In a troubling turn of events, two families of disabled veterans in Oklahoma City have come forward, alleging that a non-profit organization is threatening to take away their beloved service dogs. The families claim that the director of the organization, Honoring America’s Warriors, has bullied them and their veterans, leading to fears of losing their essential companions.
Key Takeaways
- Two families of disabled veterans claim a non-profit is threatening to take their service dogs.
- Allegations of bullying and mistreatment by the non-profit’s director have surfaced.
- The families assert that the dogs have significantly improved their veterans’ lives.
Background of the Situation
The non-profit, Honoring America’s Warriors, is known for providing service dogs to veterans with disabilities. The organization trains veterans to work with the dogs over several months. However, the families involved allege that the director, Scotty Deatherage, has created a hostile environment, leading to threats of legal action against them.
The two service dogs, Kimber and Feyre, are American Labrador Retrievers and have become integral to the lives of their respective veterans. One veteran, who is 100% disabled and suffers from severe PTSD, expressed how Kimber has transformed his life for the better. Similarly, Feyre’s owner, who has 14 herniated discs and PTSD, echoed these sentiments, stating that the dogs have brought joy and stability to their lives.
Allegations of Bullying
The families have reported instances of bullying by Deatherage during training sessions. They provided video evidence where Deatherage allegedly berates the veterans, telling them to leave their dogs and even criticizing their physical limitations. One veteran recalled a moment when Deatherage demanded he remove his dog’s vest, despite his severe back issues, and responded harshly when he struggled to comply.
Legal Threats and Responses
In a letter dated September 26, the non-profit threatened to take legal action if the families did not surrender their dogs. The letter expressed concerns for the animals’ safety, which the families vehemently denied, providing veterinary receipts that confirmed the dogs’ good health.
Deatherage defended his actions, claiming that the families violated their training contracts by missing sessions. However, the families argue that their absences were due to frequent hospital visits related to their disabilities, and they believed the non-profit was understanding of their circumstances.
Community Reaction
The situation has sparked outrage among veterans and advocates for disabled individuals. Many are rallying behind the families, emphasizing the importance of service dogs in the lives of those with disabilities. The families have expressed their determination to keep their dogs, stating, "We are going to return our animals because they belong to us."
Conclusion
As the deadline for potential legal action approaches, the families remain hopeful that their voices will be heard and that they can keep their beloved service dogs. The case raises significant questions about the treatment of disabled veterans and the responsibilities of organizations that serve them. The community continues to watch closely as this situation unfolds, advocating for the rights of those who have sacrificed so much for their country.
