[nagdu] Dog separation at vet

[Tracy Carcione]

Hi Robert.
Hope Bailey is back at your side already.
I've had to let the vet take my dog occasionally.  Most recently, it was
for an X-ray or an ultrasound.  It's never led to my dog thinking it's OK
to go off with a stranger.  I always know when the dog is on the way back
too, because I hear claws racing over the floor to get back to me.
So long as I'm comfortable that the vet tech isn't a sadist, I don't have
a problem with it.  I don't like it, but sometimes it's what needs to be
done.  I do see your point about wanting to ask questions.  I guess the
best you can do is write them all down to ask when the vet comes back.
HTH.
Tracy

> Hello all:
>
> I find myself in a difficult situation. Bailey has an appointment with the
> dermatology folks at the OSU vet clinic-they are examining a recent skin
> infection he has contracted. Anyway, I was told that I could not accompany
> him back to dermatology-the reasoning being that there were other animals
> back there and OSU would be liable for any injuries I might suffer. They
> said they don't generally allow clients (people) back into the hospital
> area with their animals and seem very strict about it. I asked if they
> could make any exception because of the fact that Bailey is a service
> animal, but they were unwilling. They are having me wait in the lobby.
> Even after I explained that my mobility would be impaired if I had to go
> anywhere, they were unwilling. The senior student with whom I spoke was
> very kind and understanding, but she was the "go between"-I couldn't speak
> with the folks in dermatology before and it doesn't appear as though I
> will be able to do so when Bailey returns. I
>  know that he can't help me much while being examined, but I would be
> there, his harness would be there, etc. Not knowing what my rights are, I
> finally surrendered-I removed his harness and handed over the leash
> (which was pretty difficult). My concerns about my traveling ability
> aren't the only reasons I am reluctant to surrender the dog to anyone. I
> don't want him to think it's okay or "normal" for anyone to take hold of
> his leash and lead him away; I don't want him to feel comfortable with
> other people (not necessarily afraid, just not comfortable being
> surrounded by strangers); I want to ask the examining staff questions
> directly and not wait until after the fact; and I just don't care for him
> undergoing painful skin scrapings without me present. Although, on
> further reflection, he might realize that strangers leading him away
> results in pain, so maybe this is a good thing (but I don't think so).
> Anyway, I was wondering what my rights would be in this situation-I know
> the
>   ADA covers all public accommodations, but the "general public" isn't
> generally allowed where Bailey is going-therefore, I don't believe I am
> being discriminated against because of my blindness, etc. However, there
> is the issue that I am separated from my means of mobility. This sort of
> muddies the waters a bit, and, not being intimately familiar with the
> text of the ADA (or other applicable laws), I'm not sure what to think
> or what my rights are. I'm sitting in the lobby writing this message
> right now, waiting for Bailey's return.
> Also, are the aforementioned reasons for my reluctance to be separated
> from Bailey valid? Need I be concerned about any of my...well...concerns?
> I feel confused in more than one way-legally and from a
> training/behavioral/emotional perspective. Any guidance would be
> relieving.
> Sincerely,
> Robert Hooper
> Hooper.90 at buckeyemail.osu.edu<mailto:Hooper.90 at buckeyemail.osu.edu>
> The Ohio State University
> 0653 Buckeye-Cuyahoga CT
> 653 Cuyahoga Court
> Columbus, Ohio 43210
> (740) 856-8195
>
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