Originally we were told that a letter from our Doctor would be sufficient to get Charley recognised as an “Assistance Dog”, I obtained such a letter without difficulty or delay but, on trying to use this to re-instate Charley in the Beverley Treasure House Foyer, where he had previously been accommodated to his comfort and the pleasure of so many, I was informed by Nial Adams (the Manager of the Art Gallery and Museum) that this was insufficient and that the department of Beverley Council, that is responsible for our exceptionally good Library and Treasure House, insists that Charley and I must undergo training!!
What training we need to improve our behaviour I do not know as no-one has complained about either of us in the two years that we have been enjoying the comfort and hospitality of the Treasure House; indeed the pleasure evinced by all who have met Charley, whether in the streets of Beverley or in the Treasure House, can be measured by the support we have received from everyone that has met us since the unnecessary ban was imposed.
Having said this, I am perfectly willing for both of us to undergo whatever training is considered essential (providing we undergo it together) if that will result in our return to the former arrangement that was such a happy situation for us as a family and for all the friends who are now unable to meet Charley in his comfortable corner.
In our efforts to be helpful and co-operative we have tried several alternative arrangements but they have all proved completely unsatisfactory for reasons too many to list here and I end this public explanation of our situation in the hope that there may eventually be the happy outcome wished for by us and Charley’s friends.
By Jane Sweeney
