[nagdu] Service Dog Forced To Ride In Taxi Trunk

[Tina Thomas]

It is easy to jump all over the taxi driver for his actions, however the
owner of the service animal needs to take some responsibility for what
happened. We all have choices. I understand that she was running late,
however, we as blind travelers need to understand when we are dealing with
public transportation, para transit and or taxi companies that we need to be
aware that situations might arise beyond our control and as inconvenient  as
it is, it is better to be very early then very late. 
Now, I'm  not saying that the driver shouldn't be held accountable for his
actions, however if we don't want to be victimized then we need to not put
ourselves in that situation where someone can force us to make poor
decisions. 
jmo.  
Tina          

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Ginger Kutsch
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2011 3:18 AM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: [nagdu] Service Dog Forced To Ride In Taxi Trunk

Service Dog Forced To Ride In Taxi Trunk

Blind Woman Says Driver Gave Her Ultimatum

Marc Stewart, 7News Reporter

June 6, 2011

 

 

DENVER -- A blind woman says a driver told her she would have to put her
guide dog in the trunk of his taxi if she wanted a ride.

 

Judie Brown says her black lab named Alberto isn't just a best friend; he's
been her lifeline for the past four years.

 

"If something happened to him. I would just die," said Brown. 

 

 

About a month ago, Brown called a cab.

 

When she walked out front with Alberto, the driver from Union Taxi initially
refused to transport her with Alberto.

 

"He said, 'No dog in my cab,' " said Brown.

 

Brown said the driver told her he was allergic to dogs and would only drive
her if Alberto went in the back of his cab.

 

"I asked him, 'Where in the back?' And he said, 'In the trunk,' " said
Brown.

 

Late for an appointment, she reluctantly agreed.

 

"I never hear my dog whine or crying. Ever. Ever. I knew it was terribly
wrong," said Brown.

 

Colorado law protects guide dogs and their owners, allowing them to ride
together in taxis.

 

"A service dog is an appliance, similar to a wheelchair. Would you deny them
a wheelchair?" said animal law expert Jay Swearingen.

 

A manager with Union Taxi tells 7NEWS the driver has been suspended and
fined by the state.

 

But Judie is scarred and says she's been afraid to travel with Alberto ever
since.

 

"I've lost my independence. And I do not like it. It makes me angry. And I
want it back," said Brown.

 

The National Guide Dog Association says they get similar calls, three to 10
times per week. 

 

 

URL: http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/28151488/detail.html

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