Woman unhappy with restaurant's treatment of her

A local woman wants to raise awareness about the treatment of people with service dogs following an incident at a local restaurant. Kim Swayne of Republic said an incident occurred May 25 at the West Market Street Subway location in Tiffin. Swayne, her father, Ted Cartwright, and her service dog, Spike, went to the restaurant and said she repeatedly was asked to show documentation for Spike. According to Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for service animals, "Under Title III of the ADA, a place of public accommodation cannot require a person with a service animal to produce documentation, such as medical documentation or proof that the animal has been certified, trained or licensed as a service animal." Swayne has used Spike for two years, after obtaining him from the Seneca County Dog Warden and certifying him through a private trainer. Swayne uses Spike to detect oncoming symptoms of seizures and as a protective companion in high-stress situations. Swayne said she provided the employee with Spike's photo ID, received their food and left. She said she was upset and humiliated. "I have the right to go anywhere to eat and not feel harassed," she said. Janet Molineaux, CEO of the West Market Street Subway location, said Swayne and her father filed a complaint through the corporate office and, after watching the security camera footage from that day, the employee was written up May 27. Molineaux said she reviewed the policy with the employee. She also called Cartwright and Swayne and apologized. "I'm very sorry they felt mistreated," Molineaux said. She said Swayne was issued free subs for a year and was written a formal apology. Molineaux said they have an issue with people sneaking in dogs and felt the employee was asking for documentation to combat that issue. "We again are very sorry if anything was out of line," she said. Swayne said she hopes people are more aware of how to treat people with service animals and they make sure she and others aren't mistreated.