[Oagdu] When and how to file a complaint???

[Deanna Lewis]

Marianne,
Thanks! I tried telling the cop that it was a criminal offense, but he would not listen. I'm actually more upset with the cop for not getting involved than I am at the assistant manager! I really think that we should make education a top priority for Oagdu. Police officers need to be aware of the laws protecting handlers and their service dogs. 
Deanna 

-----Original Message-----
From: Marianne Denning [mailto:marianne at denningweb.com] 
Sent: Monday, April 20, 2015 9:47 AM
To: Deanna Lewis; Ohio Association of Guide Dog Users List
Subject: Re: [Oagdu] When and how to file a complaint???

First, it is not a civil case.  It is a misdemeanor and the man should be issued a ticket.  That is why having the cards would be so helpful.
It explains the law.  I would also call the thrift store today.  I would also contact the police department and demand that the man be charged with a misdemeanor.  If none of that works, I would consider contacting the media. If that doesn't work, let's get a group of people together and picket that store with our dogs.

On 4/20/15, Deanna Lewis via Oagdu <oagdu at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Good morning,
> Well, I must say that I am ashamed to not know all the answers on this...
> So, I would like you all to give me some insight on this issue.
> I've been a guide dog user for almost 6 years now, and I've had very 
> few run-ins with people trying to deny me access when travelling with 
> my guide dog.
> Yesterday, my Mom and I were shopping in a thrift store that we visit 
> fairly often. As we were walking down the first aisle, a gentleman 
> came up to us and said hello. I could tell that he'd been following 
> us, so I just knew he was going to say something about my dog.
> He came up and told me that they don't allow dogs in there. I told him 
> that he is a guide dog and showed him the harness, which very clearly 
> says "Guide Dogs for the Blind". He continued to argue, and I kept 
> saying that he is a service dog, and that we've come in here plenty of 
> times before. My Mom threatened to call the police, and the guy 
> continued to tell us that we could not have the dog in there. He then mumbled something and walked off.
> My Mom called the police and they sent an officer, who was basically 
> useless since he would not even enter the store and would not get 
> involved since it was a civil case.
> My Mom told me that the guy who approached us was the Assistant 
> Manager, which makes this even more stupid. Well, we didn't leave.
> So, my questions are these:
>
> 1.       What do you do when the police don't want to get involved?
>
> 2.       Should I file a complaint, since we weren't physically kicked out
> of the store?
>
> 3.       What are the proper steps for filing a complaint? Who do I call?
>
> I do plan on calling this thrift store's main office and filing a 
> complaint with them. No one else in the store said anything about my 
> dog. In fact, they all backed us up, they remember Mr. Pascal very well.
> Again, I know I should know all of these answers already, but I just 
> want to make sure that I think of everything, and don't miss something important.
> Thanks!
> Deanna and Mambo
>
>
>
>
>
>
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--
Marianne Denning, TVI, MA
Teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired
(513) 607-6053

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