A metro man tried to buy a few items at a Kansas City, Kansas convenience store, but the worker told him to leave because of his dog.
"I took a walk up here, I was stressed out," explained Ted Stoutenburg. "And this guy threw me out after showing the paperwork."
It happened once on Thursday.
So Friday, 41 Action News accompanied Stoutenburg to confront the store worker.
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"You can't have a dog, please. Outside. Outside," said the man before Stoutenburg was able to explain himself. That's when 41 Action News showed the worker the paperwork from Stoutenburg's physicians.
To Stoutenberg, MJ is more than just a dog - she's his lifeline to the outside world.
"She's more of an emotional support, keep me calm for anxiety," he explained. And his paperwork supported it. "I go through a lot of frustrations and emotional stuff everyday and so she is there for my support. I don't like to get out with people, so if I have her, I feel more comfortable to get out and move around in public."
The worker at the S and A Quick Shop told 41 Action News he didn't realize MJ was a service animal because she wasn't wearing an identifiable badge or vest and that is a common misconception. According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, service animals are not required to wear identification, and the paperwork her handler showed should have been sufficient.
"It was just frustrating and I hope it was a misunderstanding I hope they can correct because there are a lot of people out there with animals that need them for support," said Stoutenburg.
Which is why Stoutenburg is speaking out. He doesn't want what happened to him to happen to someone else with a service animal.
So what does the Americans with Disabilities Act say and how could it affect your business? Check out the ADA's resources for more information.
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Terra Hall can be reached at terra.hall@kshb.com.
