Sue Austin was devastated after her 15-year-old cocker spaniel died last July. “Katie was my everything,” said Austin. “She was my child.” Austin keeps Katie’s ashes and mementos including pictures and a cocker spaniel figurine on an end table. “I loved her so much,” Austin says.
Austin couldn’t bear the thought being without another dog but her condo association recently banned dogs. Katie was allowed to stay because was grandfathered in. Austin pleaded with them to no avail. She even brought them a written letter from a doctor.
Please allow Ms. Austin to have a pet in her home. . . . A pet will be a valuable source of therapy for her. A new dog will ease loneliness, reduce her stress level, (and) encourage activity and interaction with others. . . . It will serve as a therapy dog for her.
Still, the condo association wouldn’t budge. Or would they? After consulting their attorney the Lexington Ridge Condominium Association decided to allow Austin to have a dog. Austin is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and the comfort of a pet will help alleviate her stress and pain. Austin still has to abide by the association’s rules in order to keep her new pet (i.e. clean up, unruly behavior)