[NAGDU] Guide dogs and churches/nonprofits

[S L Johnson]

Hello:

Over the years I have had my dogs with me as I participated in many church 
activities including bible studies, helping to serve coffee and snacks, 
visiting sick and elderly and being part of the music ministry.  I 
encountered the occasional complaints about dog hair on choir robes, other 
choir members with allergies and people saying the dog was a distraction to 
be with me in the choir.  I developed a stubborn attitude about this and 
refused to leave my dog at home or anywhere else in the church.  She is my 
eyes and I do not ask the sighted people to leave their glasses or contacts 
at home.  It is not my fault that my eyes have two floppy ears, a wagging 
tail and lots of fluffy golden fur.  In a few instances the choir director 
and pastor had to intervene and insist that I was the lead soloist and my 
dog was not going anywhere and anyone who did not like it could leave.  In 
the past 42 years of me using a guide dog there were only a few people who 
left the choir because of my dog and that was their problem not mine.


Sandra and Eva
SLJohnson25 at comcast.net
-----Original Message----- 
From: Miranda via NAGDU
Sent: Sunday, June 25, 2017 1:11 PM
To: nagdu at nfbnet.org
Cc: Miranda
Subject: [NAGDU] Guide dogs and churches/nonprofits

Hi everyone,
My recent inquiry about encountering people with allergies, in my case as 
part of my church choir, made me research laws concerning service animals 
and churches. In our case, our church is actually connected (physically and 
legally) with our university, and the university does receive federal 
funding. I am just wondering if any of you can share insight or experiences 
regarding your dog guides and participating in activities related to a 
church or other non-prophet organization.
We will of course address concerns with church leadership if they arise, but 
any thoughts you can share would be very much appreciated. I also think of 
this in relation to my future career goals, as I may very well serve in a 
nonprofit organization as a social worker.
Thanks as always for your time and assistance, and have a wonderful week!

Best wishes, Miranda


Sent from my iPhone
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