[nagdu] The Dog on the Plane: Annoyance or Helper?

Thu Nov 21 13:54:15 UTC 2013

The Dog on the Plane: Annoyance or Helper?

Published: November 20, 2013 

A version of this letter appears in print on November 21, 2013, on page A34
of the New York Times edition with the headline: The Dog on the Plane:
Annoyance or Helper?.

To the Editor: 

Re "Emotional Support, With Fur, Draws Complaints on Planes" (front page,
Nov. 16): 

Recently I was removed with my service dog from a US Airways flight, as
mentioned in your article, though I was neither named nor asked to comment.
The article cites the airline's contention that I was abusive. It does not
note that my fellow passengers were appalled by how I was treated and
protested vehemently. 

Being booted from that flight was a nightmare, but it brought out the best
in people and provided an opportunity to dispel stereotypes of blind people
as unable to participate in life fully. 

For those who are blind or otherwise disabled, access to the right tools
restores infinite possibilities. My guide dog is one such resource. 

If my experience builds understanding, empathy and support for the blind and
visually impaired, it will have been worth it. 

ALBERT RIZZI

New York, Nov. 19, 2013 

The writer is founder of the not-for-profit My Blind Spot. 

-------

Other letters

To the Editor: 

Enough is enough! No, I'm not talking about a problem with letting dogs on
airplanes; I'm talking about these overwrought complaints from people. 

I fly constantly and rarely see an animal on a plane - maybe one animal
every seven or eight flights. And I recently read complaints about the
horrible smell of people's feet when they take their shoes off on planes.
I've frequently been next to people who removed their shoes, and have done
it myself, and I've never smelled anyone's feet. And if I did, I would
simply ask the offending person to put an article of clothing over his or
her feet to mask the smell. 

But what I want to know is, where is all this happening? To read the
article, you'd think every plane is crammed with animals and smelly feet. 

The complainers are getting out of control. If you have an allergy, for
Heaven's sake, just tell a flight attendant that you or the dog and its
owner need to be reseated. 

I think all this actually has to do with people being trapped in smaller and
smaller seating areas that would be comfortable for small dogs - not normal
people. They are looking for something to blame for their discomfort. 

TERRY SHAMES

Berkeley, Calif., Nov. 16, 2013 

To the Editor: 

I am sympathetic to those who wish to travel with small pets in their laps
during flight. I suppose the only legitimate concern would be imposing a
hardship on those who suffer from allergies. 

On the other hand, I am allergic to loudmouthed businessmen and noisy
children and their boorish, insensitive parents, but no one seems to care.
Give me a dog any time rather than a boozy dealmaker or a spoiled brat. 

RON BRADY

New York, Nov. 17, 2013 

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