This is the kind of story that will make your heart break and your blood boil. You see, Marine and Navy veteran Shaun Kettner has PTSD. In 2014, Kettner’s condition led him to attempt suicide and spent 5 1/2 months in the hospital, a sad situation faced by too many of our veterans. But last year he got a service dog who helps make life bearable for him. Shockingly, his employer has fired him for taking his service dog to work!
For Kettner, the Dutch shepherd named ‘Sig’ has been a lifesaver, helping him focus in daily life when the stress becomes too great.
“You have to look at him as like a wheelchair,” says Kettner, as Sig sits quietly next to him.
But the fight to bring the service dog to work has been caught up for weeks in its own legal battle between L&S Electric and the VA.
Representatives for the Appleton-based manufacturing and motor repair company say Kettner had failed to complete proper paperwork for bringing in Sig to work. But Kettner says the VA has so far refused to sign the paperwork in question over concern that some questions asked violated HIPAA laws.
“They’re saying they’re not getting the proper paperwork, but the paperwork that they’re asking [for has] Borderline HIPAA violations,” adds Kettner, “and the VA will not fill it out.”
Kettner was placed on unpaid suspension in March, but last week Kettner got a message from the company.
“I’m terminated from the company,” says Kettner, adding the company is disputing the claim. “They’re telling me that I’ve resigned, but I’ve made many attempts to [show] that I’ve wanted to come back to work. But they won’t allow me.”
Shame on L&S Electric and the VA for not working together to accommodate this hero who has sacrificed so much for our country! A GoFundMe account has been set up for Shaun, Sig, and the rest of the Kettner family, please check it out to learn more about their story and show your support.
There is some controversy within the VA about the use of service dogs. See why their study is being criticized:
