OGDEN -- Twinkles the service dog blazed a wide trail for people with disabilities in Utah, and her grieving owner, June Robbin Henson, is determined that the beloved pet will not be forgotten.
After years of being kicked out of restaurants, convenience stores and bike shops, Henson decided it was time to educate businesses on the law concerning service dogs.
"I've stood on the corner waiting for the bus and have been passed right up because they see me with a dog," she said. "One time my blood sugar got dangerously low, so I rushed into a convenience store in Ogden to grab something real fast, and the owner kicked me out because I had the dog with me. People just don't understand the law."
Aaron Kinikini, an attorney with the Disability Law Center in Salt Lake City, said the law firm has helped Henson 10 times over the years and is not surprised she has had so many problems.
"There are a lot of misconceptions about service animals and where they are allowed," he said. "According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a person with a disability can take their service animal into a public place of business, and that includes restaurants, theaters, courthouses, schools, coffee shops. If a person refuses to serve the customer, it does open them up to liability."
Kinikini said it's also illegal for anyone to demand a certification or other documents concerning a service animal.
"They can ask two questions: 'Is that a service animal?' and 'What tasks does the animal perform for you?'" he said.
Henson, 51, an Ogden resident, has seizures, among other disabilities. She said her dog warns her if she is having a seizure.
"I have petit mal seizures, and they are the kind that when I have them, I don't realize I'm having them," she said. "That's the whole reason I got Twinkles in the first place. I was almost hit by a bus, because I didn't realize I was having a seizure, and I walked right out in front of it."
Henson said Twinkles would alert her with a certain type of bark. If she didn't pay attention, the dog would do other things to let her know she was in danger.
"She saved my life on so many occasions," Henson said. "She really opened the door for other people with service animals, because she went everywhere with me. We were kicked out of so many places, and every time we were kicked out, we would go to the Disability Law Center and fill out paperwork."
Henson said the law center taught her how to train people regarding the law. She did, and now things have become much easier for her and her current dog, Angel, as well as others with service animals.
Last week, Twinkles became ill and didn't pull through, and Henson said goodbye to her 15-year-old silver poodle who served her so well.
"It really hurts to say goodbye to her, but I want people to know what she did. Not only did she help me, she helped others across the entire state," Henson said. "She was very dedicated. Very loyal, and I'm going to give her the proper burial she deserves."
Today at noon, Henson will bury Twinkles at Glory to God Church, 375 E. Harrison Blvd. The public is invited to attend.
Henson has also opened an account at Golden West Credit Union under the name Twinkles Foundation of Service. The money will go toward helping those who have service animals pay for such things as vet bills and grooming.
"A lot of people who need a service animal aren't able to get one because of the vet bills, so I'm hoping people will drop in and donate, so the money can be used for vaccinations, dental cleanings and things like that," Henson said.
"Until I got a service dog I was afraid to go anywhere, because it was too dangerous, but the dog helped me to get back out and get on with my life. I want everyone to have the same opportunity."
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