A service dog can be a lifesaver for people with disabilities, especially people who are blind. These smart dogs are specially trained to help vision-impaired people navigate the world, acting as their eyes.
But recently, one blind man was left stunned when he and his service dog were denied entry at a restaurant, after a worker accused him of faking his disability.
Paul Castle, from Seattle, is blind, but thankfully has a service dog named Mr. Maple to help him get around.
His popular TikTok account, @matthewandpaul, has many videos detailing his life as a blind person in a lighthearted style. These include many videos showing Mr. Maple in action, showing the dog’s ability to navigate Paul in any circumstances.
@matthewandpaul When you realize your guide dog is better at navigating than your husband 😂 #dog #guidedog #blind #servicedog #dogtok #amazingdog #retinitispigmentosa
While most of Paul’s videos are light and humorous, one recent video took a more dramatic tone as he revealed he had been kicked out of a restaurant.
“I’m blind and I just got kicked out of a restaurant in Seattle,” he tells his audience, explaining that after entering the establishment with Mr. Maple, an employee came up to him and said “no pets, only service dogs.”
The employee skeptically asked of Mr. Maple was an “emotional support dog,” even though Mr. Maple was in a harness that read “Guide Dogs for the Blind.”
When Paul stressed that he was blind, the employee told him, “you don’t look blind,” and said he was looking right at him. Paul explained that most blind people have some functional vision, but he only has a “pinhole of vision.”
The employee was unmoved, saying “This isn’t my first rodeo” and continuing to doubt him. When Paul offered to come back with the dog’s paperwork, the employee threatened to call the police if he returned.
“I’m speechless,” Paul concluded.
@matthewandpaul “This isn’t my first rodeo” 💀 #blind #guidedog #servicedog #storytime
