Housing association saying 'no' to therapy dog

DaftyDuck

zippy1969 wrote: »

......He's definitely not allergic to dogs... so he says.

As a moderate cat and dog allergy sufferer, and a research scientist... that's mildly unlikely. It's usual that cat and dog allergies are paired, and certainly that the susceptibility to developing an allergy is. So, even if he's currently allergic to cats, but not to dogs, he's quite likely to develop allergy to both. How severe, nobody can tell.

Mind you, I'm allergic to both, have a cat on my lap, one in the cupboard beside me, and a dog under the table. I sneeze and itch, but the World still turns. Achoo!

Person_one

This is all happening very fast, are the timescales on the thread the actual timescales or adjusted for simplicity on the forum?

zippy1969

Person_one wrote: »

This is all happening very fast, are the timescales on the thread the actual timescales or adjusted for simplicity on the forum?

No adjustment... alot has happened this afternoon with the housing association calling to say they're looking into it and to be patient, and the MP emailing. I think the housing association acted quickly because the email to the Chief Executive actually did go to her and she read it and actioned it. Doesn't mean they'll back down though but it was a quick response.

I've been with this client most of the day but have left now.

We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Thanks to everyone who has posted so far... I appreciate your help and my client does too.

Taiko

Apologies if this has been covered, but did they give the reason why? Having seen some HA policies, I've seen a clause where, unless the flat had it's own entrance/exit, permission wouldn't be given. Could it be that is the HA policy on this?

csgohan4

duchy wrote: »

There's no reason why anyone on the autistic spectrum would be any more (or less) likely to neglect an animal

I remember years ago the CPL turned us down for a kitten because my son had Aspergers. A couple of years later they were begging me to foster for them after one of their big cheese's cats took it into their head to move into mine and they got to know me. They did apologize for their inspector's ignorance and commented that my son was one of the reasons they were keen for us to join the fostering team as he had so much time and patience and a knack with cats in general and timid or abused ones in particular.

As you know it is a spectrum, added to the fact he has mental health issues, both of which do not help with looking after a dog full time.


We don't know what part of the spectrum the OP's client is in so cannot say. Either way it's not ignorance, but a fact and observation.


Your case is anecdotal and cannot be compared to the OP's position with mental health issues.


While one can adjust and live with Autism and function well, a sudden mental health relapse is something that cannot always be avoided and can come anytime with or without medication. Hallucinations and self neglect can happen to ones self. Imagine what would happen to the animal.


if the HA were keen on the OP's client, there wouldn't be the OP's thread in the first place.

Person_one

zippy1969 wrote: »

No adjustment... alot has happened this afternoon with the housing association calling to say they're looking into it and to be patient, and the MP emailing. I think the housing association acted quickly because the email to the Chief Executive actually did go to her and she read it and actioned it. Doesn't mean they'll back down though but it was a quick response.

I've been with this client most of the day but have left now.

We'll see what tomorrow brings.

Thanks to everyone who has posted so far... I appreciate your help and my client does too.

If they do give permission for a dog, please pop on to the Pets board with your client. There are lots of experienced dog owners there from all walks of life who can give great advice on choosing the right dog, settling one in to a new home, training, behaviour, feeding etc.

zippy1969

My client just called me. He's just had a call from his housing association. They've changed their mind and are going to allow him to have a dog.

The chief executive got the email directly and they were so impressed with all the information given that they are now going to rethink their whole policy on pet ownership.

They were swayed by the attention to detail and emotive nature of the request as well as highlighting the current discrepancies with their policy. They were really glad for bringing this to their attention.

Good result!

Thanks so much for all your help everyone.

Person_one

Wow! Before 9am! This may be the most efficient HA in the country!

duchy

Good news !

Sometimes common sense does prevail
You are obviously a great advocate for your client and he is very lucky to have you- Well done !

Cheeky_Monkey

Person_one wrote: »

Wow! Before 9am! This may be the most efficient HA in the country!

Yes, quite unbelievable - literally :shocked: