After battling stage three bladder cancer and being struck by a drunk driver, Richard Lyons has been on disability for several years.
At the end of 2012 Lyons adopted a therapeutic dog.
“She came over licked me and jumped on me. She picked me. it was meant to be that I’m her owner,” Lyons said.
Lyons has a prescription for Dutchess as a therapy dog, he’s had her for about five months with permission of the propertymanager.
But eighbors say the dog is too big and intimidates them and their smaller dogs.
Last week Ron Sperl filed a complaint against Lyons.
“This dog bolted through the door, and he reached out and grabbed my dog,” explained Sperl.
Lyon’s story of the situation is similar, but says Dutchess was not violent, she didn’t leave any marks on the other dog, and immediately stepped back when she was called for.
The story and complaint, however,were enough for the property management to give lyons an ultimatum.
“She told me you have three choices, you either have 10 days to get rid of your dog, 2 you get evicted, or 3 you give your 30 day notice,” Lyons explained.
Lyons contacted the rural living assistance program, but was denied any assistance.
“He said he couldn’t help me, soI asked him if he could put me on a housing list so thatI could move to another complex and he said noI can’t help you at all”
Now Lyons is seeking legal help.
In the meantime R&R Pet Resort has agreed to board Dutchess for a week in exchange for his labor work.
But time is still running out.
Lyons’ current lease is up May 12, and he’s hoping someone will able to provide assistance to house both he and his dog.
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