Deplorable Lack of Disability Awareness at Paralympics: Guide Dog Left Behind

 Paralympic runner Kym Crosby is able to compete on her own but relies on guide dog Tron in places like airports and hotels. Coronavirus restrictions and Japanese regulations forced her to leave Tron at home during the Tokyo Paralympics. (Morry Anne Angell / Guide Dogs for the Blind)
Paralympic runner Kym Crosby is able to compete on her own but relies on guide dog Tron in places like airports and hotels. Coronavirus restrictions and Japanese regulations forced her to leave Tron at home during the Tokyo Paralympics.
(Morry Anne Angell / Guide Dogs for the Blind)
Gonna be on my soapbox for a minute.

You would think, at an event created especially for the disabled, that organizers would have a pretty good handle on what people of different abilities need. But check out this story from David Wharton in the LA Times. (Read the whole story at that link. Excerpt below.)

Like other countries, Japan has strict rules about bringing animals — even service animals — into the country. Crosby realized she could not quarantine Tron while dealing with COVID-19 restrictions for herself.

As she prepares for the 100 and 400 meters, her predicament raises questions about whether Paralympians are getting the support they need.

I would just shake my head, but this makes me mad. No one should have to travel without their assistance dog. That’s kind of the whole point of having special rules for them.

Those of you who breed / raise / train assistance dogs: what say you?

Until next time,
Good day, and good dog!

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