Tami Stone LMT, RM
Google
My dog, Lotus, and I had just finished a peaceful walk along the Erie Canal, a place filled with childhood memories, as we used to visit my uncle and aunt nearby. I live in Texas now, and this trip has been a special part of my healing journey after a traumatic experience and injury I suffered earlier this year. Lotus, my service dog, has been a huge support in helping me manage PTSD and anxiety since then.
Unfortunately, what should have been a meaningful stop to buy jewelry as a souvenir for my daughters ended with me crying as I write this review. When we walked into the store, the man behind the counter said, "Pitbulls aren’t allowed in here." I was taken aback and asked him to repeat himself. He then said, "Dogs aren’t allowed in here." That’s when I calmly explained that Lotus is a service dog, clearly identified by his leash. His dismissive response: "I've heard everything now."
When he asked what service Lotus provides, I told him that he helps with Grounding. He asked, “What’s that?” I began explaining how grounding helps manage anxiety, but I quickly noticed he wasn’t paying attention—he was looking at his phone. Feeling ignored, I said, “Oh, I see you don’t want to know.” His response was, "I don’t know how a pitbull could be a service dog."
At that point, I told him, “I’m not comfortable. I think we’re going to leave,” and he rudely replied, "I think that’s a good idea."
Service dogs have legal protection, and Lotus had every right to be in that store with me. The calm, gentle presence of my dog should have been apparent. I’ve never written a negative review before, but this experience was too upsetting to ignore. The lack of compassion and dismissive attitude from this man was truly hurtful. He owes both Lotus and me an apology.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about."
******This is my response to the Owners reply to my initial Review*******
It’s unfortunate that instead of addressing my concerns with empathy and accuracy, you chose to misquote me and insult my integrity, while disregarding the legal rights of both me and my certified service dog, whose breed or age has no bearing on his protected status.
