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We, the Undersigned, endorse the following petition:

Chloe the Service Dog and Owner are Denied Access to Wal Mart

Target: Wal Mart Wal Mart, Service Dog Denied Access into Wal Mart, Wal-Mart
Sponsor: Sylva Penkov, Private Party
  • Signatures: 4,392
  • Goal: 10,000
  • Deadline: 2-15-2008
We had a recent experience at Walmart that was very unfortunate and I would like to ask your help to receive news coverage to help ensure the dignity and rights of those individuals depending upon Service Dogs and hopefully educate the public and businesses of Service Dog rights and American Pit Bull Terrier prejudice. Here are the key points of interest:
1.Walmart’s Illegal Treatment of Service Dogs .

PLEASE CONTACT  (CHOLE'S MOM) Gina Pettrow [live2thefullest04@yahoo.com] TO SHARE YOUR OWN WAL MART EXPERIENCES.  SHE IS LOOKING FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.
  • Two Walmart managers requested myself and my Service Dog to leave because of her breed stating there were children in the store and she is an unstable and vicious breed - They continued to asked us to leave EVEN AFTER being informed of our Service Dog legal rights and what they were asking was illegal!

Please send your comments to:
http://walmartstores.com/GlobalWMStoresWeb/navigate.do?catg=221


Chloe's website:
www.chloethepitbull.com 

Updated information:

 http://www.freewebs.com/chloethepitbull/walmartsdiscrimination.htm

PLEASE GO TO BOTTOM OF PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION


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Number Date Prefix Name City State Country Comment Picture Report
4,403 8:18 pm PDT, Oct 26 Ms. Brilynn Junk Alma Center Wisconsin United States Pitbulls should have the same rights as any other service dog.  
4,402 8:14 pm PDT, Oct 21 Ms. nichole backlund moorhead Minnesota United States "We the People" need to stop senseless discrimination of ANY BREED
4,401 7:32 am PDT, Oct 21 Mr. Anonymous hemet California United States we need to stop discrimination on breeds
4,400 5:58 pm PDT, Oct 20 Ms. Rebecca Novak Atlanta Georgia United States Discrimination against a breed of dog is like discrimination against a race. It's wrong!  
4,399 5:27 pm PDT, Oct 20 Mrs. Anonymous lower sackiville   Canada We are not barbaric enough these days to discriminate against human races, why would be barbaric and discriminate against the dogs race/breed? Is it so humans dont have to take the blame for what hey have TURNED their dogs into?  
4,398 5:09 pm PDT, Oct 20   Jennifer Varkoly Atlanta Georgia United States It is sad there are people like this. Closed minded and not willing to educated themselves about the breed.  
4,397 4:45 pm PDT, Oct 20   Nikki Jones Ashmore Illinois United States it is just as wrong to discriminate against a dog because of her breed as it is to discriminate against a person because of their race!
4,396 4:21 pm PDT, Oct 20 Mrs. Nancy Waddell rockport Massachusetts United States Pitbulls are just dogs like any other, it's the owners that are to blame for the negative image. Walmart was right to apologize.  
4,395 5:25 pm PDT, Oct 14 Mr. Jesse Bonnett Colorado Springs Colorado United States Discrimination is wrong. No matter what you are discriminating against.  
4,394 5:23 pm PDT, Oct 14 Ms. Destiny Walkley Colorado Springs Colorado United States The most loyal, lovable breed and it is hard to take them anywhere because of cruel people. It's sad. Not all people are cruel just like not all dogs are aggresive.  
4,393 4:14 pm PDT, Oct 5 Ms. Alma Febus Arecibo   Puerto Rico I am sick of all the abuse all over the world with any discrimination with all service dogs. I own a service dog and because of her breed Rottweiler she was aldo discriminated entrance to walmart and was part of the sue. People should view and see service dog or any breed different because of the mentality Pit Bull are Kill every day In Puerto Rico. Now the responsable owner have to suffered how their pet are rip from their arms infront of childrens. Puerto Rico is so smart that NOW they want to start a new law to discriminate against big breed and consider them as a danger breed. But tell me what about the service dogs and therapy dogs are they considered to be discriminate for breed. NO I don't think so. We as owner of Service Dogs we have protection but how can I make them see if they just want to have a legal power just to kill. So many animals have suffered here in the Island, Shelter just kill and killed. Owner of Pit Bull have suffer ENOUGH but now other breeds. I don't understand. They should enforce the law to convict against any animal cruelty not the responsable owner like each of us. WHY Puerto Rico view animals like garabage. Please let the Pit Bull oener keep their pets and don't harm other. We must just sit down and have a programs to spay and neuter dogs and cats for a low cost. Euthanazing animals is not the solution. Can anyone please explain to me what is wrong with the system. nikkovonrottie@aol.com I want to save all animals It is not fare what can I do.
4,392 2:34 pm PDT, Oct 1 Mrs. Nicole Einan Benton City Washington United States People see delinquent kids and blame the parents. They see a pit bull and think they are all inherently vicious and blame the dog because of it's breed. The only dog I will ever own is a pit bull, period. They are the most loving, family-friendly breed in existence. I'm sorry about your experience, ignorant people are horrible creatures- and THEY should be punished, not the pup!  
4,391 11:53 am PDT, Sep 20   Najia Holder mooresville Indiana United States It is sad that these poor dogs have to pay a price because of negligent people and how they use the dogs. But the poeple only get slapped with a fine and the dog gets put to death. Is it me or do you really see some injustice in this situation.  
4,390 10:07 am PDT, Aug 21 Ms. Kristian George Livonia New York United States you should have never been denied access to wal-mart. all because your service dog is a pitbull that is breed discrimination.
4,389 5:28 pm PDT, Jul 27 Ms. catherine juergens Everett Washington United States Ugh, that's very frustrating and annoying. I mean yea you get a few rotten apples but you do with every breed! I have spent my whole child hood living amongst certified K-9 behaviorists, as well as watching the evaluations for my family's kennel which specializes in rehabilitating aggressive dogs. And I have seen more aggressive SMALL dogs then any pit bulls, the pit was one of the very few breeds I saw come in with aggression issues, And the ones that i did see were dealing with fear aggression which was built into them by there owners. And the whole line of well there bred to be aggressive, I am sorry but now days lol a lot of the prey drives of these different breeds have been bred out of them. One of my family's have a pit male and he is the happiest sweetest boy anyone could ask for, he takes great care of there 3+ young kids and family. Hes always a fun dog to be around. Plus I can understand how frustrating it is I own a 3 yo rescue blue heeler male and the vet was shocked with how well behaved he is, and that he doesn't have any aggression issues. it was kind of sad to here that. And I also own a mini dachshund female who is fantastic, who happens to be a more aggressive breed as well. But then we could say that for all. I cant tell you how many aggressive golden retrievers and labs that would come in and out of the kennel.
4,388 4:23 pm PDT, Jul 26   Anonymous Mytown New York United States A dog is a dog. Many breeds have an instinct that leads toward violence. I am sorry but Pit bulls are one of those breeds. No amount of training and raising will change that. That is why wolf dog breeds, tigers, etc. may seem docile but in certain situations that we can not control, the instinct comes out. I myself find it not very responsible that societies will "certify" certain breeds for service animals. Nuture can not and will never completely erase nature. I have seen a good friend loose her arm to a dog the family lovingly raised from birth.  
4,387 1:27 pm PDT, Jul 26   denise Lanier Hollywood Florida United States I deal w/ access issues several times a week--it is exhausting & infuriating. I have been denied access to stores, restaurants, even flights for which I have verified far ahead of time that they are aware I'm traveling with, and will be able to accommodate, my service dog. I have had a Wal Mart security guard RUN towards me hollering NO DOGS ALLOWED!!! Never been back to *any* Wal Mart since. I can hardly believe people's ignorance of the ADA laws regarding service dogs, but above and beyond that it is the rudeness that is so incredibly hurtful & surprising. And get this, I was even given a ticket by a cop for having my service dog on the paved area by the beach where I live. When I complained to the police chief, the mayor and a reporter on the local news, the ticket was rescinded. But, seriously, ticketed for walking with your mobility assistance service dog in your own town? How ridiculous is that?
4,386 11:22 am PDT, Jun 9 Ms. Stefanie Knoepfle Beaufort South Carolina United States I am tired of pople bad mothing Pittbulls. They are not mean animals it is how you raise them any dog can be mean.  
4,385 6:40 am PDT, May 28   Christine Godfrey Hampstead Maryland United States I have a pit bull mix and she is the best dog I ever had in my life. I also know a family that trains dogs before they go to university to become service dogs. I can't believe the amount of training these dogs go through to become a service dog! They are so well behaved and happy, loving pups. A dog like Chloe should be the real face of the pit bull. This is yet another reason to boycott Walmart.
4,384 1:26 pm PDT, May 19 Mr. Jay Price   Connecticut United States Come on, it's a service animal for crist sake..if you were parylized how would you feel if someone denied you exess to a store you need to get into?  
4,383 4:27 am PDT, May 9   Kiley Harvey richland Washington United States This is horrible and I am proud to sign this petition.  
4,382 9:05 pm PDT, Apr 6 Mr. Luke Brooks Cedarville Michigan United States I have a 90lb. purebred American Pitbull Terrier. He is caramel with a white stripe down his neck and chest. He has olive green eyes. He is the most affectionate and kind spirited dog I've ever known. I have PTSD and my dog allows me to go out and accomplish tasks in public I couldn't if I were alone. I have never certified him yet, but I will soon. The first place I'm going to is Walmart; not to "stick it to the company", but to shop for items at the best prices. ( I buy a lot of rawhide chew bones for him!) He is so strong and yet so gentle. Please let's leave this prejudice against pitbulls in the past and move into a happy new world with lots of doggy biscuits from Walmart!
4,381 8:29 am PDT, Apr 6 Ms. Samantha Falconer Springfield Illinois United States It's ridiculous that because of her breed she was kicked out.  
4,380 8:13 pm PST, Mar 7 Ms. Alexandra Ebey Zanesville Ohio United States I am completely outraged and sickened that any establishment would treat a human being and their lifline this way!
4,379 8:16 am PST, Feb 13 Ms. Lynn Zawrotny   California United States Pathetic discrimination. I'll take my shopping to Target from now on.  
4,378 11:01 pm PST, Feb 12   paula penn encinitas California United States This ignorant discrimination needs to stop!!  
4,377 6:27 am PST, Jan 21 Ms. Susan Hager Frederic Wisconsin United States The increasing number of states that are passing breed specific legislation, is alarming, coupled with the general public's lack of knowledge about the public access rights for people with ALL types of Service Dogs and Service Dogs "in training." Those of us with Service Dogs, live our daily lives in fear of being denied access. It is a sad commentary on our country and society.  
4,376 6:17 am PST, Jan 21   Anonymous Elgin Illinois United States It is a SERVICE dog. Therefore it has gone through intense socialization and training for goodness sake. It would not be a SERVICE dog, if was aggressive or showed any signs of aggression. Ignorance is not a pleasant virtue. I own a pet sitting business and I have not met a pit bull that was aggressive towards people. They LOVE people. It is the "bad owners" that have ruined this breed. Chloe is a service dog therefore she would not have passed a service dog test if she was aggressive towards canines or humans. I have 30 years experiences training various canines and various humans. Pit bulls are not the problem, it is those that own them. Obviously Chloe is a good canine citizen and the owner is a good human citizen who needs her dog to help her. Any other service dog would be permitted wouldn't they? So what is the issue/problem. Let Chloe do her job. They are being prejudice, which brings on ignorance.  
4,375 6:36 pm PST, Jan 20 Mrs. Anonymous High Desert Area California United States In such an "intelligent" age, it's amazing how clueless people and organizations can be. I'm sure if it was a fluffy Golden Retriever, there would not have been an objection! If the law allows it - STORES SHOULD TOO! Keep up the good work Chloe!  
4,374 5:29 pm PST, Jan 20 Mrs. Laura Borie Long Beach California United States Wal-Mart should realize that service dogs are specially trained. Dogs that may cause a problem can not be official service dogs. I don't have a very high income and I shop at Wal-Mart to save money, so I hope they see that their actions were wrong in this instance.  
4,373 9:41 am PST, Jan 20 Mrs. Deborah Ketcham Seal Beach California United States Walmart People, Pit Bull dogs are getting bad press. In order to educate the public, about this gentle family dog, I urge you to allow Chloe the Service Dog to do her job. Thank you, You will be delighfully surprised. Sincerely, Deborah Ketcham
4,372 9:33 am PST, Jan 20   Mary Beth Richards Long Beach California United States Breed discrimination = Racism. So sad...  
4,371 9:08 am PST, Jan 20   Anonymous   California United States Is it Chloe's fault that she'a a pit bull? Does Wal Mart deny human beings access to their stores because they might be dangerous to children? I'm not a big fan of WalMart and this only further confirms why.  
4,370 8:43 am PST, Jan 20   Donna Furon Seal Beach California United States If a dog is a trained service dog, it should not be denied access.  
4,369 8:00 am PST, Jan 20 Mrs. Linda Waco McHenry Illinois United States Breed specific legislation is bad for all dog owners. This is a perfect example. I'm very sorry for Chloe and owner.
4,368 7:26 am PST, Jan 20 Mrs. evelyn anderson Huntington Beach California United States The ignorance of this breed must be addressed. In the 70's the breed to "fear" was the German Shep, then the Rottie; next the doberman, now the bully breed. Stop the ignorance.  
4,367 7:18 pm PST, Jan 13 Mr. Kaustuv Neogi Flushing New York United States stop breed discrimination  
4,366 9:59 am PST, Dec 4 Ms. Kristin Kirsch Venice Florida United States How horrible that they would do something like that. No place open to the general public can deny a service dog. The only places where they can't go are a hospital operating room, places where it says employes only (unless employee has service dog) and houses of worship (unless you have special permission), someone elses house (unless you have permission). I know My service dog (a labradoodle) is still in training.  
4,365 7:31 pm PST, Nov 18 Mrs. Amy Barker Lone Tree Iowa United States What is the difference in discrimination in dogs than with people? All dogs cannot pay the price for the bad owners. It is in the bad owners, not the entire breed. Ban the deed NOT the breed!
4,364 7:12 pm PDT, Oct 24   Michael Sellers Vancleave Mississippi United States Any dog, no matter what breed, that is used as a service dog should be admitted in any establishment. It's sad that we have to rely on a law to enforce common decency.
4,363 10:02 pm PDT, Oct 10   BJ Dimock North Windham Connecticut United States The Wal Mart in the state that I live in has never been more than courtious to my service dogs and I. I am currently raising my 5 th service dog foster and have always been welcomed into the store. Every one of my fosters are german shepherd dogs. I would hope that Wal Mart exectutives look over this store carefully and take control of people's predjudices against any breed of service dog.  
4,362 7:08 am PDT, Oct 10 Ms. Kimberly Hernandez San Antonio Texas United States Stop discrimination.  
4,361 8:43 pm PDT, Oct 9 Mrs. Aeriana Bozarth San Antonio Texas United States To many people are being ignorant and believing everything the media is saying, we need more positive media coverage on APBT's and the ignorant people need to learn its not the breed, its the irresponceble owners who need to be bannd.  
4,360 11:42 am PDT, Oct 5   Louella Colwell Lafayette Indiana United States Walmart should be ashamed of kicking a service dog out of their store and management should be fired. Service dogs go through so much training and the dog would never be allowed to be a service dog if they had any violent behavior.  
4,359 5:44 pm PDT, Sep 12 Ms. robyn phillips-simons keizer Oregon United States I can't believe they did that! I had a sweet pitbull named Annabelle and she was the kindness, sweetest, safest dog I have ever known. REMEBER IT'S NOT THE DOG BUT THE OWNER!!!!!  
4,358 5:13 pm PDT, Aug 31 Ms. Anonymous Como Texas United States I have polio, I understand.  
4,357 1:12 pm PDT, Aug 25 Ms. Anonymous Reseda California United States If you think Walmart is the only place that denies access to Service Dogs try The Americana in Glendale California...my son was denied access there. Plus try going into Tampa Town Center's local tavern they don't allow service dogs...but they allow a black lab who is owned either by the owner of the bartender. Then there is another tavern on Sherman Way west of Tampa that doesn't allow them either. My friend was denied access by those two places.  
4,356 7:59 am PDT, Aug 19 Ms. Liane Perkins galesburg Illinois United States I have had pitbulls for several years now as household pets.(family members)They are great with my children and with strangers. They are very obedient and loving dogs. Its a shame the breed gets crucified like they do. They are gods creation and should be treated as such!
4,355 9:15 am PDT, Aug 17   Anonymous butler Pennsylvania United States It doesn't matter what kind of dog it is...its all about how you raise them! You let people into walmart who are are on the verge of beating there kids!  
4,354 6:58 pm PDT, Aug 13 Ms. Meghan Maldonado Hackensack New Jersey United States Discrimination has always been wrong amongst us as a human race. Why should anyone think it right for animals is ludacris.  
4,353 9:21 pm PDT, Aug 10   tyrell rogers   New York United States I feel that we as a society shouldn't down on animals because of their history,like human we should give them a chance. We shouldn't discriminate aganist a type of animal especially if it's 9 out of 10 times the owners fault  
4,352 11:57 am PDT, Aug 10   Marilena Maldonado Brooklyn New York United States Do you deny Arabic people from shopping at Walmart? Do you deny African Americans from shopping at Walmart? Do you deny Chinese people? So why do you have to discriminate against a certain breed of dog? More so, this was a service dog. Are you discriminating against disabled people? BOYCOTT WALMART!  
4,351 10:14 pm PDT, Aug 9 Mr. Anonymous brooklyn New York United States this is america were EveryBody has equal rights & oppurtunities.. and to easily just prohibit a customer of any sort from a store due to the content of their watch dog is unexcusable..  

Chloe the Service Dog and Owner are Denied Access to Wal Mart

Legal rights of people depending upon Service Dogs and the uniqueness of Service Dogs
  • Legal rights of people depending upon Service Dogs access to all public facilities, with no discrimination of treatment, etc which is established to preserve their the dignity, freedom, and rights.
  • Thousands of dollars in fines for not only the individual people breaking the ADA law, but  also thousands for the company they represent
  • Service Dogs come in all sizes and breeds - Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, American Pit Bull Terriers , etc. -- Many people only think they are for blind people, but they are also used for medical alerts, balance dogs, hearing dogs, etc) might mention there are monkeys and miniature horses that are used as Service Animals as well
3.Increasing public fear is fed by ignorance and prejudice – The American Pit Bull Terrier bad image overshadows the positive long history of this amazing breed and great value to society
  • There are American Pit Bull Terriers providing valuable services today - Search & Rescue (Recovery of the 2003 Shuttle Astronaut Remains), Drug Detection (Largest drug bust found by a American Pit Bull Terrier), Service Dogs and Therapy Dogs, etc.
  • Amazing pets -  Petey from Our Gang, Theodore Roosevelt, Helen Keller, Michael J. Foxx, etc. Millions now happy owners
  • Sad Realities - prejudice similar to Racial Profiling, Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), shrinking rights of owners & dogs (banned from different cities, home insurance coverage, etc) and its NOT solving the problem which comes down to Responsible Ownership!
We are looking for media coverage to:
  • 1.Help preserve the dignity, freedom, and rights of people depending upon Service Dogs by educating Businesses and the Public on their ADA 1990 legal rights and the uniqueness of Service Dogs
  • 2.Help remove ignorance and prejudice by positive promotion of the American Pit Bull Terrier value and merits
Background of incident
On the evening of February 8th, I was shopping at the Huntington Beach Walmart with my Service Dog (Chloe) and daughter for approx 1/2 hour. Chloe was extremely well behaved.  The Customer Service Manager approached us and asked us to leave because “there are children in the store and we can't have a vicious breed in here.” I was stunned and went over Chloe's training, that she was an Ambassador for her breed, and emphasized what she was asking me to do was illegal according to 1990 American Disability Act 1990.  The Walmart Customer Service Manager said that she represented the Store Manager's position as well, and she still did not feel comfortable with the dog in the store and asked us to leave. I again emphasized what she was asking was illegal and to carefully consider what she was asking me.  She again asked if we could go, and then when I pressed her for it in writing, she said to finish my shopping quickly and not to linger.  I told her I wanted to talk to the Store Manager and followed her upfront.  After checking out, I asked her when he was coming - she said he look for us and is now busy. She confirmed it was his decision also and they just got off the phone. I said I would wait and to call him again, she said it would be a while and to go because “it won't matter.”
 
I left and called our OC HUGS Service Dog president. and then called the Store Manager with her conferenced in.  I first confirmed his position that he wanted us to go because of our Service Dog's breed and he said and elaborated his prejudice opinions, stating they were an 'unstable and vicious' breed and banned from different cities. He said he was aware of the Service Dogs and their rights, but he had never seen a Pitbull Service Dog in his 20 years.  He also emphasized that it was our responsibility to educate the public and we shared that is what are trying to do starting with him.  He was closed minded in his opinions, rude and insensitive, and finally apologized when pressed for one.  The incident is still on record and should have never happened.
What has been done so far:
  • Have written a formal complaint to corporate Walmart, with phone call to corporate as well. Will be following up with the Regional Manager. Also went back with Chloe and our OC HUGS Service Dog president and another service dog.  Several employees approached us with interesting statements
  • Have verified legal rights of the American Pit Bull Terrier  as a Service Dog and also a Service Dog in training with an attorney, who by the way, has a American Pit Bull Terrier  Service Dog!
  • Contacting multiple media outlets regarding this incident and issues to help educate and stop the prejudice and illegal treatment of dogs - So far, ABC Channel 7 news provided news coverage (view pictures - view Story teaser - full news coverage upload pending), working with a local newspaper, and working with a radio station --- hopefully, we will have more coverage to provide education --- pls help us get this important story out.
  •  Update our website with Service Dog information, and highlighting Chloe the Service Dog as a Breed Ambassador, her photo/portfolio/capabilities and information on responsible ownership the American Pit Bull Terrier  challenges and resources
HOW YOU CAN HELP

1.1)  Go to the send Corporate Walmart online feedback and scroll to the form on the bottom: http://walmartstores.com/GlobalWMStoresWeb/navigate.do?catg=221 
Some key points - (Stacey's is a great letter!) - BTW, I got a call from a man with polio that had a Pitbull Service Dog for 15 years and he received the same treatment from another Walmart.

  • How upset you are on Walmart's ILLEGAL treatment
  • What it means to you as a shopper (whether you will continue to shop or not)
  • What you want from them - training for their employees, respectful treatment of Service Dogs, and public apology and support

2)  Share with us your thoughts and positive and negative experiences so we can compile for the media as well - live2thefullest04@yahoo.com

3)  Forward this to your newsgroups, media, and other supporters --- again, we are trying to:

  • Help preserve the dignity, freedom, and rights of people depending upon Service Dogs by educating Businesses and the Public on their American with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990 legal rights and the uniqueness of Service Dogs
  • 2.Help remove ignorance and prejudice of the American Pit Bull Terrier by the positive promotion of their value and merits 

4)  Thank the ABC Channel 7 news for the positive coverage and support of the Disables Rights and the positive image of Pitbulls (Shown on 5pm News 2/12/07) http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=stationinfo&id=1642694

Appreciate your support on helping us get balanced news coverage!  Please feel free to contact me at 562-895-1328, live2thefullest04@yahoo.com. Please view Chloe’s website at:  www.freewebs.com/chloethepitbull to find out more about this special dog and the American Pit Bull Terrier  plight.  Let’s stop the ignorance and prejudice!

1.

Note: This Chloe the Service Dog and Owner are Denied Access to Wal Mart petition was submitted by Sylva Penkov. ThePetitionSite.com is a free service provided to help concerned citizens rally support for issues they believe in. The opinions expressed by this petition do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of ThePetitionSite.com or Care2.com. There is no express or implied endorsement of this petition nor any newsletter offers (except those from Care2.com) by Care2.com, Inc, ThePetitionSite.com, or our sponsors. If you believe this system is being abused, please contact customer support.

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