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From: Billy Kidwell [mailto:kidwell18@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2014 1:04 PM

To: BGA Guest Information
Subject: Service Animal

I am a 100% Service-Connected Disabled Veteran with both a Stress Disorder and an Aortic Aneurysm. Getting upset or anything to raise my blood pressure can kill me.

I have two small Jap Chin Puppies I take everywhere with Service Animal Vests. My VA Doctor told me getting upset can cause the Aneurysm to burst and since it is a main artery I would likely bleed to death before reaching a hospital. She asked what calms me. I told her my puppies and she put them in the VA Federal Medical Record as being Service Animals I need for access to public facilities because they calm me.

She had VA Officials explain the Americans with Disabilities Act and said any animal needed for access is a Service Animal under the law. Your website said they need training however according to the Federal Law, the Americans with Disabilities Act, if they are needed for access, they are a Service Animal.

This is especially true in my case since I can die if I get upset.

I am 65 years old, can’t walk but a couple of feet with a cane, and usually sit at a restaurant or in a cold show while my wife and 18 year old daughter ride the rides. Now that my health has gotten worst and I am older I absolutely need my handicapped puppies to keep me company while I wait.

They are extremely well trained and stay next to me or on my lap like little babies.

We live in Port Charlotte and are going to the park tomorrow. I don’t want to travel a hundred miles and not be allowed to enter with my 2 Service Puppies. (They are like little twins).

No one answers your phones and it was next to impossible to find your e-mail address. Can you respond and let me know if I am going to have any problem getting in with my service animials? I cannot get by without them and will have to cancel if they are not allowed in. I can’t sit all day without them.

Thanks,

Billy Ray Kidwell

Copy : File



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Hi Billy,

Thank you for your interest in Busch Gardens.  Busch Gardens does allow service animals as required and defined by the U.S. Department of Justice.  To qualify as a service animal, the animal must be individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities and the work or task the dog has been trained to provide must be directly related to the guest’s disability.  

You have indicated that your dog is to provide emotional therapy and support.  Unfortunately, in this case your dog would not qualify as a service animal under the ADA and we are unable to allow you to bring your dog into the park with you.  

However, you are certainly welcome to use our on property kennel, and you can leave and re-enter the park as many times as you wish if you wish to visit your dog during the day.

We hope that we will have the opportunity to host you.

Best regards,

Tabarie
Guest Correspondence
Busch Gardens Tampa


 
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