[gdum-l] Blind man banned from Sunderland England shopping centre because his guide dog won't stop pooping

[John Usinas]

I resemble that remark!

 

From: gdum-l-bounces at acb.org [mailto:gdum-l-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf Of
Kim.Charlson at Perkins.org
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 9:50 AM
To: gdum-l at acb.org
Subject: Re: [gdum-l] Blind man banned from Sunderland England shopping
centre because his guide dog won't stop pooping

 

John ... You're bad <smile>

 

Kim

 

  _____  

From: gdum-l-bounces at acb.org [mailto:gdum-l-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf Of
John Usinas
Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2012 10:47 AM
To: 'Guide Dog Users of Massachusetts'
Subject: Re: [gdum-l] Blind man banned from Sunderland England shopping
centre because his guide dog won't stop pooping

Something smells here!

 

From: gdum-l-bounces at acb.org [mailto:gdum-l-bounces at acb.org] On Behalf Of
Kim.Charlson at Perkins.org
Sent: Monday, January 16, 2012 8:23 PM
To: gdum-l at acb.org
Subject: [gdum-l] Blind man banned from Sunderland England shopping centre
because his guide dog won't stop pooping

 

Hi All,

 

This one from England was rather interesting . obviously there are specific
issues in this case, but what a bizarre case.

 

Kim

 


Blind man banned from Sunderland shopping centre because his guide dog won't
stop pooping 



BLIND Reg Pallas can no longer pop into his favourite shopping centre after
his guide dog developed a serial pooping problem.

Labrador Shane has been causing a stink at The Bridges after repeatedly
relieving himself as he walks through the doors.

Shane's toilet training is now such a problem that the Guide Dogs
Association has stepped in and requested Reg keep his three-year-old dog out
of the centre while he undergoes further training.

But Mr Pallas, who has had Shane since September 2010, disagrees with the
move, claiming it will have an impact on his life.

He said: "I feel like I'm being discriminated against and victimised. A dog
isn't like a human being. When it has to go, it has to go and there's
nothing you can do."

Mr Pallas, 71, of Ford Estate, said he has exhausted all avenues, including
changing Shane's diet and encouraging him to go to the toilet before
entering the centre.

He said: "I was told to take him into a back lane first and wait for him to
go to the toilet twice but there have been times when I've waited for half
an hour and nothing. Then as soon as we step inside, he goes. It's not as if
it's every time but nothing seems to be working."

Mr Pallas, who was registered blind in 1974 and has visited The Bridges with
guide dogs since 1993, said although he is allowed in with his cane, it is a
struggle.

He visits the centre at least three times a week.

"All of the dogs I've had have had accidents.

"I'd could understand the problem if I just left it, but I don't.

"It's really awkward now because I know where all the shops are in The
Bridges and I know my way around them.

"If I have to go to Sainsbury's or Asda, they are two bus rides away and I
don't know them."

The Guide Dogs Association said they took the decision, which would see
Shane kept out of the centre until April, in a bid to help Mr Pallas and
Shane overcome the problem.

A spokeswoman said: "The shopping centre is a particularly demanding
environment for Mr Pallas and his guide dog Shane, which has led to some
problems for the dog.

"Consequently we have advised Mr Pallas not to go to the centre while we
work with him and Shane to ensure they can navigate the centre without any
issues.

"This is a temporary measure and Mr Pallas and Shane are able to access
alternative shops in the meantime.

"Advising our guide dog owners of temporary alternatives to their routes is
not unusual, as we do this to safeguard both the owner's and the dog's
welfare."

Andy Bradley, centre director at The Bridges, added: "Mr Pallas is a regular
shopper at the Bridges, he is always more than welcome and the team assist
him wherever we can.

"We understand there is a training issue with Mr Pallas' guide dog and
members of the centre management team have held a number of meetings with
the Guide Dogs Association to try and help resolve the situation."

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