A veteran and her service dog were recently kicked out of a gym and told the dog was not welcome.
Emily Szekely is an Army veteran who proudly served her country as a combat medic. She has developed a seizure disorder and PTSD as a result of her time in the service. Thanks to her three-year-old service dog, Mojo, she can enjoy life again.
Two Heroes Asked To Leave
That was until Emily and Mojo were ushered out of an Anytime Fitness in Pierce County, Washington. Emily, her boyfriend, and Mojo decided to go to a gym that they typically don’t go to. As Emily entered with Mojo, the gym owner told them that dogs aren’t welcome there.
Mojo isn’t just any dog. He is a specially trained service animal, protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act. This incredible pup is able to alert Emily to an upcoming seizure with at least a 5-10 minute warning. This warning gives Emily enough time to lay on the floor to prevent herself from a fall injury or hitting her head. It also gives her time to take her medication to try to prevent the seizure altogether.
A Dog With a Business Card and a Gym Owner With an Attitude
Emily thought quickly and took a video of the incident on her cell phone. You can see the gym worker trying to guide them out of the building.
In an attempt to justify himself, the gym worker said to the family, “They leave their s— everywhere, their hair, everywhere… Take the dog out.”
The man kept asking Emily for proof that Mojo is a service animal. The ADA says that proof is not required as a condition for entry. However, Mojo does have his own business card explaining his responsibilities.
“My name is Mojo and I am a seizure alert dog as well as a PTSD alert and response dog… I do things like deep pressure therapy and grounding when my mom has PTSD and I alert to her seizures 5-10 minutes before they happen so she can take her meds…”
A Weak Apology
Emily took to her personal Facebook page to share her frustrations after leaving the gym at mercy of the owner’s demands. The owner of the Anytime Fitness actually reached out to Emily on her post.
KIRO 7 News asked Emily if she would take the owner up on his offer for her return to the gym with Mojo.
“No. It’s not worth it for me to encounter that experience again,” Emily said.
Take a look at the video Emily recorded on her cellphone. What do you think?
H/T: KIRO 7 News
Toledo, United States.
