Posted on 12/02/2013 6:24:37 PM PST by artichokegrower
OAKLAND -- Schuyler McGraw's Staffordshire bull terrier, Lux, is an indispensable part of her life.
McGraw, 34, of Oakland, said she sees a psychiatrist and takes medication for post-traumatic stress disorder and a complex trauma obsessive compulsive disorder following years of childhood abuse and a history of family alcoholism, and also has seizures.
Lux is trained to detect those seizures and has prevented at least 100 in the past three years by circling McGraw, hovering near her legs and leaning on her master when the dog anticipates a tremor coming.
But after McGraw and Lux boarded a Southwest Airlines flight out of Oakland on Tuesday, McGraw, says, a disgruntled flight attendant forced the pair to deplane because the crew member didn't like the dog's breed.
Southwest officials say they're working to make the situation right, but after being denied the chance to visit an old friend for Thanksgiving, McGraw says the airline's offer of free miles doesn't cut it.
"(Lux) is the light of my life and I love her," McGraw said Friday.
Leaving the house where she works as a writer is rare for McGraw as she works to overcome her history of abuse. Socializing is a thing of the past, she says, and travel is almost unheard of.
After saving up for a year, however, McGraw checked her bags at Oakland airport Tuesday morning, passed through security, spoke to a gate agent, boarded the flight and settled into the bulkhead seat with Lux at her feet. They were headed on a direct 90-minute flight to Spokane and then to Idaho to visit an old friend.
(Excerpt) Read more at mercurynews.com ...
I only take exception with the estimate of preventing 100 seizures. There is no way to really know that, is there?
The airline is in a world of hurt.They violated the ADA big time.
Poor canine.
Hey...it’s a gig.
This is so unfair to people who actually need service dogs. I’m sorry, but emotional support doesn’t cut it unless you are a vet suffering PTSD.
My Yorkie did CPR on me 5 times last year. sved my life, he did.
Just ask him.
What a country!
Yes there is though it is probably mostly self reporting but I see no reason to doubt her.
Did you read the article? The dog does provide therapeutic support for her PTSD but its main purpose is to signal her when a seizure is about to begin.
I'm pretty sure the dog isn't "preventing" seizures. But I guess it helps sell the story.
......the woman had the note, the effectively deemed it a fraud and her a liar..............
I love SW Airlines but the really F’d up here. Time to break out the checkbook.
SW seems to be having so many “stories” about this and that lately???!!!
If she is diagnosed with PTSD and seizure disorder the use of a therapy service dog is 100% legit. The amount of trauma she went through because of abuse may have been more harrowing than even you could bear.
Otherwise known as "External Attention Deficit Disorder."
Here’s her website: http://www.schuylerwork.com
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