Shootout at Levy Center

Trooper in official uniform.

You can’t have that dog in here,” said the tall young man, apparently the Levy Senior Center’s weekend manager. “They’re not allowed.” He spoke quietly and calmly.

Because the temperatures were in the teens, i had taken Trooper yesterday to Evanston’s geezer hangout to walk the wide rectangular indoor corridor, 13 laps to the mile.

“He’s a service dog,” I said.

“Service dog?” the young man said.

“Yes. I’m deaf and he’s my ears.”

“I don’t know anything about service dogs. I don’t know if they can be in here.” The young man was honest about his ignorance and didn’t try to bluster.

“Federal law,” I said as amiably as I could.  “Service dogs are allowed anywhere in public. Trust me.”

“Okay, I guess that’s fine, then,” he said, and went about his business.

And so the brief encounter ended. I was gratified but a little disappointed. I’ve got a whole arsenal of legal facts and other documentary weapons to unholster in showdowns with hostile jacks-in-office.

Not that I’m spoiling for a fight, but it might be fun to put a jerk in his place now and then.

Not many of those around, it seems, at least in Evanston.