www.TheWillaWoman.com

Kayla Pollock has type one diabetes and relies on her service dog, Dakota. Ms Pollock says she has had problems with people not accepting her great dane as a service dog. Violating the care animal laws could result in a heavy fine. Violating care animal law could cost you high fines For a life-saving hero, Dakota doesn’t always get the respect she deserves. The year-old great Dane is a service dog for Keswick resident Kayla Pollock. While most people are familiar with seeing eye dogs for the visually handicapped, few know that there are other dogs just as important for the health of their owners, Dakota being a notable example. Ms Pollock, 22, has type one diabetes, which requires her to take four to six insulin shots per day. “I often have severe low blood sugars that can be life threatening,” she said. “To make matters worse, I live alone.” Dakota comes for Dogs for Diabetics in Dakota, Neb. — hence, her name — an organization that specializes in training dogs to recognize symptoms ...

Melanie Brown says she doesn't know what she'd do without Odessa, her big moose of a dog. Brown, who suffers from severe back problems, says the bouvier-chow mix helps her stand up, pulls her along, even anchors her from behind with its leash as she descends flights of stairs. "She's amazing," Brown said. "She senses how much help I need and does it." Brown insists Odessa is a service animal, which means she can bring the dog into any public building. But, she said, Cowlitz County officials kicked her out of the Hall of Justice in July, claiming Odessa doesn't really assist her with her disability. The 60-year-old Ryderwood resident said she had to abandon a lawsuit she'd filed against a homeowners' association because she and Odessa weren't allowed into the courtroom. She has since filed a claim for nearly $730,000 against the county over the incident. Brown isn't alone. Dawn Moran, 49, of Longview said she and her service dog, a cho...

Paper money unfair to blind - court Federal appeals court says Treasury Department is violating the law by keeping dollars the same size and feel. NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the U.S. Treasury Department is violating the law by failing to design and issue currency that is readily distinguishable to blind and visually impaired people. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit upheld a 2006 district court ruling that could force the United States to redesign its money so blind people can distinguish between values. Suggested solutions include making bills different sizes, including raised markings or using foil printing which is a method of hot stamping that is tactically discernable. Judge Judith Rogers, in a ruling on a suit by the American Council of the Blind, wrote that the Treasury Department's failure to design and issue paper currency that is readily distinguishable to the visually impaired violates the Rehabilita...