Man Squares Off With Neighbors Over Barking Guide Dog
BLOOMINGDALE, Ill. (WBBM) -- A guide dog's barking is getting his neighbors in a Bloomingdale condo all riled up.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Nancy Harty reports, Tim Spencer used a cane after retinoblastoma left him completely blind two years ago. But he decided instead to get a guide dog because it would be safer.
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The condo complex where Spencer lives does not allow dogs, but permitted him to bring Iggie home two months ago.
Now, neighbors are complaining that Iggie barks too much.
"The last couple times I get recorded, and there was nothing I heard out of him at all. I still got violations for him," Spencer said.
The Spencers face about $300 on fines for violating condo rules, the Daily Herald reported.
People question why Spencer wouldn't take his guide dog with him at all times. He says many of the complaints have been while he was in the hospital with his 3-year-old son, who has had roughly 44 surgeries for eye cancer.
"I go into the recovery room with him, and I don't think it's fair for other kids that are sick there, for me to bring the dog," Spencer said.
The condo association's attorney suggests Spencer get more training for the dog. He says he is.
Hearings on the issue are slated for next week.
