Service dogs, owners deserve respect

It is difficult to believe that in 2012 there are still people who are unaware of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. During a recent visit to a local Starbucks, I was accompanied by my fully trained, vested service dog. When I walked to the counter the woman told me that I had to leave. I stated that I was within my rights and offered to show her my card that I carry stating that a business may not refuse admittance, isolate, segregate or treat a person less favorably than other patrons.

I informed her that I would be happy to contact the Palatine Police Department and they would reiterate my legal stance, and again she told me to leave. She rudely accepted my money for the coffee and argued with me that as soon as I received my coffee that I needed to leave the store. I didn’t leave but instead sat at a table while my dog lay at my side.

I have had a service dog for eight years and have never been confronted in such a way. My dog goes everywhere with me and is loved by many, always respectful and is welcomed wherever I take her. Hard to imagine that such a large company is so ill-trained.

Linda S. Block

Deer Park