Business

Canadian Store Boots Autistic Girl & Dog, Says Sorry, Then Does it Again

Store Boots Autistic Girl & Dog, Says Sorry and Then Does it Again!

Emily Ainsworth with service dog Levi shop in a west Edmonton book store Monday. Emily and Levi were asked to leave a nearby clothing store Sunday. (Image: CBC)

Out of Edmonton, Canada, comes a PR nightmare of epic proportions.

Nine-year-old Emily Ainsworth has a service dog to help with with her autism. However, it was because of her loyal service dog, which had clearly marked service tags, that both she and her mother were told to leave their local Winners store (a subsidiary of TJ Maxx).

“I don’t believe that anybody should feel like a second-class citizen in any place . . . and especially as a child,” said Emily’s mother, Alison Ainsworth, in a recent CBC report.

There was public backlash against the store’s actions and the mother filed a human rights complaint. To stave off a public relations debacle, the district manager personally wrote the Ainsworths an apology. In the letter, he included a $25 gift card and wrote: “My biggest concern is that your daughter doesn‘t feel welcome so if you don’t mind spoiling her a bit, I’d like to give her a $25 gift card to pick something she’d like from any of our stores.”

The mother accepted the apology and the gift card and took Emily back to Winners to let her pick out something nice.

Guess what happened: they were kicked out again for bringing along the service dog.

“We were asked to leave the store,” said Alison Ainsworth. “My child’s service dog was not permitted in their establishment anywhere. And if that’s true, then that includes my child because there is no separation between the two of them.”

“Levi is imperative to Emily’s well-being,” said Ainsworth. “Levi gives Emily a sense of stability.”

“He’s very grounding and he gives her opportunity to participate in community and school and home in a way that would otherwise be challenging for her,” she added.

What is strange is that, according to TJ Maxx, allowing service animals in its stores is standard policy. Therefore, one has to question what was it about the dog that the store managers did not like.

“I was disappointed that I didn’t get anything from the store, even my dress that my mom picked out nicely for me,” said Emily in the CBC report.

“It’s demoralizing,” her mother said. “It’s demeaning.”

So how does the same mistake happen twice? You would think the company would be wiping the sweat from their foreheads and collectively thanking God that they managed to avoid a possible multi-million dollar disaster with just an apology and a $25 gift card. Instead, they repeated the same mistake with the exact same customer.

The store did apologize again to the girl, gave her another $25 gift card, and said they would “donate $10,000 to a charity of her mother’s choice.”

Miraculously enough for Winners, the mother decided not to follow up with the human rights complaint.

Ainsworth hopes the publicity surrounding the events will help raise awareness and change business’ stance towards dogs in public.

“This is a really big message and we’re grateful to the community in standing up with us on this,” she said.

(h/t Business Insider)

Comments (128)

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  • thatguymaddow
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 4:21pm

    I feel for the little girl, but I primarily blame the parents. They’re not doing her any favors by allowing her to be so dependent on the dog. These dogs can be helpful in stressful situations, but they shouldn’t have to go everywhere all the time. The parents are setting her up for a complete meltdown when she has to do something without the dog. Leave the dog at home and take your kid shopping. Be a parent.

    Report Post »  
    • grannie13
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 4:29pm

      It sounds as though you have not been around a person with autism. The dogs are most helpful. Before you speak out, better investigate first and see what the families actually go through. These dogs can be a blessing.

      Report Post » grannie13  
    • CatB
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 4:37pm

      Would you say the same to a blind person? .. after all they are very dependent on the dog.

      Report Post »  
    • peachteach
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 6:02pm

      While I think anyone with a service dog should be allowed in a store, I agree to some extent. I work with many young people who are on the very severe end of the Autism spectrum. I commend the young girl’s parents for finding some treatment and working with their daughter, but there are other approaches. At some point the parents probably do need to investigate other behavior interventions to give the girl more independence.

      That being said, a service dog is a service dog and the child shouldn’t be made to feel embarrassed.

      Report Post »  
    • pslm5119
      Posted on November 1, 2011 at 11:22am

      Go Granny13. Judge not the parent. This child’s service animal may be the only thing that gives her the mental stability to go shopping, or anywhere else. Your theory is flawed. Should all people needing glasses learn to see w/out them? How about hearing aids? Wheel chairs? You assume that this child is mentally capable to leave her house without the dog. You have no idea of her struggle, or her parents. Take some time to know a family that lives with Autism. You will quickly learn your error in judgment.

      Report Post »  
    • theaveng
      Posted on November 1, 2011 at 11:47pm

      >>>”They’re not doing her any favors by allowing her to be so dependent on the dog.”

      She’s AUTISTIC you sutpid republci-dick. Can’t you read??? Without the dog she’s probably sit in a corner and rocks back-and-forth. With the dog she can act semi-normal. Damnm“compassionate conservatives”… you are just as intoerant as the Communsit-Xemdoractss.m Ihope Jesus looks into yoru ehart and says, “You are lukewarm,” and speews you inot heel
      .
      *****
      .

      Report Post »  
    • EthelMurmur
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 2:20am

      People have Service dogs for a reason……..Would you tell a blind person that relied on a Service dog to leave the dog at home? There are dogs that are trained for blind people, people with epilepsy and autisim….they are there for a reason…..You said ‘leave the dog at home and be a parent’……they are being a PARENT they got their daughter a dog that is TRAINED for her needs…….you apparently need to be trained to understand this!

      Report Post » EthelMurmur  
    • bigmac1990
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 2:34am

      im altistic and i have a golden for my service dog and you to say that she is being set up for failure it just shows your ignorance of what they acualy do. so before you say anouther dumb comment that shows your ignorence. and by the way my dog goes with me every where i go so just shut up and learn the topics BEFORE you comment on subjects you know nothing about

      Report Post »  
    • Red1492
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 10:02am

      You people obviously know SQUAT about children with autism. As a parent of an autistic child, I can say you do whatever works. It’s not going to be the same for every child. For anyone to suggest there are better ways than a service dog needs to shut their mouth because you have no idea what you’re talking about or what we as parents of a child with ADS deals with. Just shut it.

      Report Post » Red1492  
  • FutrPrez
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 4:19pm

    I do not want to be the heartless on here, but what type of autistic condition can be treated by a dog? Something is odd about this story, it reminds me of the 30 year old man that dresses like a baby and is living on SSI. I just get the gut feeling that this is a family pet being dressed up as a “disability” treatment…………

    Report Post »  
    • grannie13
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 4:28pm

      Companion dogs are uesd in a number of instances including autism, epilepsy, etc. Having the animal near them can diffuse the child’s outbursts. If you have never been around an autistic child or adult, it would behoove you to look into this condition.

      Report Post » grannie13  
    • Thighmaster
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 5:05pm

      Companion dogs do not have to be allowed in, at least in the US, Service dogs do… there is a difference. I know, I have a Service dog…

      Report Post » Thighmaster  
    • Callie369
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 5:50pm

      THIGHMASTER……….

      “Nine-year-old Emily Ainsworth has a SERVICE dog to help with with her autism. However, it was because of her loyal SERVICE dog, which had clearly marked SERVICE tags………”

      Where do you come off saying it is a COMPANION dog with no rights? Perhaps you need help reading? .

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 6:06pm

      I don’t have an official service dog for my epilepsy, but my dog gets really clingy when I am near having a seizure, during my aura.

      Report Post »  
    • Thighmaster
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 6:33pm

      Callie369…. Perhaps it is YOU who needs help reading, Grannie starts out her message “Companion dogs” and THAT is what I was responding to. Read the whole thread before you type…..

      Report Post » Thighmaster  
    • YoungConservativesRule
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 7:37pm

      @ Callie

      Wrong person buddy.

      Report Post »  
    • grayling646
      Posted on November 1, 2011 at 12:39am

      dogs can be used in a multitude of applications. if they had oppose-able thumbs, i could teach them how to cook.

      Report Post »  
    • bigmac1990
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 2:58am

      the SERVICE DOGS can treat any type of atisim so you need to learn topics before you coment im high functioning atisim and a service dog for it. so plese know what your saying and saying that its just a famliy pet is just insulting. so please learn the topic that you are talking about so you dont show how ignorent you truely are.

      Report Post »  
    • bigmac1990
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 3:10am

      @Thighmaster
      you must not know the law couse a compainon dog is also the same as a emotional support dog wich is classifed as a servece dog look up the ADA so you can get edaucated on the law that protects you dog to go with you everywhere. and by the way my dog is for emotional support so should i not be allowed in to the store. or how bout my friend who has PTSD from the OKC bombing should he not be alowed to take his dog with him. you of all of all people should know the law so please LREAN it

      Report Post »  
  • Dismayed Veteran
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 4:06pm

    You, sir, are no gentleman.

    Report Post » Dismayed Veteran  
  • Blaine45ACP
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:59pm

    Shame, Shame, Shame on that store…..

    Report Post »  
    • meeester
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 10:50pm

      shame shame shame on you for being so comfortable to conclude based on a single story.

       
  • Mtroom
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:42pm

    LOL….you are funny…hafta say..Although I believe that Autism is mis-diagnosed in many cases, the fact is it is out there….Regardless of what the issue this girl has, the dog seems to help…The business has the right to refuse any one service…They just have to live by the actions they take…Don’t matter to me if the law on the books says they have to allow the service dog or not….But from the reaction of the community at large, this business won’t be around long…Even their own policy states to allow these type of animals, and they chose not to follow it….The customers will decide their business fate…As for the girl…Keep your head up little one, some people really do care.

    Report Post » Mtroom  
  • nocalifornia
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:39pm

    These guys should be kissing the moms arse for not suing the crap out of them. Shame on them and their parent company for one of the most blatant cases of mismanagement I have seen in years.

    Report Post » nocalifornia  
    • chazman
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:46pm

      The store is called Winner’s? Oops …

      ‘… if I were the man I was five years ago, I’d TAKE A FLAMETHROWER TO THIS PLACE!’

      – Al Pacino, Scent of a Woman -

      Report Post »  
    • Jaycen
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 4:43pm

      What’s disgusting to me is that this was a “Human Rights Violation”. I don’t care who you are or what condition you have, but a store shouldn’t have an obligation to allow you or your animal into the store for any reason.

      If we truely believe in the rights of the store owners, they should be free to turn away any customer they like for any reason they like.

      As a store owner, I would not turn away such a customer, but I would support someone else’s right to be jerky.

      Report Post » Jaycen  
    • Al J Zira
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 6:39pm

      @Jaycen: The problem with your statement is that the store has a policy that allows for a service dog. It‘s a companywide policy therefore the branch store can’t refuse the dog and establish its own policy. Now if it was some mom and pop store that wanted to ban the dog, I have no problem with that. Of course that‘s probably the worst policy to have and I’m sure your store would suffer measurably as a result, but that’s your choice.

      Report Post » Al J Zira  
    • bigmac1990
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 3:19am

      @Jaycen
      it is agienst the law to refuse service to a person with the service dog. would you support someone dening acess to some one with a weelchiar, someone who had a seeing eye dog, or even someone who is black, red, white, yellow, green, pink, or any other colar, or maybe you would support them booting me out couse i have a service dog. so before you commant another post please look up the ADA so you dont post anymore commants that are so ignorant.

      Report Post »  
  • UlyssesP
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:36pm

    Next time wear a head scarf. They won’t dare say a word about you.

    Report Post » UlyssesP  
    • MMSands
      Posted on November 2, 2011 at 7:19am

      Good point. Sad, but probably all too true.

      Report Post » MMSands  
  • AJAYW
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:22pm

    Looks to me like the manager – should be looking for a job. If not it shows that the company agrees with his actions. The first time can be from not knowing the law. The second time is a complete disregard for the law.

    Report Post »  
  • Amica
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:21pm

    I don’t have an autistic child, and I think you’re stupid.

    Please explain how this becomes your problem.

    Report Post » Amica  
  • inferno
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:16pm

    This same store would no doubt welcome OWS protesters, even if they had strong BO, and chose to defecate anywhere on impulse !.

    Report Post »  
    • Rowgue
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:42pm

      Yeah because businesses tend to side with anti-business movements and being autistic only happens to conservatives.

      Seriously man, try looking at an issue for what it is and not trying to fit it into your foaming at the mouth political rantings.

      Report Post »  
  • Lotus503
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:08pm

    If they keep that up, the little girl will have a whole new wardrobe…

    Report Post »  
    • db321
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:27pm

      I have problems with the Confrontational Store Manager – I have seen this before, concerning pets confrontational store employees – It is like they have a license to be rude, and in charge. Both are the least of a Managers duties – he/she should be fired. Winners will pay – because of an idiot Manager and a unformed policy. Common Since is missing here and it’s not uncommon.

      Report Post » db321  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:01pm

    Here in MI we love to poke fun at our lovable canadian neighbors. (I’m sure dat dey do da same ta us, eh?) It’s kind of like blond jokes. But with a whole country.

    Report Post » KickinBack  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:13pm

      I think the only good things to come out of Canada are hockey and Tim Horton’s. :)

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • SgtHenick
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:19pm

      LOLhockey, we only let Canda get the gold so we wouldnt have to talk about it for 3 more weeks

      Report Post » SgtHenick  
    • Lantern
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:25pm

      And SCTV.

      Report Post » Lantern  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:27pm

      Hey now, ain‘t nothin’ wrong with hockey! I didn’t like seeing us lose the gold to Team Canada. Not in the slightest. However, I was very happy to see the Bruins beat the Canucks in the Stanley Cup finals last season. Too bad those peaceful, eternally apologetic Canadians couldn’t take the loss in stride.

      Go Lightning!!

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • EddardinWinter
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:28pm

      I have to correct bio. What about Avril Levigne? She an assett, with her natural dracula teeth and catholic schoolgirl inspired outfits!

      Report Post » EddardinWinter  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:28pm

      @Lantern, I forgot about that! I also forgot about the Kids in the Hall.

      Report Post » biohazard23  
    • biohazard23
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:39pm

      @EddardinWinter, OK, we can add her, too. But NO PAMELA ANDERSON!!! I have to draw the line right there. LOL!!

      Report Post » biohazard23  
  • biohazard23
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:45pm

    Service dogs have vastly better hygiene, manners, and potty etiquette and are amazingly more educated than the flea baggers occupying various green spaces and city plazas around the country.

    Report Post » biohazard23  
  • Voteman
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:39pm

    Good thing the Canadian cops did not show up they would of shot the dog like they did the cow……

    Hey SMACKDOWN33 No nonsense? Dogs Cats Mice Etc any animal that is safe and makes someones life a little better living with a life altering injury or disease is not nonsense. Its a blessing.

    Its not one side or the other most vs. least the” majority being forced to give way to the minority.” Its letting someone feel a little more safe a little more normal in there life.

    Report Post » Voteman  
    • AJAYW
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:25pm

      Voteman
      You are correct that is if they had enough ammo with them for such a small target.

      Report Post »  
  • crackerone
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:36pm

    Someone should tell the Mom, that it is wrong for her little girl to be wearing fur! I’ll be emailing PETA!

    Report Post »  
    • Amica
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:15pm

      Come to think of it, isn’t this dog a slave according to PETA?

      Report Post » Amica  
    • KangarooJack
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:15pm

      Good One!!!! Albeit-faux fur-gee, the principle of the thing is the same! lol

      Report Post » KangarooJack  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:35pm

    Once again we see the working of PC run amok, and the victim in this case is the little girl who has enough challenges in her life w/o feeling like a second class citizen.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Cherynn
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:52pm

      Society is great at making many people feel like second class citizens, its not limited to just the autistic.

      Report Post » Cherynn  
  • stop spending
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:29pm

    heartless

    Report Post »  
  • 4XGrace
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:29pm

    I’ve always maintained that the stores are missing an “h” in their name … Whinners more like.

    Report Post » 4XGrace  
  • EPROM
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:26pm

    If Obama walked in to a Winners with Pelosi at his side…he’d probably get the same treatment.

    Report Post » EPROM  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:24pm

    It pays to be a winner,in this case not so true.

    Report Post » progressiveslayer  
  • nuttyvet
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:23pm

    Sad story. Some people are freaken idiots. Plus, the mom is hot… that alone deserves a little leeway with the whole breaking the rules idea! Wait, was that wrong?

    Report Post » nuttyvet  
    • Lantern
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 3:32pm

      That mother has a hell of a LOT more patience than I do.

      Report Post » Lantern  
  • SmallGovBigGuns
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:19pm

    they forgot to add to the end of the article that winners is now looking for a new store manager and assistant managers. apply now

    Report Post »  
  • momrules
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:19pm

    Dumb begets dumb begets dumb. Winners Store is not appropiately named is it, no winners there.

    Report Post »  
  • smackdown33
    Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:18pm

    This is nonsense. Animals should not be in stores or restaurants. Just another case of the majority being forced to give way to the minority. We all have handicaps. Deal with them.

    Report Post »  
    • Amica
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:29pm

      While we can have a great discussion all day long as to whether or not dogs should be allowed in stores, as well as what should or shouldn’t be considered a handicap. The fact is service dogs are allowed, and this one is apparently official.

      If the stores policy is to allow them, then the employees are violating both the law and the stores policy.

      Report Post » Amica  
    • TheGoo
      Posted on October 31, 2011 at 2:57pm

      Based on Smackdown33′s even-keeled logic:

      If the police respond with a K9 patrol unit, the K9 unit should not be allowed in the store. Clearly, if a human police officer has to “get stuck” with a K9 officer, the human officer MUST be handicapped in some capacity.

      If you ever need to rely on a K9 officer, Smackdown, good luck with that. Stay hot.

      Report Post » TheGoo  
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