she's just
taken a bite out of s s**t sandwich. She
needs to get to the Psych Services at the VA ASAP. Roger Wilco! "

Report Abuse

DC-new haven wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:19 AM:

" next time lady, carry a pooper scooper!! "

Report Abuse

Law wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:25 AM:

" The law is that the service dog needs to be on a leash.
Somehow, the dog was off it's leash in Big Y and that's the
store's fault? "

Report Abuse

Mike Hunt wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:25 AM:

" Maybe she's trying to get money for a full set of dentures.
Typical toothless white trash trying to make a $. She seems a bit
nuts. A vet with a legitimate claim and having a dog is ok but
this woman should have a cane or scooter with a human companion.
"

Report Abuse

Go Y wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:25 AM:

" Your dog crapped on the floor. I would have put it down. No
excuse! That's where people buy their food! "

Report Abuse

Fairness wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:27 AM:

" What needs to be accomplished is a solution that is fair to the
women and her dog and fair to the store. Is there a health
problem with the dog? Has the women been properly trained in the
responsibilitie of having this type of dog (ie feeding, walking
which includes picking up when her dog does his business. Does
the store only have a problem with this women and her dog or are
they stopping all of these types of dog. We need responsibile
reporting of the new, get the whole story, not just the juicy
stuff!!! "

Report Abuse

interested wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:29 AM:

" Shame on the New Haven Register for making this a bigger story
than it is and fueling her fire. "

Report Abuse

Disgusted wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:30 AM:

" After reading the article and all the comments, I have to agree
that Big Y is in the right here. There is no need to bring a dog
into a store when she doesn't appear to have said 'balance'
issues, it's quite disgusting to think that people will support
this lunatic and want to shop in a store with feces on the floor.
She should shop with Peapod if she can't take care of or handle
her service dog properly. "

Report Abuse

grundle wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:33 AM:

" the saddest thing about this whole case is that this crazy,
whiney, white trash woman will get enough liberal sympathy that
she will win a case in court and make a couple million dollars.
that cost will be passed down to the consumer...that's you and me

i wish i would see her dog crap in the store, i would rub HER
nose in it so she would know not to do it next time "

Report Abuse

two dogs wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:35 AM:

" wow, take a look at that ugly mutt. and what a beautiful dog
she has "

Report Abuse

Kelly P wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:43 AM:

" To Sarra: You really need to get your information correct
before you start spewing. The case that is pending dispostion in
Court, is in fact a Kimberly J Mucha, but if you look at the DOB
(thats date of birth) incase you where to stupid to realize, and
its 1974 and is Statulitory sealed (so how you know for fact that
this is the same person is beyond me). 
This Kim Mucha is defiantly older than 36.. And thats obvious.
If I was Kim Mucha, (and Im not, but that is my real name) and
was reading this, I would sue you personally for "Defamation of
Charactor:. You have deliberiatly mis spoken and defamed her
character by putting false information out there about her that
is KNOWINGLY UNTRUE for your personal agenda.. 
I am going to suggest to the New haven register, that they
disclose your informationt to Ms, Mucha attorney, so she can
bring action against you.. I actually feel sorry for you, your
life must have absolutly NO Meaning, if you can just put
informationo out there with out having all the CORRECT
Information, and defame a persons charactor, all for the simple
reasoning of I wasnted to blog.. 
You should really take up a new hobby! Good luck to Ms. Mucha! "

Report Abuse

so judgemental wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:46 AM:

" I'm shocked at how quick people are to assess her disability
based on one photo of her kneeling and a short video. none of us
(myself included) have any idea how serious her disability is,
whether it comes and goes, etc. "

Report Abuse

john wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:50 AM:

" i wish i could be on this jury...i won't give her a
dime.......all she's doing is exploiting the situation for her
own financial gain and greed. "

Report Abuse

palo wrote on Aug 6, 2010 9:58 AM:

" I have a balance problem from Meniere's disease and several
operations on the inner ear. Most of you people have no idea how
debilitating this can be. Not many of you know anything about
inner ear problems. 

Balance is checked in three ways. 1) by the inner ear and
semicircular canals. 2) By the eyes and 3) by food in the stomach
(gravity). 

I find that I fall when it is dark out more often than in light.
So my eyes help me more to keep my balance and stay on my feet. I
use a cane also to help me. 

I have a dog (a Lab) but not for assistance, just a good friend.
I can not at all see how my dog would be able to help me with the
balance problem. I need things that are hand high to hold onto.
If I fell I would just fall onto my dog! 

A dog can not assist and help with a balance problem, they are
just too small. A horse would work much better. 

Now if this lady has the dog as crutch for war related disorder
such as PTSD then that is a different story. 

To say or think that the dog is for her balance trouble is
obviously no so. For with a balance disorder one need something
to hold onto when standing up or bending over. "

Report Abuse

a legal resident wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:07 AM:

" Get over yourself, lady. You had no problem getting down on
your knees to take this photo on Thursday. I'm beginning to think
your "being disabled" is a fraud. "

Report Abuse

Mom of 3 year old wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:15 AM:

" I just went back and perused the 338 comments on the previous
story. People who know of this woman are painting an interesting
picture. The dog might be older, based on comments made by her
(first/last name) on Dogchannel.com. The dog has done this in
other stores, leading people to believe she is not giving the dog
opportunity to do its business appropriately. And she already has
a lawyer on retainer for other issues. I'm sure Big Y has the
surveillance to back up their claim and letter. Sounds to me like
another blood sucker on the civil law suit circus. "

Report Abuse

Morris Cove Mom wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:21 AM:

" According to Big Y, the dog was not leashed in the store, which
is a state law, regardless of the ADA. The dog went behind the
sandwich counter, she did not have the dog under her control,
which does not make sense if she needs the dog for balance.

I hate to say I don't believe a veteran, but she's squatting in
the photo, and then says she can't bend or reach down.

I'm not a fan of Big Y because they are overpriced, but it seems
they are well within their rights with this issue. I hope that
everyone involved can settle this quickly. "

Report Abuse

Scott From Hamden wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:24 AM:

" Put a bag under the dogs a$$ - like they do with the horses at
Central Park and in parades.
C'mon Kim, I appreciate your service to our country but
seriously..... this is a grocery store. You gotta find other ways
to shop or have a service do it for you. I served our country
also - Semper Fi. "

Report Abuse

MEAT CUTTER wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:25 AM:

" @ i feel sorry for the lady.will tou eat food next to dog sh**?
i don't think so.I work in a super market,and we can't even cut
pork,and beef with the same knife because of health iusses.A dog
drops a stinky load in produce,and it's ok.Like 85 percent of
produce items are fresh,and not covered.what if a little kid
would have started playing in the crap,and then put his hands all
over the un-covered,what the fu** is wrong with you people? Oh
yeah,maybe next time a dog will mount a little kid,and hump
him.what ya'll gonnna say then,oh the dog was just horny....
(I CAN'T SMOKE IN PUBLIC PLACES,BUT I DOG CAN DO WHATEVER IT
WANTS)NOTHING IS FREE ABOUT AMERICA,BUT AMINAL RIGHTS.......LOL "

Report Abuse

palo wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:25 AM:

" I see that many people writing here also think that getting
down on a knee or stooping and getting up is hard with a balance
disability. This is not true. With a problem in balance the end
results is you fall or bump into things. 

There is nothing wrong with her legs. The article says the dog is
for her war related balance problem. 

It is true people want to SEE the disability to believe someone
really has a disability. These people are very uninformed and
watch way too much TV and base their opinions on what is on the
tub. 

A sorry world when a deaf person with very bad balance is not
considered disabled because their problem is not visual. "

Report Abuse

white_trash10 wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:30 AM:

" I LOVE DOGS BUT THIS LADY IS CRAZY.I WILL EAT ALMOST EVERYTHING
BUT POOPED ON THE FLOOR BY ME FOOD IS JUST WRONG "

Report Abuse

Nasty wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:30 AM:

" I would not shop in a store that had crap on the floor! Not a
healthy situation yuck! To contaminate the food come on! You go
Big Y! I stand behind you 100%! Thank you for your services
madame but you obviously are trying to just make a quick buck! "

Report Abuse

TheVolleyballGod wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:31 AM:

" Can this loon be sued for her dog taking a dump in a
supermarket full of fresh food? "

Report Abuse

keke wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:33 AM:

" This women is trying to get rich scheme. the dog really dont
look like its taken care that well, when the last time the dog
went to a vet to get a bath & groom. the owner dont look to clean
herself. I love dogs but she should have her dog on a leash. why
is she the only handicapped person that have problems with her
dog pooping all over the store, for one that is nasty. there are
plenty of handicapped people that go in stores, rest etc and
there dog dont do that. it honestly show what the dog do at home.
lady get a life and while you are at it, get a job. there are
plenty of handicapped people that worked, stop trying to make
people feel sorry for you. you get none here. no lawsuit for you.
"

Report Abuse

Give me a break wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:33 AM:

" Ok, so she needs this service dog due to "balance problems",
yet he is not on a leash. I'm wondering if this lady drives with
"balance problems". That seems really dangerous. And I suppose
she has a handicapped sticker, too, due to her "balance
problems". Give me a break! I wouldn't shop in a store that
allows animals to deficate on the floor. She should be
embarrassed, not angry. Can anyone say..."show me the money."
Maybe people shopping in that store should sue her for unsanitary
conditions caused by her "service animal". "

Report Abuse

Ignore Negativity wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:35 AM:

" I think you're doing the right thing. It's better than getting
a gun and shooting up the place. 

Ignore the negativity - do you what you think is right in your
heart - you're following the law. "

Report Abuse

Mel wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:36 AM:

" I do shop at Big Y & Walmart and I have seen this woman shop
there alot she pushes a shopping cart with her dog by her side
the dog just walks beside her as she shops and does nothing. As
for leverage the cart should be ok and she can use a long handle
grabber. I to have bad back trouble and this works fine for me.
Lady leave the conversation piece home, use a motorized cart or
bring a friend to help. These stores are more than happy to have
someone help you to your car with your bags. They have helped me
many times.As for a law suit let the video cameras speak for that
matter.And if you were ever at the casino and seen someone spit
or vomit the action taken is the same gloves, mask, sprays,
disafects, mops, fans, ect. "

Report Abuse

sharon wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:41 AM:

" Sometimes I laugh so much my stomach starting hurting. why do
the new haven register put "click to enlarge" who would want to
enlarge this picture. Big Y dont owe this lady not 1 dime. The
only thing someone should do is give you a gift card to to buy
your dog a brush. poor dog. living with dirt. "

Report Abuse

What happen to plastic bags wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:43 AM:

" This lady is the type of lady that take her dog for a walk
early in the morning with no plastic bag. I seen plenty of people
in meriden on oregon ave do this. there this man that walk his 2
dogs every morning at 5:00 and dont have no plastic bag at all.
this lady do the same thing. "

Report Abuse

Rob Robinson wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:45 AM:

" I think Palo is right here. She is just physically and
emotional attached to her only friend, Ivy. Ivy must be with here
wherever she goes, not for her physical balance issues, but for
her mental balance issues. She simply doesn't want to be without
her companion, sl-lit-storm, I mean Ivy. "

Report Abuse

worthless cops wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:46 AM:

" The dog only pooped on the floor because it wasn't on a leash.
If the Wallingford PD did their jobs and ticketed this woman for
the violation PRIOR to her going into the store, this whole
situation would never had happened. Once again the cops cause a
MAJOR incident to occur because of their INACTION and get away
with it. The entire Wallingford PD needs to be forced out. "

Report Abuse

Mike wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:48 AM:

" Either the dog was sick, mishandled by the owner, or wasn't
trained property... "

Report Abuse

Rover wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:49 AM:

" This woman and her dog look like twins. I wonder if the dog
likes it Kim Mucha style. "

Report Abuse

Peniculus wrote on Aug 6, 2010 11:07 AM:

" Listen to those voices in your head, Kim! Don't let the voice
of reason discourage you, those other voices are so much more
compelling. "

Report Abuse

Sam Adams wrote on Aug 6, 2010 11:08 AM:

" As soon as someone says "it's not about the money," you know
it's probably mostly about the money, else why bring it up? "

Report Abuse

to worthless cops wrote on Aug 6, 2010 11:10 AM:

" i think the police are a little more concerned with issues
other than some crack-pot with an unleashed dog. 
what, should they set up surveilance at every store to try to
catch someone walking in the parking lot with an unleased dog?

you sir, are an idiot "

Report Abuse

Pete Wilkins wrote on Aug 6, 2010 11:13 AM:

" Poor baby...she is upset people online are "attacking her". Yes
we are...because you deserve it! Don't bring your incontinent dog
into a pulic store...being her to an animal doctor for a checkup!
And how exactly is she a "disabled vet"? Was she a USAF pilot?
Was she just a secretary and slipped on one of her dog's poops
one day and became "disabled"? As a loyal Big Y customer, I think
BigY should unearth all the gory details on this woman, since she
is trying to rip them off. "

Report Abuse

Big Guy wrote on Aug 6, 2010 11:38 AM:

" What if someone slipped and fell because of the poop? This
chick is wrong. "

Report Abuse

Bobof the Air force wrote on Aug 6, 2010 11:57 AM:

" A vertern of the air force who is a woman! What possible war
time disability do you have? None! As a woman, you could not and
are not able to join the combat teams. As an air force person,
you didn't do anything that could hurt you...unless it was by
your own fault.

She just want money and her 15 minutes of fame. "

Report Abuse

To Mike raggin on Quinn. wrote on Aug 6, 2010 12:21 PM:

" At my private school they taught us that excessively using
words in quotes would produce crossdressing tendencies. "

Report Abuse

EGP wrote on Aug 6, 2010 12:26 PM:

" she should stop feeling sorry for herself...she was
wrong...face it. she doesnt look disabled kneeing like that
either. "

Report Abuse

Was she drinking wrote on Aug 6, 2010 1:01 PM:

" The video shows her kneeling down. Also, she sounds as though
she has had a couple of cocktails!
The dog is not at fault, it's the owner!!
This woman is a fraud!! "

Report Abuse

adila wrote on Aug 6, 2010 1:17 PM:

" I feel sorry for all parties. There is no more give and take in
our society. It is terrible for a service dog to have an accident
and can't run to a bathroom, but it is okay for a child to stand
in the aisle and poop his/her pants, cry and wait for someone to
come and change him/her. However, on the store's side, buy the
doggie some doggie britches. They have them just for these kinds
of problems. On Kim's side - aren't you glad you served to
protect these people? "

Report Abuse

Ok then wrote on Aug 6, 2010 1:27 PM:

" T|This video shows the dog being on leash AND wearing the vest.

When she went to Big Y, the dog was on on the leash nor did it
have a harness.. 
Either way. The dog defecated IN the store. 
They have the right to deny service to anyone! In this instance,
they have reason. 
If she were NOT just about the money, just sue to be allowed to
shop in the store OR just not use THAT store.. 
There is a S&S (2 if you want to get picky), near BIG Y as well
as a Rite Aid. "

Report Abuse

No Sympathy wrote on Aug 6, 2010 1:28 PM:

" When the litigant says it's not about the money, you can
guarantee it's about the money. 

She can't control her service dog, Big Y responds appropriately,
and she wants a payout? Shame on her, and shame on the attorney
willing to file such a baseless action. 

the dog's smarter than the both of them. "

Report Abuse

Also a Vet wrote on Aug 6, 2010 1:32 PM:

" As a disabled vet, I too have balance problems as a result of
semi-paralysis to my right side as well as PTSD and a host of
other maladies. I do not have or use a dog and find the electric
carts to be an easier and less costly method. This is a stupid
gold-digger with an untrained animal. Not only do I use an
electric cart, I also use a wheelchair and/or a walker and find
no embarrassment from needing it. I walk as much as possible
(with walking aids) and try to do for myself. It is people like
her that cause grief for people like and worse off than me.

Yes, I fall often but I am not a crybaby nor did I have a nice
cushy Air Force job where I could fake and goldbrick my way
through service.

She is a disgusting scourge in the ranks of the truly disabled. "

Report Abuse

frank wrote on Aug 6, 2010 1:33 PM:

" the dog is cleaner than the store "

Report Abuse

Stew wrote on Aug 6, 2010 1:54 PM:

" Kelly P. besides the comment about the court, which quite
frankly has no bearing here. There is no slander or defamation
here THEY WITNESSED the dog deficating in the store and made an
observation on her character. Since this in response to an
already public matter and has no ill effects on her (because he
is 1 of 17 different posts that brought up Wal Mart). I do agree
however Sarra should not bring up on going court issues
especially if in is not her. My business tried suing a single
person for defamation that was far worse than what they posted it
is just to hard to prove. I appreciate your candor on the subject
though. "

Report Abuse

Nicole wrote on Aug 6, 2010 1:55 PM:

" I feel bad for this woman, being she is a veteran and all, but
how did she get to the store in the first place? Did I miss that
in the article? If this woman has a balance problem, please tell
me she isnt' driving!!!!! Why can't she use a motorized cart when
shopping? Aren't there any organizations that will assist the
disabled in shopping, errands and other such things? "

Report Abuse

Jambo wrote on Aug 6, 2010 1:55 PM:

" This incident has violated quite a few Connecticut health code
regulations. This lady should be happy that she is not cited by
the state for violating the health codes. "

Report Abuse

micheal vick wrote on Aug 6, 2010 1:56 PM:

" I gots an obedience school eyez can send the dog to "

Report Abuse

barbara wrote on Aug 6, 2010 2:16 PM:

" To Kelly P:
In reading your comments, it seems to me that we still have
freedom of speech
and freedom to discuss information that is posted on a state
website that is
intended for access by the public. While Ms. Mucha exercises her
constitutional right to sue under the law, she has also put
herself in front
of every camera and reporter in New England, and there are those
of us who are going to exercise our right of free
speech to discuss her actions and motives. I personally belive
that more
talk and less frivolous lawsuits would be in everyone's best
interests. Just
my opinion and thanks for hearing me out. "

Report Abuse

Paul wrote on Aug 6, 2010 2:28 PM:

" Put a diaper on the dog. "

Report Abuse

Stew wrote on Aug 6, 2010 2:42 PM:

" Barabara, thank you for the post it was a little more eloquent
than mine, well said! "

Report Abuse

Wait wrote on Aug 6, 2010 3:15 PM:

" What this whole thing needs is a sermon from Shoregirl. She
will certainly dictate what is right! "

Report Abuse

Wally wrote on Aug 6, 2010 4:39 PM:

" She can get ripped by bringin the dog to Gelvani's. "

Report Abuse

Moe-ron wrote on Aug 6, 2010 5:18 PM:

" Woman says she needs the service dog to help with her balance,
but doesn't notice when the dog drops a deuce near the produce?
C'mon. "

Report Abuse

Frustrated wrote on Aug 6, 2010 6:32 PM:

" I work in a bookstore (with a cafe) where I have witnessed
HUMANS defecating, vomiting, and urinating ALL OVER the store --
in the chairs, on the floor...are they banned? Of course not.
That service dog has better bladder control than most of the
people that hang around this store. Just because someone is
"grossed out" by a service animal having an accident does not
give him the right to call a woman crazy or a money-grubber. You
don't know her situation, especially for those of you who ask if
she has a friend that can take her, or use peapod, or use a
motorized scooter. Peapod or a motorized scooter isn't going to
help the SEVERE anxiety that most people suffering from PTSD feel
when in public. Let her shop where she wants, and stop judging
people you don't know. And please...learn how to proofread and
use the English language correctly before posting a comment. When
things are misspelled you look like even more of an ignorant
person. "

Report Abuse

Janet Wilkins wrote on Aug 6, 2010 6:55 PM:

" How exactly is she a "disabled vet"? Was she just a secretary
and slipped on one of her dog's poops one day and became
"disabled"? As a loyal Big Y customer, I think BigY should
unearth all the gory details on this woman, since she is trying
to rip them off. I don't want the price of an apple to go up a
penny because of a payout to this fraud! "

Report Abuse

Dot Khan wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:13 PM:

" I have balance and deafness issues, but have learned how to
compensate for them. The picture of her next to her dog indicates
she also knows to bend at the knees instead of at the waist to
maintain one's balance when picking things up. As someone with
disabilities, I'm grateful when barriers to getting around are
not in the way to allow participating in everyday activities but
have no expectation for in doing so to put an undue burden or
risk on the rest of the population. She may try using the ADA but
the USDA, FDA, EPA, CDC and other public health agencies have a
say in an unsanitary condition being created by some combination
of a sick, poorly trained or poorly controlled animal in a food
store. Homeland Security may want to look at those weapons of
mass destruction left from a dog's behind.
To quote a favorite children's book from my childhood, Follow My
Leader by James B. Garfield:
Do you expect the world to pad its corners for you just because
you're (blind) handicapped? "

Report Abuse

Abigail wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:33 PM:

" I have been shopping at the Big Y in question for quite
sometime. After seeing the picture of Mucha and her pooch, I
instantly recognized her and have been a fellow customer while
she has been in shopping. I can say that I was shocked to read of
her claim of balance issues because the few times I have seen her
shopping, the dog seemed reluctant to follow her and she appeared
to be pulling the dog around. She also did not seem very friendly
towards the dog (or the employees). I remember thinking that it
was quite odd behavior for a service dog to be acting that way.
And to me, it seems fishy that she can bend, kneel and pose for
pictures when she has such balance and pain issues. If that dog
did indeed poop on the floor more than once, than I think Big Y
took the proper action. "

Report Abuse

unreal wrote on Aug 6, 2010 7:47 PM:

" I cannot believe any attorney would even accept such a
ridiculous case. I shop at the Big Y in North Haven each and
every weekend doing a full grocery purchase, along with running
in to the store several more times during the week if I need a
gallon of milk, loaf of bread, DOG FOOD. The reason I shop at Big
Y, even though they are a bit pricey is that the store is
IMMACULATELY CLEAN!! Shopping in a clean grocery store is very
important to me, and I cannot believe that her handicap requires
her to bring a golden retriever in to the store. I also own a
golden retriever, and when he relieves himself, the smell alone
can be nausiating. I feel sorry for her dog, as obviously it is
not the dogs fault. Every dog owner can tell when a dog needs to
relieve himself. I would never, ever dream of taking my dog into
a grocery store. Good Luck to Big Y, and Kudos for maintaining
such a clean store. I hope you continue to maintain the store as
well as you have since its opening. The store shines, along with
the store employees who are always neatly dressed. I don't even
go into the Stop & Shop in North Haven. The store is a mess, and
the employees appear to be an even sloppier mess. Keep on SHINING
BIG Y!!! And Kim, go to Stop & Shop!!! "

Report Abuse

I Love Cops wrote on Aug 6, 2010 8:39 PM:

" "If the Wallingford PD did their jobs and ticketed this woman
for the violation PRIOR to her going into the store, this whole
situation would never had happened. "

Retard...this happened in North Haven!! Maybe they are worthless
then?? And what violation should have Wallingford have arrested
her for.

If it's shown that she is LYING, I hope she is ARRESTED or Big Y
counter sues!! "

Report Abuse

POOP wrote on Aug 6, 2010 10:39 PM:

" service dogs are supposed to be trained to NEVER poop
indoors..heck any house dog knows that. maybe the dog was sick or
got excited that day, but she must see why people dont want dog
poop all over a supermarket. big Y stated this has happened on
several occasions with her and her dog..i feel for anyone with a
disability but that alone shouldnt trump other peoples feelings
on it "

Report Abuse

Inside Info wrote on Aug 7, 2010 6:05 AM:

" The dog crapped 5 TIMES in different places all around the
store. This was not one, two or even three dumps.....5 DUMPS! The
dog was sick and should have been removed from the store after
the 2nd drop. This lady should have had the common decency to
just leave and come back later. INSTEAD, she insisted on staying
and finishing her shopping. That folks, is why she is banned. Big
Y will win the case, there is plenty of video. "

Report Abuse

The Creepy Mouse wrote on Aug 7, 2010 8:13 AM:

" The dog, is not the problem,it's the nut holding the leash!!!!!
This woman is a grand stander, wo is me,I'm a disabled Vet,she is
a disgrace,and probably taking away benefits, from folks who
really need help. She does need the dog,as I am sure, she has no
other friends.If you listen to her comments, the word "basicly"
was used at least ten times(I thought I was watching, the Jerry
Springer Show). You go Big Y, no poop for you or me!!!! "

Report Abuse

North haven is full of inbred who cant afford northford wrote on
Aug 7, 2010 9:05 AM:

" I bet she crapped on the floor and just blamed the dog "

Report Abuse

dogr wrote on Aug 7, 2010 6:39 PM:

" Dear Ms. Mucha,

In this video, you said that your dog defecated ("she peed").
Your dog did NOT defecate; she URINATED! And, obviously, she
wasn't completely empty at the time your brought her into the
store or she wouldn't have pooped (i.e., defecated) inside like
she did. Next time, you need to give her more time to do her
complete business. Try walking the dog around constantly instead
of standing in one place. That helps them get the urge to go. And
the weather makes no never mind. It's part of being a responsible
pet owner. Get a rain jacket for the dog and an umbrella or
plastic poncho for yourself. Take some responsibility. This was
totally your fault! "

Report Abuse

whats the scoop poop wrote on Aug 7, 2010 9:19 PM:

" "basically", mucha shouldn't have poocha, plain and simple.
"basically", she has problems, that's obvious, but not
necessarily physical.
"basically", appears she might very well be a lazy slob and poor
doggie doesn't get walked. heck, she doesn't seem to even wash
her own clothes or brush her teeth. looks like she thinks her
ship has come in. "basically", I hope that's not the case. 
what atty would allow this "not so bright" person to be
interviewed without him?
perhaps she should retain des fontaine's atty! 
"basically", I think Big Y is A-OK. "

Report Abuse

off balance wrote on Aug 7, 2010 9:22 PM:

" does doggie balance her checkbook? "

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M. Anderson wrote on Aug 8, 2010 1:57 AM:

" I don't shop at Big Y because of their extreme over-pricing,
but certainly this dog should not be allowed in. "

Report Abuse

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