Shasta finally recognized by city

There will be no more hassles and long waits, arguing Shasta's case as a certified, service/guide dog, though she be a restricted (grandfathered) dog in Ontario. She is finally filed as a Service/Guide Medical Aid both in ACC and the city.

As sick as I was, I had a friend drive me to ACC. Bullie owners MUST appear in person with all the requirements that only the restricted breeds must provide. How much a dogs looks can change in just one year is beyond me, but they require a frontal and side mugshot, along with an updated description of an restricted dog, along with any updates and vet papers (originals)regarding rabies vaccinations.

This year I decided to beat the last day rush, as I knew I was ready and fired up to finally not go through the hassle of getting sent to City Hall and fighting for months for what we legally shouldn't have to go through each year. I didn't care if I needed to lay on the floor, I was not leaving until our rights were acknowledged and the way I felt, the floor would have felt good to me rather than standing.

As was expected, everything 'seemed' to go through easily enough...that was, until the clerk told me I owed $70.00. I also have a cat, Enok, that costs me $20 for his yearly tags, but Shasta being a certified service/guide dog is NO FEE as she isn't a pet, but a medical assistant.

I told the woman she had made a mistake and I was only here to give Shasta's yearly documentation (I also bring her certification papers even though they should be on file) and recent pictures, but my fee was for Enok only that comes too $20.

I received the usual, 'Oh! I'm new. That's why you gave me all those other papers. I'll have to check with someone else to see how we can help you.' Off she went into an office and I could hear my name mentioned several times. I'm not surprised, they had heard enough from me last year that my name must be as familiar to them as the mayors.

By this time, I was down on my hunches no longer able to stand from all the pain. Shasta was totally focused on me even with someone bringing their St. Bernard, 18 month old horse that was taller than me when standing tall. She had helped herself to all the dog treats on the counter in just a couple of gulps and knocking everything over as her owner looked at her misbehaviour adoringly. I'd hate to see his home.

Meanwhile, Shasta with the reputation of a killer dog was sitting and minding her manners with the grace of royalty. Her eyes never leaving me the worse I got even when asked to be petted by one of the staff members. It was the staffer that said out loud, 'I can't believe how calm, mannerly and focused she is on you.' I was glad to hear it as there were some people in line that were keeping their distance from her. Silly, for one, as she was muzzled as per Ontario law and two, her manners were impeccable and I knew there was a large possibility of other pets there also.

A woman took me to a chair while she told me she would be right back as she was looking at our files. Only a few minutes passed after that and the woman came back apologizing for this long delay, but assured me Shasta was now on file as a Certified Service/Guide Dog and she promised me that from here in, I will no longer have to go through anymore waiting and delays. She simply needed her up-to-date yearly pictures and there was no need for me to bring her service certifications anymore.

London, one of the most anti-bullie cities in Ontario has finally acknowledged her for what she is. A beautiful, legally grandfathered, Certified Service/Guide Dog.

I've been bed ridden ever since, but with fond pride, I look and hug my Shasta and say, 'We finally DID IT!'

So, no matter how difficult (even impossible), remember the story of Shasta and I and know you can over come all things. You just have to want it bad enough and believe in what you're doing.

Happy 2008 to all of you and may all your dreams come true too.

Conners, Shasta & Enok