When someone is living with a disability, they never know when symptoms might arise. You don’t know if fear will strike while entering a store or spending time with friends. But when it does, you expect that the people around you will be understanding of the fact that you need a moment. One Colorado woman found out some employees aren’t as sympathetic. Having a POTS episode, this woman needed her service dog (and some recovery time) but they didn’t even want that on the premises!
Harmony (TikTok/k9rocket) shares TikTok videos of her service dog, Rocket, and their adventures together. Unfortunately, her last adventure out with Rocket ended in disaster. While at Maverick attempting to do some shopping, Harmony experienced POTS symptoms, and was experiencing them even before she entered. It was then she was suddenly stopped by a frustrated employee.
They explained that Rocket can enter, “but it has to be fully vested.” Harmony explains to the employee that this isn’t the case. She says, “So, in accordance with the ADA, which overrides any law you guys could have, he doesn’t have to be vested or leashed.”
Upon hearing Harmony’s explanation, the employee says, “I can’t allow the dog in here, I’m sorry.” Next, Harmony tells the employee that she could call the police to let them handle it but the man continues to tell her he “can’t allow” her service dog in the store.
Harmony firmly tells the employee, “He’s a service dog. I’m allowed in this building. I have a disability.” To this, the employee tells her, “I can refuse service to anybody I choose to refuse service to and now I’m refusing service to you.”
After the man shares he’s the “store director,” Harmony bluntly says, “Wow! And you don’t know about this stuff?!” As Harmony was interacting with the manager, she started to experience pre-syncope feelings, so she lowers herself to the floor. Her service dog is nearby while the director berates her.
When Harmony instructs him to look into the law before police arrive, he asks, “Can we just wait quietly for the police?” Harmony retorts back, “No, I’m gonna tell you about the ADA. It’s called the Americans with Disabilities Act.” But at this point, he seems to have stopped listening and walks away from her.
Once the EMT and police arrived, 40 minutes later, they treated Harmony with nothing but kindness. The police officer says, “Medically, let’s start there to make sure you’re okay” before they get to the rest. When she tries to explain herself, the EMT reassures her, “It’s okay! There’s a lot going on and POTS doesn’t make it any easier.”
How People Reacted to Harmony’s Mistreatment
Numerous people offered legal advice, suggesting the situation could warrant a lawsuit, while others criticized the manager for his behavior. One commenter wrote, “Cousin who is a lawyer said to file an ADA complaint with the US department of justice,” and shared the site. “I love how the EMS guy was so gentle with you,” said another commenter. Many in the comments really appreciated the EMT for having a seemingly deeper understanding of POTS.
Harmony has shared that she is indeed in the middle of getting an ADA attorney. She was simply trying to get coolant for her vehicle after it broke down and this aggravated the situation. More importantly, she was incredibly thankful to both the EMT and police officers.
