One of the requirements when clients are first matched with one of our dogs is to get the dog licensed in their city if their city requires it. When Bethany, who lives in Wisconsin, visited her City Hall for this task in Spring 2023, she was surprised to learn that only a few types of assistance dogs were eligible for free licensing in the state. Her new Seizure Assist Dog, Qantas, did not qualify.
Frustrated and wanting to advocate for all with disabilities, Bethany asked what could be done. She was eventually advised to contact her state legislator. “And so,” she says, “I did.”
She called State Representative Steve Doyle’s office and worked with his assistant on creating a bill to waive all service dog licensing fees in Wisconsin. The Legislature unanimously passed it, and Rep. Doyle called Bethany to congratulate her on her hard work.
When the bill was on its way to the governor’s desk, Bethany made us aware of this progress, and we arranged it so she and Qantas could be present when Gov. Tony Evers signed the bill. The two of them traveled to the state capital in March for the ceremony.
Bethany shared at the time, “This is truly the most awesome thing I’ve ever done and I got to share the moment with my inspiration behind the bill… my best friend, my cutest companion, my 'Baby Blessing,' my 'Golden Gift' … my seizure and mobility assist dog, Qantas!”
Bethany with Qantas at far right. Photo Credit: Greg Anderson, Legislative Photographer
Watch TV report of this story, featured by News 8, WKBT
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