[nagdu] Dog separation at vet

Thu Feb 9 14:19:43 UTC 2012

Did you tell the oncologist how this made you feel?
It seems unbelievably cruel to keep a person away from a beloved animal when that animal is about to pass away.
I understand the separation when things need to get done and the animal is expected to make it.
Sounds like that wasn't the case for you.
I am so sorry this happened.

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ava Foster
Sent: Wednesday, February 08, 2012 8:27 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dog separation at vet

Im sorry I cant offer any help, but I experinced the same situation
when I brought my guide, Jet, to Medvet in Columbus. They would NOT
let me accompany her to the oncology dept. It was horrible, I was
devastated. I had to sit in the waiting room, for hours worrying. When
the time came for my Jet to cross over, I decided (pardon the
language), screw it! I followed the sound of her whining through an
unlocked door to the back of the clinic where I could hold onto my
darling as they examined her - screw OSHA, she was my baby, my guide,
my dog. The staff was not happy. But I found her, held her, and it was
worth it. After that, they locked all the doors, but fate let me get
to her that night. I miss her.  Ava

On 2/8/12, Robert Hooper <hooper.90 at buckeyemail.osu.edu> wrote:
> 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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