In a case of cruel ignorance, not to mention blatant federal law breaking, the city of Aurelia, Iowa forced a disabled former Chicago police officer to give up his service dog, Snickers, because he was a Pit Bull mix.
James Sak, 65, is confined to a wheelchair, unable to use the right side of his body. A medical center in Chicago had paired him with Snickers to help him walk and call for help in an emergency.
Saks and his wife moved to Aurelia to be close to aging family members, not knowing the law forbids Pit Bulls or any dog that looks like one to live there.
Despite defying the American with Disabilities Act, the city council voted for Snickers to be removed from town.
An Iowa federal judge ruled today in favor of an injunction to allow Snickers to be reunited with Saks immediately.
"Today I got my peace of mind back," Sak said. "I hope that nobody else has to go through what we went through." The story
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Very glad to hear that Snickers was reunited with his owner.
Posted by: Clive | December 28, 2011 at 03:37 PM
This story has gotten a lot of attention. I hope it contributes to a major change of perception about pibble type dogs.
Posted by: Pamela | December 28, 2011 at 03:45 PM
Gotta' love small town ignorance :0
Posted by: Karen Friesecke | December 28, 2011 at 04:25 PM
Okay do these city commissioners seek legal council ever at all! I do wonder about those politicos sometimes. I'm so glad the pair is back together as it should be!
Posted by: Sherry in MT | December 29, 2011 at 07:58 AM
oh yeah, now it lets us comment (right after i sent you an email)
Posted by: the 5Bs | December 29, 2011 at 10:24 AM
I would like someone with a lot of money to challenge that law of no pitts..bastids..glad he got his buddy back.
Posted by: jackie | December 29, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Sherry: it was the town's own lawyer who told them they should resist federal law....
Posted by: EmilyS | December 29, 2011 at 12:49 PM
Glad to hear they are back together.
Posted by: Heather | December 30, 2011 at 09:33 AM
Glad they are back together!
Posted by: DogProblems.com | December 30, 2011 at 06:20 PM
The fact that James and his service dog were parted to begin with is appalling! It had to have been an extremely distressing situation for both James and Snickers! Sadly though, it happens too often. I'm glad they are back together again.
I know the feeling of being denied access to your service dog (a part of you and your independence is ripped away). The rehab facility I am currently in for treatment relating to a spinal cord injury took over 170 days before they finally allowed my guide/service dog to come into the building or work with me. People don't seem to understand that these dogs are not just 'pets' or what they are capable of doing. It complicates matters even more when your dog isn't one of the more common breeds used for the type of work they do. My dog is a Siberian Husky.
Posted by: Kim & Duke | January 07, 2012 at 09:50 AM
Snickers, Jim and I thank you all so much for your support! Please support Animal Farm Foundation as well in their efforts on our behaf,
Posted by: Peggy Sue Leifer | January 09, 2012 at 04:36 PM