[nagdu] Refusal Of Access At Eyebrow Threading Place

[Juanita Herrera]

Hello All,
Since a lot of discussion has been going on about churches, religion,
and guide dogs I decided I'd tell you all of something that occurred
to me a month after I came home with Anise. I have always gotten my
eyebrows threaded instead of waxed, and typically the people who do
eyebrow threading are originally from India. I had been going to this
eyebrow threading place, which is about a 5 minute walk from my house,
for almost two years. According to me, I knew the girls who threaded
my eyebrows pretty well and I felt comfortable with them. It never
occurred to me that they would be against me taking Anise into their
establishment. That day, my previous O&M instructor and I met up for
lunch and since we were near the eyebrow threading place we decided to
thread our eyebrows. When we walked into the place one of the ladies
asked what we were going to get done and we told her we'd both be
getting our eyebrows threaded. Then she said that Anise couldn't be in
there. I explained that she was a service animal and that she was
trained to be my guide and that she was allowed to go anywhere I was.
Then she said that they were Muslim and that they prayed in their
establishment. They said that because prayer took place there I
couldn't take my dog in there. I didn't know exactly what to do, what
to say, or how to react because I am fairly new to this. I told her
that legally I was allowed to stay there with my dog but that if it
bothered her so much I would leave. She finally said that I could stay
there but that my O&M instructor had to hold Anise and stand by the
door while I got my eyebrows threaded. I must say it was a very
uncomfortable situation, and I haven't returned since then. I now go
to another place which is an one hour bus ride away or a 20 minute car
ride if I get lucky to catch a ride with someone. I honestly am a
little offended by the incident and I wish I would be able to return
because the place is close to me and more convenient.. However, I know
the problem will persist because as much as I tried explaining to the
lady she didn't seem to understand since her English is very limited.
What do you all think I should do?
Best,
Juanita And Anise