RENO, Nev. (KOLO) -A Reno woman is coming forward after being kicked out of a casino for not having her service dog. Now, she’s looking for more education and accountability.
Heather Vanus says she’s been a regular at the Nugget Casino Resort for the last 3 years.
“The Nugget is my family,” Vanus said.
Some weeks, Vanus says she visits her friends 4 to 5 times at the casino. Accompanying Vanus on her trips, is her medical dog Cherry, who is trained to alert Vanus if she’s about to have a seizure.
“They know who we are. When we come in they automatically bring me water for my dog,” explained Vanus.
What is typically a Cheers like atmosphere for Vanus, quickly changed two weeks ago, when a security guard approached her and said to leave because Cherry was not present.
“They said you can either remove yourself, or you can leave in cuffs,” said Vanus. After it happened my fiancé looked at me and asked if that really just happened. I said that really just happened.”
On the day of the incident, Vanus says Cherry had just gotten fixed. Since her fiancé was with her at the casino, she felt like it was safe to leave Cherry home if she had a medical episode.
“Security told me that if she stayed at home, then I should have stayed at home with her,” recalled Vanus.
Vanus, considered the Nugget her safe place and adds that not being able to see her friends there, has been heartbreaking. Now all she wants is an apology and for the Nugget to educate their staff on how to handle others with medical dogs.
“Maybe this will make a difference because sometimes staff just isn’t trained,” Vanus said.
Kolo 8 reached out to the Nugget who has issued a statement that says:
“The Nugget Casino Resort is fully committed to complying with all ADA requirements, and we welcome all guests with disabilities who use service animals. Service animals are always welcome at our property, and our team is trained to ensure that all guests are treated with respect and in accordance with federal and state laws. While we cant comment on specific incidents, we remain dedicated to offering an inclusive environment for all our guests.”
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