| Service Dogs Save Lives! |
| Website Copyright B. Brake 2004 |
| Service Dog Friendly Businesses |
| All businesses are required to allow Service Dogs, but some welcome them with open arms and really make a partner team's day brighter with their friendly and helpful service. This list will be added to on a regular basis, and will commemorate those businesses that truly are "Service Dog friendly." Columbus, Ohio Lennox Town Center shopping area: almost all stores in this complex are very accommodating and welcoming. Some particular favorites of mine are Petco, where Ches is treated like a prince; Target, where we are regularly welcomed and asked if we need any extra assistance; Bath and Body Works, where the employees are incredibly kind and helpful; Staples, where we are always greeted kindly; and Barnes and Noble Booksellers, where many have asked for more information on Service Dogs in the interest of bettering their knowledge and learning about these special dogs. Chester and I have never met with any problems while shopping at these stores. Applebees Restaurants: Applebees are simply wonderful when it comes to Service Dogs (at least here in Columbus.) We are always welcomed warmly and several of the servers and staff have taken a special interest in Ches, telling me what a lovely dog he is and how wonderful it is that he works to help me. It means a lot to be able to go to a restaurant and not worry about how you will be accepted, whether you will be hassled or allowed to go about your business. Thank you Applebees! AMC Lennox Movie Theatres: These theatres have been great about not giving us any trouble. The staff is courteous and friendly, and we are always met with smiles. COTA (Central Ohio Transit Authority): This is our local bus service. COTA's drivers have been very kind and helpful to us. All except one have been very accommodating and really go that extra mile to ensure that we make it where we need to go, asking if I need stops announced and where we want to get off, that type of thing. The number 84 bus, which I ride regularly, is particularly good. Our thanks to the drivers! OSU campus area businesses: Nearly all of these businesses have welcomed us with open arms. Particular favorites are Long's Bookstore on High Street, Brenan's coffee house just a little down from Long's, State Discount convenience stores, and United Dairy Farmers convenience stores. The CVS store on Neil Avenue on campus has also been wonderful, as have the stores and restaurants in the Student Union. Buffalo, New York Local K-Mart stores: K-mart displays a sign in their window indicating that service dogs are welcome, and that has proven true in the few stores that I've been to. No one has hassled us in any manner. Cincinnati, Ohio in the words of my friend Barb, a fellow Circle Tail partner: ZZ's Pizza: Always warm and welcoming and even tries to find a table with the most room for the dog. Mayura Indian Restaurant near the University of Cincinnati: The owner always comes over to enquire about the dog's well being. Again, a place that tries to find the most comfortable seating for us. Gratzi Funky Italian on Fields Ertel Road: The owner always asks me how my dog is doing. At least one or two staffers often stop by the table to say hi and comment on my dog's beauty. East African Restaurant in the Pleasant Ridge area: The owner greets us with a big smile and asks how the dog is every time. Cincinnati Mighty Ducks Hockey: While the old Cincinnati Gardens arena doesn't provide a lot of leg room, my dog managed to fit partway under my seat. Unfortunately, other patrons had to step over her to get in and out of our row. The other option is what Cincinnati Gardens calls "ADA" seating, which is located directly behind a goal. Lots of room for me and the dog, but lots of puck hitting the glass noise. It might be too much for a dog's first visit to a hockey game. |
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