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http://www.click10.com/news/2607086/detail.html
Click10.com
Deaf Woman Punched Over Companion Hearing Dog
Younger Woman Arrested For Battery After Altercation
POSTED: 4:37 PM EST November 3, 2003
UPDATED: 5:35 PM EST November 3, 2003
TAMARAC, Fla. -- A woman is in jail after deputies say she punched a deaf woman in the face because of her companion hearing dog.
Deputies said that Jean Costanza Sala, 71, went into New York Italian Buffet restaurant in Tamarac accompanied by her hearing dog. The manager of the restaurant agreed to allow Sala, a medium-sized Sheltie, to stay in the restaurant.
At that point, Jeanne Shapiro, 49, who was in the restaurant with her mother, became angry when the dog was allowed to stay, saying it made her "sick to her stomach."
An argument began between the two women, and continued as they went outside, according to witnesses.
Deputies said Sala was trying to explain to Shapiro that she relies on her dog because she is deaf, when suddenly Shapiro punched her in the mouth with a closed fist, splitting Sala's lip open.
Broward Sheriff's Office deputies and Tamarac Fire Rescue paramedics were called. Sala was treated at the scene.
Shapiro was arrested and charged with battery on a person over 65, a third-degree felony.
Copyright 2003 by Click10.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Okay, this really gets my back up. What's so HORRIBLE about a hearing dog in a restaurant that is made this women 'sick to her stomach'?!? This dog is a trained companion animal! I think this woman needs to be taught a lesson in compassion and tolerance!
Good grief!


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What is wrong with people?!


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o.k. so she is "sick to her stomach" but to take the lady outside and punch her????Holy Moly but is the matter with her? God forbid SHE ever loses her hearing or sight!


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that is horrible,,some people are just to ballsy


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some people have absolutely NO sympathy...


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I agree, god forbide this woman ever needs a companion guide dog, she'd be 'sick to her stomach' everyday!


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There is nothing "sick" about eating with animals, wether it's a working dog or any other clean domestic animal. I let Cub sit with me & have a grape on my shoulder when i eat grapes, etc.
To me, what is disgusting is humans who bring screaming, vomiting babies with diapers loaded with smelly feces into adult dining establishments. And smokers/heavy perfume wearers in ANY restaurant!!!
But bring on the dogs, I'll even slip them some scraps when they're off-duty.


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To me, what is disgusting is humans who bring screaming, vomiting babies with diapers loaded with smelly feces into adult dining establishments.
I agree with you Neuro. It really ticks me off when parents bring their children into a restaurant and the people that are there to enjoy a nice meal have to endure screaming, obnoxious, children. I have complained to management about this on a few ocassions and I will do it again if I have to. Very inconsiderate if you ask me!
Getting back to the dog, of course I wouldn't mind if a seeing eye dog was brought into a restaurant. I wouldn't like for pet owners to bring their animals into a restaurant though. Eating with my own animal is different because I know the animal is clean. You just never know how clean some people are with their animals.


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A friend of mine said that dogs are welcome in most restaurants in France!!! Any dog, not just a seeing/hearing assistance dog.
But I agree, the animals *should* be clean. Just like the humans (don't you love it when someone sits near you who has b.o. & is "concealing" it with nasty cologne?)


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(don't you love it when someone sits near you who has b.o. & is "concealing" it with nasty cologne?)
Neuro, you would have died if you had my FIL's job. He used to be a Chicago bus driver and his routes were in very bad neighborhoods. In the summer, the elderly people smelled really bad and would cover it up with 99 cent perfume. He said he wanted to gag every time they passed by him. I could never imagine driving a bus for a living.