To the editor:
RE: Owner-trained service dog not allowed

To Lisa-Marie and Chloe:

We know exactly how you feel, having recently tried to rent in Kelowna with our owner-trained service dog. He is a black lab, much larger than your Chloe. Our landlord had sold, the new owners wanted to live there, and we had only 60 days to find accommodation. We even had a real-estate company's rental management division refuse to take us as tenants, although we had all the proof possible besides a PADs (Personal Assistance Dog) certificate. We looked at having our dog certified, however the cost and time factors were prohibitive. After seeing how frustratingly high rents were for places that would take pets, we decided to look for a place to buy.

We hit the same brick wall with strata management when we found this home. The complex had dogs but weren't allowing any new ones. What saved us was a timely newspaper article on a Human Right Commission's award of $12,000 to a man who was similarly refused his service dog. Once our Realtor brought it to the attention of the vendor's Realtor, the strata management and subsequently the strata, we were accepted. We provided a doctor's note and a copy of the Revenue Canada letter stating my husband is disabled. Strata management did ask us to sign a "good neighbour" agreement saying we would always have our dog on a leash, pick up his refuse, and keep noise to a minimum. We didn't hesitate to sign, feeling it would ease the resistance of our new neighbours. We also introduced him to as many of the neighbours as we could, and still ask our immediate neighbours if they are being bothered.

We wish you best of luck and encourage you to contact the Human Rights Commission.

M & M Croken - Kelowna