Allergies are one of the most unpleasant faults in the human body. Though some individuals may not even realize they have one since they are so mild, others are very conscious and want to prevent allergens at all costs since contact with them can be fatal. Nevertheless, mild allergies are also unpleasant, so individuals try to avoid them whenever possible. Although not all get this, and one woman was labelled an ableist for refusing to allow a train passenger with a service dog inside her compartment as she is allergic to the animal. Read the story and share your thoughts on this.
Source: Reddit
Some relevant information is that I am 18(f) who has allergies to dogs. I also live in an area in which there are overnight train rides. I had to take one so I could see my friends and celebrate my 18th. I booked a compartment for the train ride so I would be comfortable.
About an hour in, a young lady like myself came with a service dog and opened the door to my compartment and came in. It wasn’t locked because I had forgotten. I asked her what she was doing and she replied with “There is more than enough space and I need the extra space for my dog” I was a little annoyed to be honest. I replied “I’m sorry but I’m going to have to ask you to please leave and not stay” “It is because I have a disability isn’t it” “No it is because I’m allergic to dogs” “Are you deadly allergic” At that point it sounded menacing. “No but I would rather not be sick when I arrive.
Besides you should have paid for a compartment since you knew you would need one” She started yelling that I was an ableist ahe. One of the workers came past and asked what was going on. I provided proof that I booked the compartment and told her that I was allergic to dogs.
The worker then asked the woman to leave and apologised to me on the train’s behalf. I told her it wasn’t her fault and all was good after that.
Now a lot of friends think I should have just let her and moved myself to a different part of the train since she needed the extra room for her dog. Now I’m asking, did I act entitled?
Here are a few comments on the story where it was originally posted:
