Major Diggs Brown served in the Army for more than 30 years. And his devotion to our country did not go unnoticed. He had PTSD when he returned from Afghanistan. Unfortunately, when the Colorado veteran visited a restaurant in Chicago, the employees had a terrible manner of “praising” him for his service.
He was greeted rudely when he attempted to sit down for a leisurely brunch at Cochon Volant on West Monroe Street. Major Brown’s service dog Arthur has been by his side for years due to his PTSD. This was the situation when he was booted out of the Chicago eatery.
When his service dog and he stepped in, the hostess escorted them to the seat, and Hannah, the young girl, said he can’t have a dog in the restaurant, Brown remembered. Of course, he knew she was mistaken. So, remaining calm, he informed her that the Americans with Disabilities Act states differently. This is his service dog; he may accompany him anywhere he goes; it’s the law, Brown explained to the hostess.
He took his seat and made his order, however Hannah was soon approaching him again. She told him he had to go this time. He reminded her that Arthur is a service dog and that she would be breaking the law, but she said, she doesn’t care, he has to go, they don’t have dogs in the restaurant. Brown departed, embarrassed. He proceeded to the airport and returned to Fort Collins, but the episode stayed with him.
Arthur is much more than a dog. He is an essential and crucial element of the veteran’s life. The dog does a lot of different things. When he has nightmares, the dog wakes him up. He calms him down when he gets anxious. The dog rescued his life, and he is now drug-free, Brown stated. As a result, he decided he had to tell his tale.
When he came home, he uploaded this to his Facebook page, and it went viral, Brown remembered. Brown said, guess this would be a case of ‘No thanks for your service,’ after stating that he, a veteran, and his service dog were denied service and ordered to leave. And it went viral since he was completely correct.
With just a few exceptions, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires service dogs to be allowed in all venues where the general public is authorized to go. Restaurants aren’t among them. They are not permitted to prohibit service dogs from joining their owners.
Unfortunately, it appears that wait staff and restaurant personnel are unaware of this. Fortunately, in this example, the establishment involved attempted to fix their error.
The restaurant manager immediately phoned Brown and apologized through email. They addressed the problem on Facebook as well. The restaurant responded, the Cochon Volant family is both disturbed and disheartened to read this report of a veteran’s experience.
Not only are they completely aware of and in compliance with all ADA regulations regarding service dogs, but they also have a deep appreciation for the service of veterans and are happy to welcome staff members and employees who have honorably served this country, Cochon Volant’s owners added.
Furthermore, the restaurant initiated an urgent internal assessment of their policy for training workers on ADA requirements and announced a gift to Puppies Behind Bars, where Arthur was trained. Brown, who claims he’s never been asked to leave because of his assistance dog, says he has no bitter feelings and is pleased with the outcome.
It’s not his intention to demolish a restaurant; it’s his intention to make them know that they have broken a law that impacts not just veterans with dogs, but other people with disabilities with service laws, and that they are required to be informed that it’s discrimination, he added. They’ve stepped up to the plate, and they’re going to make some adjustments at the restaurant, so he is relieved that it’s settled in his opinion.
He truly hopes this young girl isn’t fired for this, she simply needs to be informed, Brown remarked of the staffer who asked him to leave. Certainly, education is required since Major Diggs Brown’s story is not unique.
Education would be far more beneficial than eliminating individuals after the fact. That is why it is critical that everyone hears this narrative. Sharing what occurred to Major Brown and his dog Arthur may perhaps prevent this from occurring to another soldier. All soldiers should be praised for their service, not illegally refused service.
