Dog News

Veteran Kicked Off Boardwalk for Having a Service Dog

by ADMIN

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NBC40.net

vetA disabled U.S. Army veteran had trouble sleeping Thursday night after he was kicked off and receiving a summons for having a dog on a New Jersey boardwalk.  The dog is Jared Goering’s service dog, and helps the war hero walk and cope with his PTSD.

Goering served in the U.S. Army for 19 years. He served a tour in Iraq and two tours in Afghanistan. While serving in Afghanistan in 2009 his vehicle was hit by IEDs twice in the span of 36 hours. Gator helps Goering get around.

“I also suffer from PTSD, sever anxiety, depression – and my dog plays a big part in my life. His main purpose is mobility but he also helps me with all my emotional problems combat.”

Goering, his wife and his service dog Gator were walking on the boardwalk in North Wildwood, New Jersey Thursday night when they were stopped by a police officer. The officer issued Jared and his wife a summons for having a dog on the boardwalk. Goering was upset with how the police officer handled the situation and felt disrespected.

“He mockingly asked if all veterans get service dogs,” said Jared’s wife, Sally. “His dog is medically necessary and he is a service dog.”

After the incident Goering notified a shift Sergeant and the Sergeant filed for a dismissal of the summons. The incident is now being investigated by Internal Affairs.

Goering is upset with the way he was treated after serving his country for so many years.

“Just like any veteran with disabilities with a service dog, to come back and be harassed and shown no respect, it upset me – it really bothered me. I was up most of the night thinking about it.”