[nagdu] Dog in the work place?

Mon Jun 15 20:48:39 UTC 2015

Daryl,
My thought upon reading the posts to this point is that no one has pointed
out the interpretation of the ADA in this situation. I can't speak for the
workplace, but in terms of using a service dog in places like stores,
restaurants, motels, your rights trump allergies and phobias. A restaurant
owner, for instance, may be concerned that your dog will upset a customer
who is afraid of or allergic to dogs, and therefore try to seat you in an
unused room or out-of-the-way table. This is not permitted under the ADA. I
hope someone will chime in about the differences in workplace accommodation,
if there are any.

I hope you have a productive conversation with your boss. It's OK to
accommodate your coworker in this situation, but I am, like others,
concerned that this will be interpreted as the norm for future situations.
I'd talk to your coworker (without the dog) and explain that you did this
just this once, but that you want to work out something for future meetings
that will allow you to exercise your legal right to use your guide dog
freely. Explain that her fear can be mitigated through therapy, if not by
being at a distance from you, and tell her that conversely, your blindness
cannot.
HTH,
Donna & Hunter

-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Daryl Marie via
nagdu
Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2015 7:21 PM
To: NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users
Cc: Daryl Marie
Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dog in the work place?

Hey, guys,

Thanks so much for your insights.

I think I've reached a conclusion I am happy with, as to neither make waves
nor make myself a pushover:

1) I will leave Jenny at my desk for this meeting, not because I have been
asked to, but because there is no particular need for her to be there.  I
have FULL confidence that she will stay quietly and happily at my desk (it
IS her nap time after all) and will leave her a bone to keep her occupied.
2) I will speak openly with my boss, letting him know the position he has
put me in.  I will also make it abundantly clear that I am making this
concession simply because the CEO is in the office and I don't wish to make
a fuss over it. But this will not be a habit, HE is not to dictate this in
the future, and while I respect this coworker's right to be afraid, in a
year and a half being in the same office, my dog has NEVER done anything to
her.

While I can't say that I am thrilled with the whole situation, this is
probably the best solution I can come up with.  I respect my boss, and I
know that my boss respects me, so a conversation can't hurt.

Daryl

----- Original Message ----- From: Dan Weiner via nagdu <nagdu at nfbnet.org>
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
<nagdu at nfbnet.org> Cc: Dan Weiner <dcwein at dcwein.cnc.net> Sent: Sat, 13 Jun
2015 16:24:00 -0600 (MDT) Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dog in the work place?  Don't
forget, and I've seen it time and time again. The feelings and rights of
blind people, as far as the boss or whoever is concerned are trumped , by
the thoughts, desires, concerns, or fears of anyone else. Sorry but I'm
trying to tell it like it is. As Dan likes to say, and I'll admit I'm
probably a bit insufferable at times about this stuff: It isn't a dog
popularity contest. You have a guide dog for a reason.  I think you wrote a
good post, Rebecca.  Best wishes to all. Dan Weiner dcwein at dcwein.cnc.net
-----Original Message----- From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Star Gazer via nagdu Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2015 5:56 PM To:
'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users' Cc: Star
Gazer Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dog in the work place?
I'd just bring the dog to the meeting and then apologize, the old "It's
better to beg forgiveness then ask permission" adage. I also wonder why the
boss is getting involved and is siding with the coworker? The most he should
do is say "The dog has a right to be here" along with suggesting the
employee get some counceling. This fear seems way beyond healthy.
-----Original Message----- From: nagdu [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Elise Berkley via nagdu Sent: Saturday, June 13, 2015 2:27 PM To:
NAGDU Mailing List, the National Association of Guide Dog Users Cc: Elise
Berkley Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dog in the work place? Wow, Debby. I like that
suggestion. It makes a lot of sense. Love your answers and the answers of
the others. Elise and the Beckster -----Original Message----- From: Debby
Phillips via nagdu Sent: Friday, June 12, 2015 8:09 PM To: NAGDU Mailing
List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users ; nagdu at nfbnet.org Cc:
Debby Phillips Subject: Re: [nagdu] Dog in the work place? Okay, this may
sound weird. But I think leaving Jenny at your desk is fine, and in fact
could be a good thing, but you need to make it like it's your choice, you
know? You don't want people to get the idea that you'll back down about
having your dog with you when you choose to, or need to. (Not sure how to
tell you to do that). And it's kind of a slippery slope. I had this issue
with my family for awhile. "Well, you left the dog home this last time.... I
know family's different than work, but still some of the same dynamics can
come into play. Hopefully someone else just be able to articulate what I'm
trying to say in a better wan.  Debby and Nova
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