I am writing this because I am utterly disappointed by the actions of an employee at a local store in an uptown location.

On Saturday, May 10, I was shopping when a man entered with a guide dog for his wife. The man was stopped and told he was not allowed to bring the animal into the store. The gentleman explained it was a service dog for his disabled wife (who was sitting waiting for him).

The dog was wearing an ID vest stating Service Dog. The employee said, “I don’t care. That dog is not coming into this store” in a very rude fashion.

The customers in the store were visibly upset at what they had just witnessed. The people began to tell the employee that a guide dog is allowed and she was discriminating against a handicapped person.

She should not have denied that woman the right and freedom to enter a public place. The gentleman and his wife gracefully left with no arguing, leaving the customers in total shock at what they had just witnessed.

I cannot believe that in this day and age, especially in Huntsville, that a store would refuse a disabled person access to their store. These dogs are highly trained to assist a person.

I personally will not shop at this store or support this behaviour in my community. I would hope this store will review their policy and learn to respect people and their disabilities. Shame on you!

Barb Boivin,
Burk’s Falls