Woman Wins Judgement After Store Kicks Her Out For Having Guide Dog

Woman Wins Judgement After Store Kicks Her Out For Having Guide Dog

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Story Published: May 3, 2005 at 3:12 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:56 AM PDT

By Leslie Knopp

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SEATTLE - Joyce Fischer-Jones says she would be lost without her dog Sox.

"Before I got Sox, I was in and out of the psych ward," said Fischer-Jones. "It was a revolving door. Since I had him, I haven't been in the psych ward. I haven't been to a hospital."

Joyce says she gets severe panic attacks and has a fear of going out in public places.

But, with Sox, she has the confidence to get out. She trained 5-year-old Sox to be her service dog.

But, in July of 2003, when Joyce tried to go into a Ballard market for a soda, the owner of the store told her to leave.

"He got right in my face and said, 'no dog'. I tried to explain that Sox is a service dog and he has a right to be here with me. He said 'no dog' and he shoved me," said Joyce.

She filed a complaint with Seattle's Civil Rights Office. The city filed a discrimination lawsuit against the owner at the time and Joyce just won a $21,000 settlement.

The market has new owners now, but KOMO 4 News tried to contact the old owner, Ho Park. His son told us the family's attorneys told them to say nothing about the case except they will appeal.

"All disabilities are not visible," said Germaine Covington, Seattle Civil Rights Director.

Covington says Joyce's case is unique because her disability is an invisible disability. More and more people with emotional problems are getting service dogs.

Covington says they have that right. "What she does not have to do, or what an individual does not have to do, is provide proof of certification or training."

For More Information:

Seattle Civil Right Office -- www.seattle.gov

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