Service refused, due to my service animal

[walkssoftly]

What is the name of your state? Az.

I have posted issues before about my service animal. Recently I was mailing pkg's for the holiday, and a postal clerk that has waited on me 4-5 times in the past and has continuously given me a hard time about my service animal, stating to me that "Dogs are not allowed in here!" And continueing to pick on me even after I very politely told her that he has tags stating he is a service animal. I always try to just close out what she says to me, and her rudeness, and just go on with getting my pkg's sent. I figure if I'm very polite, and answer nicely, explaining that he is a service animal and is approved, that she will lay off. A couple times another postal clerk in this same post office has nicely stated to the ornery clerk that the "dog" is a service animal, and not just a dog. This usually quiets the lady and she grumbles a bit, but goes ahead and rings my pkg's up.
This last time while I was shipping my packages, there was a long line, and ppl were very kind, helping me move my pkg's etc. I always insist I don't need help, as I'm very independent. However people are nice and do it anyway. When my turn came up to be served, I ended up with this same clerk that gives me a tough time, I thought maybe If I greet her immediately and say something nice, that she might leave me alone. I was wrong, she completely ignored my greeting and began her harrassment. She stated immediately. "If he is training to be a service animal, why is he standing?" My service animal is for balance, and he leans on my legs so that I have security, he is an 85lb dog. I was pretty fed up with her bantering, and wanted to quiet her digs, because I didn't care to be embarrassed by her in front of all these people. I stated to her quietly, "He isn't training to be a service animal, He IS a service animal" Then she said " If he is a service animal, why is he standing?" I was upset that she wasn't ringing my packages, and was holding people up with this issue. I stated to her: "My service animal is standing because he has arthritis in his back and legs, and besides that, he stands to help support my balance." At this point the clerk stated: "We don't allow DOGS in here!" She stated this over and over again. I informed her: "He is not MERELY a DOG, he is a service animal, and would you please ring up my packages." AT that point she stated.. "I don't have to serve you! and I am not going to!" then she shoved my packages aside toward the last clerk behind the counter who was finishing up with the elderly lady that had been behind me, and then this clerk yelled "NEXT!" I was shocked! I couldn't think what to say for a couple seconds or so.. I then asked her.. "What? Are you saying your not going to wait on me?" She said: "That's right!" And said "NEXT" again. The person behind me in line hadn't come to the counter, as she later stated she was shocked that this was happening. At this point I looked to the postal clerk that my packages were shoved to, and said her name plainly and loudly, " Fran, I would like you to hear this, this lady is refusing to serve me because my service animal is not sitting!" then I looked toward the clerk and Fran looked toward her also, and the clerk said: "That's right, I don't have to serve her!" The elderly lady next to me kept asking me if I was ok, as I was fighting back tears. this is terribly embarrassing and just darned right uncalled for. the elderly lady then moved my packages further into place, as she was done with the last clerk in line, which was Fran. As I moved over, Fran asked me what happened.. and I quietly stated to her that the clerk told me that my service animal ws not sitting, and refused to serve me. (Fran actually knows this clerk has given me a hard time before, as she has many times stood up for my service animal and I when this grumpy clerk started in on me each time I came in and she was working.) Fran was beside herself and said to me that "he doesn't have to be sitting." Then she asked me if I needed insurance, which I did.. and if there was anything fragile, at this point I was in tears, and could not answer, I was able to point to one pkg and say I needed fragile on it, but after that, I couldn't speak to ask for insurance on both pkg's, and fragile on the other pkg. I just begged Fran to ring them up, because I wanted to go.. The post office had become pretty silent.. People were watching this whole thing, and it was very embarrassing.
I was upset and went around a hall so that ppl could not see me crying, and my service animal was shaking.. as he knew I was upset. I called the police, and was informed that this was not a criminal matter, and that I should call the post master and report it. I did, and the post master asked me if I would write out what happened, as this is not the first time this clerk has been difficult with people. I did do that, and took it to him a couple days later. I have not heard anything back, but do know that this clerk is still working at this post office, as I went in to mail another pkg, and when my turn came up, and it was with her, I let someone go ahead of me, and waited for the next clerk.
Isn't it against the law to refuse to serve a person because they have a service animal? My service animal is amazingly well behaved. He was standing very still the whole time. The clerk stated that she didn't see any "service animal tags" when I stated that he was a service animal. I told her that if she'd lean over the counter a little, she could see his tags. One is bright red, and asks that he not be pet as he is working. the other is 4" x 6" and has his I.D. photo, and info. from the place he was certified as a service animal on it, and both are on top of his harness, easy to view. If she could see him standing, then she couldn't miss his tags.. She was just being mean.
The town I live in and surrounding towns are 99% accepting and happy to see my service animal when we arrive to shop or for physician appointments etc. This is the 3rd run in I have had with someone, and one case is in court now, the hearing was Oct. 27th, 2005 and the judge is the one that will decide if the man charged with a ADA violation by the police dept. is guilty or not. That was over 2 months ago, and there is still no verdict! I've asked the city attorney if this wasn't kind of odd, and he stated it was odd, and that he didn't know why the case wasn't being decided. The man that was charged is extremely wealthy, yet he is also extremely hated in this town.. so I've heard over and over when ppl came up to me after reading about his actions in the paper. So.. is it money that is keeping a verdict? ::shrug:: Just seems odd that this file is just sitting on a judge's desk, not being decided. The city attorney states to me he has no idea whats going on! When I asked him if the judge was waiting on more info. from the other attorney or the city attorney himself, The city attorney stated that he didn't think so...
Then there is a case against a Dr. office that refused to allow my service animal to come back to the facility, as someone said he looked like a pit bull.. The service animal is a PUREBRED BOXER. The Attorney General's office has taken on this case and will go after the Dr. office. Yet... I've recieved a letter stating that a new case worker is taking over the case, and this happened way back in the summer of 2005, and I've not heard anymore of it.
People are always telling me that none of this makes sense, that my rights were violated, and that they are suprised that some attorney isn't jumping on these cases, as there should be big bucks to make.. Do I believe that?? :::shrug::: I have no idea... You tell me!?? Please...
Are there attorney's that take cases like this? And do they take it pro-bono? As I am disabled, and my finances are extremely nil.
Any input you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Seems to me if some of these issues were addressed and found guilty in court, then people like myself and others might not have to suffer those that wish to make our lives harder than they already are.. It just sucks....
Thanks for your time, and please, if you have rude things to say, don't say them at all. It's tough enough when a person fights hard to be self sufficient, and hide physical pain, to carry on as normally as possible.
Thank you for your time,
~Walkssoftly~

 

[dallas702]

I could understand a customer service person being concerned if you were in an environment where someone could sustain some injury or there were children (or adults) who had some great fear of dogs, but this idiot needs to be fired asap. I'm sure there is an attorney out there who specializes in these cases and would love to sue anyone/everyone he could for you. The fact that you have already filed actions against at least 2 other people may make it appear you are having a problem with your own methods of presenting your situation. Since you've already been down this road I don't know what you want for new answers. The law is the law. It certainly appears this USPS clown violated federal law and should be dealt with harshly. Of course, there's also those federal laws that criminalize harassing or being "not nice" to government workers. The clerk might claim she refused you service for another reason, and that you were harassing her.

lots of depositions and affidavits would be needed.

Of course, there is that camera that recorded all of this.....uh huh!

 

[You Are Guilty]

I can't read that whole thing but if you have a legit service dog and you were denied service because of it, that is a clar violation of the law. Find a local lawyer and speak to them ASAP, since suing the federal government is not something you are going to want to do by yourself.

 

[Gadfly]

That's way too much to read. Did you talk to the postmaster. Have you file a complaint with the USPS?

 

[Indiana Filer]

That's way too much to read. Did you talk to the postmaster. Have you file a complaint with the USPS?

Don't just talk to the postmaster (or branch manager) of that office. You need to go over his head to make sure something gets done. You need to contact the postmaster of the SCF (3 digit zip area) and the postmaster at the state distribution center for your area. The state dist. ctr is probably in Phoenix

What is the first three digits of your zip code? Give me that, and I'll see if I can find the contact info for your area.

 

[rmet4nzkx]

While you can make complaints to the postmaster or an EEOC complaint, are you aware that you can make arrangements to print shipping labels and have packages picked up at your residence, not only by USPS but other postal companies as well or that some smaller outlets may have no line at all and a choice of different carriers? The soultion may be to look at an accommodation. People don't understand the role of service animals when they are not seeing eye dogs and the fight may not be woth the time and energy when you can get an accommodation that is less stressful for you and at the same time available to all. After sending off 2 packages to my grand children costing nearly $40 I could have sent a couple of large gift cards and they could have had a shopping spree for the cost of a stamp.

 

[walkssoftly]

Reply

I could understand a customer service person being concerned if you were in an environment where someone could sustain some injury or there were children (or adults) who had some great fear of dogs, but this idiot needs to be fired asap. I'm sure there is an attorney out there who specializes in these cases and would love to sue anyone/everyone he could for you. The fact that you have already filed actions against at least 2 other people may make it appear you are having a problem with your own methods of presenting your situation. Since you've already been down this road I don't know what you want for new answers. The law is the law. It certainly appears this USPS clown violated federal law and should be dealt with harshly. Of course, there's also those federal laws that criminalize harassing or being "not nice" to government workers. The clerk might claim she refused you service for another reason, and that you were harassing her.

lots of depositions and affidavits would be needed.

Of course, there is that camera that recorded all of this.....uh huh!

Well, just so happens the post master called me this a.m. and asked if he could meet with me. I went to the post office, expecting him to be co-operative and understanding of the situation. He was extremely intimidating, and I normally get "mousy".. but not this time, because he stated that the other clerks statements said that they heard me say that this lady should look in a mirror, and that she was a dog!!!! Well.. that quelled my "mousyiness" immediately! I HATE people that lie, and was not about to let anyone turn this around on me, as this was obviously what was trying to be done. I listened to what he said that these other clerks statements were, then informed him that he had just contradicted himself terribly. As he began by stating that NEITHER of the other clerks were aware of what was going on, and didn't hear what was happening! Then he continued to read the those same two clerks statements, which stated that one of them definately heard me call the lady a dog and to look in the mirror. Etc. etc.
I flat out told the postmaster that he needs to view his camera's in the post office.. In turn, the postmaster stated that there ARE NO camera's in the post offices, and if there were, it would make his job alot easier.. That shocked me, as I would think that a government office would have such a thing! I then told him if he would like to order a lie detector test, I would be MORE than glad to take it, and then have the clerks take the same test... He would then see who was lying! I was appalled that this post master that on the phone (the same day this took place) had stated to me that this clerk has caused similar issues before! And I reminded him of his words to me. At first he denied it, but upon repeating what he had told me that very day, he then recalled telling me this.
In the end, I stated that I was not "out to get anyone".. I just wanted to be treated respectfully and not be harrassed, just like any other person that is served at the post office or anywhere for that matter. The post master has assured me that he would reprimand this clerk. ::shrug:: I'm hoping he does, but don't see how I can be assured of this.
I told him that I had no intentions of going after the postal service, but I do have intentions of going after that postal clerk. Only thing is.. They don't have cameras.. and I wish they did, because they would see how very well behaved my service animal was, and how people were so helpful, and interested in him also. Asking questions etc.
At one point the post master stated that one of the clerks stated that my service animal was not heeling, or staying by my side. Also that a lady behind me backed away from him, because she feared him! That really upset me, and I let fly then. Because the lady behind me was elderly, and was very interested in my service animal, asking many questions, even requesting to pet him. This same lady is the one that insisted on helping me with my packages, and came to my side when I stood shocked by this clerks refusal to serve me.
So it is, I feel that I don't have a snowball's chance in h@!!... Because it seems that the postal clerks don't want to be involved, and are in fear of their jobs and retaliation maybe? Or just not wanting to cause the postal service any problems by telling the truth. I felt pretty safe, figureing the same thing, that the camera's would be a great help, and prove liars out of anyone that stated different than what actually happened. Now.. I don't know what to do. I wish I had gotten the elderly ladies name, and the lady in front of me too, and others that were there. Then again, people these days tend to not want to be involved, so again, seems I don't have a chance.
I left the post master in good repor, as I am not a vindictive person, and don't wish to have enemies. I only wish that people like this clerk would learn a lesson, so that I, nor others have to go through this kind of thing.
Thank you (((dallas702))) for your reply.. I appreciate your advice, and wish I could find an attorney that could go after this clerk that denied me service.

Sincerely,
K~Walkssoftly

 

[walkssoftly]

Reply

I can't read that whole thing but if you have a legit service dog and you were denied service because of it, that is a clar violation of the law. Find a local lawyer and speak to them ASAP, since suing the federal government is not something you are going to want to do by yourself.

Thank you for your time "You are Guilty".. And as I just answered the first reply to my post, and I apologize that it was long, it's sometimes hard for me to put down all the proper info. in a short version.
And yes, my service animal is definately a legit service animal, and I was denied service due to him, but as stated in the reply above this, I don't feel that I have a chance, as it is going to end up as a "he said, she said".. since there were no camera's to show proof.. Totally stinks, because the camera sure would have told it all.
Thank you for your reply, I appreciate your time.

Walkssoftly

 

[walkssoftly]

reply

That's way too much to read. Did you talk to the postmaster. Have you file a complaint with the USPS?

Again, I apologize for the length of my post, but seems if I post and don't give enough info, then I am told that I need to be more clear and informative.
Yes, I talked to the postmaster, my reply to the first person that posted to my post tells what happened.
Thank you again for your time, and I will try harder to be more precise without so many words.
Sincerely,
K~ Walkssoftly

 

[walkssoftly]

Thank you

Don't just talk to the postmaster (or branch manager) of that office. You need to go over his head to make sure something gets done. You need to contact the postmaster of the SCF (3 digit zip area) and the postmaster at the state distribution center for your area. The state dist. ctr is probably in Phoenix

What is the first three digits of your zip code? Give me that, and I'll see if I can find the contact info for your area.

I appreciate your advice, but if you will read the reply to the first person that answered my request for help, you will see that I don't think I have a chance to fight the postal service, because I have no witness' and proof. Seeings there is no camera, nor do the other clerks seem to be willing to get involved.
I'm kind of stuck... Not fair, but that's how it seems to go..
Again I thank you very much for your offer to go out of your way to help me. I wish I could prosecute this postal clerk, but seems that I'm the underdog in this situation.
Bless you for your offer to help.
sincerely,
K~Walkssoftly

 

[walkssoftly]

Lol!

While you can make complaints to the postmaster or an EEOC complaint, are you aware that you can make arrangements to print shipping labels and have packages picked up at your residence, not only by USPS but other postal companies as well or that some smaller outlets may have no line at all and a choice of different carriers? The soultion may be to look at an accommodation. People don't understand the role of service animals when they are not seeing eye dogs and the fight may not be woth the time and energy when you can get an accommodation that is less stressful for you and at the same time available to all. After sending off 2 packages to my grand children costing nearly $40 I could have sent a couple of large gift cards and they could have had a shopping spree for the cost of a stamp.

Sorry, couldn't help but laugh.. because you are right about finding an easier way to keep myself from having to be harrassed or embarrassed.. And while you are right, I still just feel it is unfair for me to have to "do things differently" than others, and not be allowed my rights..
Being disabled stinks, and I make every attempt to "ignore" that I am disabled! I try to live my life like all others, and to my best ability. I don't want to focus on having to change my life just because there are a few people out there that have no respect for others. Especially when they make life harder on someone that already has it pretty tough as it is. It hurts, and a person shouldn't have to be harrassed, or embarrassed by someone like this postal clerk.
I believe to ship something and have it picked up at your residence costs extra, and being disabled, my funds don't allow that luxury. I do bend over backwards to be respectful of others in stores, resturaunts etc. If I ever see someone that is taken back by my service animal, as in being afraid of him or something, just because they have a fear of dogs, I make every effort to avoid them, and if I have to be near them, I assure them that he is very docile. We frequent hospitals, Dr. offices, buisness', resturaunts, etc. and 99% of the time we are well accepted.
Again. I appreciate your offer to help me find a easier way on myself to avoid possible negative actions, but.. I just feel it unfair for anyone to treat me badly due to my dissability and service animal.
Have a Happy New Year.. and thanks again.
Sincerely,
K~Walkssoftly

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Sorry, couldn't help but laugh.. because you are right about finding an easier way to keep myself from having to be harrassed or embarrassed.. And while you are right, I still just feel it is unfair for me to have to "do things differently" than others, and not be allowed my rights..
Being disabled stinks, and I make every attempt to "ignore" that I am disabled! I try to live my life like all others, and to my best ability. I don't want to focus on having to change my life just because there are a few people out there that have no respect for others. Especially when they make life harder on someone that already has it pretty tough as it is. It hurts, and a person shouldn't have to be harrassed, or embarrassed by someone like this postal clerk.
I believe to ship something and have it picked up at your residence costs extra, and being disabled, my funds don't allow that luxury. I do bend over backwards to be respectful of others in stores, resturaunts etc. If I ever see someone that is taken back by my service animal, as in being afraid of him or something, just because they have a fear of dogs, I make every effort to avoid them, and if I have to be near them, I assure them that he is very docile. We frequent hospitals, Dr. offices, buisness', resturaunts, etc. and 99% of the time we are well accepted.
Again. I appreciate your offer to help me find a easier way on myself to avoid possible negative actions, but.. I just feel it unfair for anyone to treat me badly due to my dissability and service animal.
Have a Happy New Year.. and thanks again.
Sincerely,
K~Walkssoftly

Quite frankly as a disabled person who had to give up my wonderful 120 lb Rott service animal because people didn't understand, I know about what I speak and your are not looking to be like everyone else, but looking to create a disturbance or draw sympathy. I suggested things to try that were ecconomical, in some cases the cost is LESS when they pick it up, if the cost is more, it is minimal less than the cost of transportation. You can print out stamps etc from your computer and your regular post carrier will pick them up, other services will pick it up in conjunction with their regular route. And gift cards can be ordered over the net and the company sends them out or you can buy them along with stamps at the grocery store at the check out. Have you tried banking with your computer you can send out your bills and the bank pays for the stamp! Lots of things you can do like everyone else and still accommodate your disability and your fixed income.

 

[walkssoftly]

Shame on you!

Quite frankly as a disabled person who had to give up my wonderful 120 lb Rott service animal because people didn't understand, I know about what I speak and your are not looking to be like everyone else, but looking to create a disturbance or draw sympathy. I suggested things to try that were ecconomical, in some cases the cost is LESS when they pick it up, if the cost is more, it is minimal less than the cost of transportation. You can print out stamps etc from your computer and your regular post carrier will pick them up, other services will pick it up in conjunction with their regular route. And gift cards can be ordered over the net and the company sends them out or you can buy them along with stamps at the grocery store at the check out. Have you tried banking with your computer you can send out your bills and the bank pays for the stamp! Lots of things you can do like everyone else and still accommodate your disability and your fixed income.

Your comment stating that I am "looking to create a disturbance or draw sympathy" is extremely rude...and uncalled for. Is that what you were doing with a 120lb rottweiler!!!!?????? I will not banter with you, as people like you that judge others without knowing them, well I'll say no more. It speaks for itself.
Last of all, NO ONE that is disabled should be discriminated against. That is why there are laws. If you choose to live as an invalid, and hide from normal every day life, that is your buisness, and choice. FRANKLY I choose to continue my life as any other human being with rights. Not to "step on toes", make others uncomfortable, or upset the system. Lord knows I have enough to deal with, without creating more issues. On the same note, I shouldn't have to suffer humiliation, and stress due to ONE Scrooge at a Post office!
Have a great New Years!
~Walkssoftly~

 

[rmet4nzkx]

Your comment stating that I am "looking to create a disturbance or draw sympathy" is extremely rude...and uncalled for. Is that what you were doing with a 120lb rottweiler!!!!?????? I will not banter with you, as people like you that judge others without knowing them, well I'll say no more. It speaks for itself.
Last of all, NO ONE that is disabled should be discriminated against. That is why there are laws. If you choose to live as an invalid, and hide from normal every day life, that is your buisness, and choice. FRANKLY I choose to continue my life as any other human being with rights. Not to "step on toes", make others uncomfortable, or upset the system. Lord knows I have enough to deal with, without creating more issues. On the same note, I shouldn't have to suffer humiliation, and stress due to ONE Scrooge at a Post office!
Have a great New Years!
~Walkssoftly~

You made trouble at the pool because of your dog, argued with every suggestion offered you short of a court fight and you can't fulfill your duties as guardian for your disabled son, you are full of excuses. Public accommodations are many, not just the one you want because you can use that to harass others. I am not an invilad nor a Scrooge, I just won a contest for Christmas decorations, the fact that I couldn't climb up to place lights on the eves didn't influence the judges, not an invilad or a Scrooge, but able to tell you to stop being a bully because you have a disability. It is people like you that make life for others with disbilities more difficult. I have a reputation for helping others here and don't give up, you were even told on your other thread to seek advice from me.

Take your combat boots off and you won't have to walk softly

 

[walkssoftly]

You have no clue

You made trouble at the pool because of your dog, argued with every suggestion offered you short of a court fight and you can't fulfill your duties as guardian for your disabled son, you are full of excuses. Public accommodations are many, not just the one you want because you can use that to harass others. I am not an invilad nor a Scrooge, I just won a contest for Christmas decorations, the fact that I couldn't climb up to place lights on the eves didn't influence the judges, not an invilad or a Scrooge, but able to tell you to stop being a bully because you have a disability. It is people like you that make life for others with disbilities more difficult. I have a reputation for helping others here and don't give up, you were even told on your other thread to seek advice from me.

Take your combat boots off and you won't have to walk softly

You haven't a clue of what you speak. You don't have any idea what the issues are of my mentally ill son with Tourettes' Syndrome, and I won't argue with you about any of this.. Your extremely rude, attacking someone personally and that is very not what this forum is about. Maybe you took my first reply wrong? and thought somehow I meant disrespect? If so, I'm sorry you did. But there was absolutely no disrespect intended. The only thing that I said that I can think offended you was that the subject said LOL! And it was not out of disrespect at all.
Just because I don't choose to allow people to harrass me over and over again, does not make me a bully. This merely makes me a human being that has rights, like anyone else. Obviously you've made an effort to read all about me, as you are commenting from other posts I have made. Tell you what, if you are going to read posts and attack and crucify me for them, maybe you should "walk in my shoes" first...
No one called YOU a scrooge, I stated the postal worker was a scrooge, if you read posts, you will see that it was posted by someone else, prior to my using the phrase.
As for seeking advice from you??? I think not. I was raised to be polite to people, not to attack them personally! Your name calling, and ridiculing my dissability certainly does not show very good character.
You can post what you wish here, I will not comment again. And when I said have a Happy New Year.. I was sincere, not cutting in any way. I will say it again.
Happy New Year to you.

~Walkssoftly~