Many of us have pets that sleep with or near us. They provide comfort, love, attention but are not service dogs! I have a handicapped license plate, have severe back and neck problems, have had radial oblation and other medical procedures. Surgery is not an option because of a multitude and severity of conditions. I would never use that as an excuse to call my pet a service dog. The homeless shelter provided by VOA is an excellent place for a family – the Vallecito Service League decorated a family room for them! It is special. For the Herald to portray April Elder’s story as a sad situation (May 17) is only an effort to bring tears to our eyes for a family with two jobs and is not helpful! There are so many programs that can provide services – budget counseling, food pantries, counseling on jobs that do not require standing on your feet all day. Denigrating a business because of its business policies (and they were right) sure isn’t helpful either. No sympathy here!
Doris Phelps
Vallecito
