Handicapped man and his service dog booted out of a Fayetteville business
FAYETTEVILLE (WTVD) -- Dennis Winkfield walks, because he isn't allowed to drive. He has seizures, dementia, and other medical and mental conditions. He says he easily gets lost just walking around the block.
"It's almost like vertigo," said the 49-year-old Fayetteville resident. "You look around and everything looks like you are going in the same direction."
That's why he has King, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. King knows the way home, and can tell when his master starts having a seizure.
"If he feels I am under distress he will stand in front of me, guide me where I need to go. He is just very protective," Winkfield said.
Winkfield says King is a service dog, and is certified to stay in Winkfield's apartment. Most of the time the two are welcomed at area businesses, but Winkfield says this past weekend the manager of a Ramsey Street convenience store refused to serve him.
"I walked in there with the dog. Immediately she said, 'You got to get the dog out.'"
Winkfield says he told the manager that King is a service dog.
"She said, 'He has to go,' and refused to serve me unless he was outside."
In a phone call, the store manager said Winkfield frequently shops at the store, without a service dog.
Nicole Fitzgerald said that's because she and other friends often drive Winkfield to the store.
"I definitely feel a lot safer whenever King is with him because if he is not, and I am not, or other friends are not with him, I do worry."
According to the U.S. Justice Department, merchants can't deny service to a disabled customer with a service animal, without a legitimate reason.
A telephone call to Short Stop Corporate Headquarters in Fayetteville wasn't returned.
Winkfield says he is not trying to cause trouble; he just wants people to be more compassionate and understanding. He says he just wants to know he can get home safely.
"I would not bring the dog with me, if I did not need the dog to be there."
Winkfield has filed a complaint with the U.S. Justice Department.
