Whatever anyone does when going to downtown Winston Salem, especially if disabled, do not visit or support Dana Suggs company Body and Soul NC. Unfortunately this company has lost our support & business. (We loved the store and the owner appeared to be nice at the time before) I entered the premises with my service dog, and was immediately greeted with hostility. "Ma'am you can't bring that dog in here!" I calmly informed her that he was a service dog & we had the right per ADA federal law to be here. She immediately started raising her voice, stating that bec another customer was afraid of dogs (which was no where near us) and that bec he was there first, I needed to get out of her store. I stated okay, but made her aware she was breaking a federal law. She started yelling once more about how she doesn't care and it's her policy all while coming at me physically and was verbally aggressively towards me, forcing me out of her store with her body while in my face and her hands moving around to intimidate me and also scaring my service dog, forcing my dog out of a heel out of fear of being grabbed or attacked. This confrontation and verbal assault with the physical on top, I had a medical episode outside of her store (I wear a heart monitor and pack and alarm was going off as I was terrified of how she came at me and my medical equipment with the added adrenaline) The police did have to come and not only was a report filed, but it now has become a civil matter being reported by police to the department of justice for discrimination and being in violation of federal law. It's a shame as I loved her store and support small businesses and planned on making a purchase for a friend there as her items are so unique. The police even found her confrontational and difficult to even approach about her behavior to educate her on the law she broke and the consequences of her actions that now will occur. This is such a shame. I never raised my voice. I didn't pull a Karen to record the scenario, not that I would have had time since she physically forced me out of the store. This could have been handled so much more professionally as I was still going to comply by her request but there was no need for the physical and verbal nature of her behavior. Police department says her store now is looking at fines and representation of the DOJ that enforces ADA compliance and will be taking over from here. So sad that she could have just asked me if I minded keeping my space while the other customer shopped which I would have done although he was just hanging out at the counter. Her store has 3 separate areas/rooms and I was in the furthest room away. Enough room to completely respect everyone's space. This business clearly does not care as she verbally stated about the laws and rights of disabled individuals and the use of their medical equipment not welcome in her store especially if someone is there first and they have an issue with my dog. The law states allergies or fear of dogs can't be a reason to deny access. No support here anymore as I had before. My dog was also clearly marked and under control. She caused emotional stress on not just myself but my poor young dog that is still learning and having someone come at me and him that way he had to be taken home after being escorted to the magistrate office.
I also missed an event that I had been preparing for for nearly 2 weeks bec of this incident. Having a small business myself and always wanting to support others especially those in my city, this is quite a shame. Do better. Not all service dog handlers have their phones out to record everything nor are we all aggressive and scream MY RIGHTS!!! We simply just want to shop and not cause any drama or at least we don't. I've been welcomed with open arms since we've opened shop here in Winston Salem and all very supportive of my service dog. My neighboring shops hearing of this incident who know the owner are also quite upset over this as they have supported this business as well and know of my disabilities and have even assisted me when I have had seizures in front of their stores. When I walk by they always come out to say hello to me and could see something was wrong and asked what happened since they saw the police escorting me back to my shop since I couldn't walk 6 blocks back. My dog will have to take a break from being in public so he can calm down as negative experiences can effect his training since he's still young. The day after this incident, my medical equipment (recognized as such by federal law) had to be left at home to recover mentally as he was too scared to come to the office. If this affects his training, then we will take Dana Black Suggs to court. read more