Legal Fund for Shantal and Hades

Since it’s now technically publicly available information, there is no reason for me to keep quiet anymore. I am being sued.

A few of you may be aware of my departure both as a client and a board member from Leash of Hope Assistance Dogs in February of 2023.

I left to protect myself, and I went quietly, hoping they would let me go if I didn’t stir up trouble.

Due to fear of repercussions, I have kept fairly quiet about the circumstances of my leaving the organization, however my silence did not buy me the safety I had hoped for. I have to be cautious with what I say as I am struggling to secure legal aid/assistance.

Leash of Hope is suing me because I have chosen to withdraw my own personal dog that I got from my family as an 11 week old puppy, from their program.

They are suing me for two things. The first is that they want an astronomical amount of money from me that is impossible for me to pay. I, like many disabled people, live pay check to pay check, and I am on PWD. The huge amount they are suing me for is not something that I can afford, never mind paying for legal representation to protect my life and finances.

The second is that they want me to stop using Hades as a service dog, which would have an incomprehensible negative effect on my quality of life. I rely on both my wheelchair and my service dog to function and remain independent. I have been using a wheelchair since cancer left me paralyzed from the waist down at 15 yrs of age. I have poured my heart and soul into training Hades for the last two years to perform tasks that specifically help me at home, and in public. He’s one of the smartest, gentlest and most eager to work dogs that I have ever had the pleasure of handling and working with. Leash of Hope is demanding that I discontinue using him as a valuable piece of medical equipment, vital to my independence and quality of life, under threat of legal action.

After years of supporting them, I feel deeply uncomfortable with continuing to utilize their services, or with recommending them to others.

As I am able, I would like to share more information with you, but for now I am scared if I say the wrong thing it will make things worse for myself and Hades.

Thank you to everyone who has read this, and to all who have been supporting me through this awful and heart wrenching situation.