Security Guards

[lucille]

I need to vent. This evening I went to a well known shopping strip in Melbourne looking for a particular mobile phone store. I took Emmy Lou with me, as we had just been to the park for a walk (I walked, she ran). I walked the length of the strip and finally saw the store advertised outside a small mall. I went in, Emmy in tow, and could not find it. As I was wandering around, and finally given up and on my way out, a security guard called out to me. I thought he was about to ask me what I was looking for. He wasn’t, he was yelling at me to get out because dogs were not allowed. At first I didn’t understand him and asked him to repeat what he had said. He was very aggressive, and was ordering me out. I went out to see if there was in fact a notice at the front prohibiting dogs – there wasn’t. So I went back in and continued my quest. The guard then came up and verbally abused me, to which I abused back. I told him there was no sign about dogs. He said it was a food court, and that I had to get out. I wasn’t about to accept his abusive tactics, and said I wouldn’t move. He then grabbed Emmy Lou’s lead out of my hand and wouldn’t give it back, and I couldn’t release his hand to retrieve it. Emmy pulled away, and the collar slipped over her neck, leaving the guard holding the lead. He asked me to pick her up, and I refused. He then said he would pick her up himself and went to grab her. I lent over her to stop him, and he pushed me to the floor, grabbing Emmy Lou’s back leg, and threatened to break it if I didn’t move. I was then on the floor, my glasses were broken and I have no idea if I have damaged my knee prosthesis or not. My leg is sore, but that could be because I’ve been on it all day (and all week). Actually my whole body is aching. I asked someone to ring the police, but the reaction I got was “ring them yourself – there is a phone booth at the end of the mall, and they won’t come for anything as minor as this”. I did ring them, giving my details, and they suggested I call into a Police Station and give a report which I did. By then I was a bit weepy, and apologetic as I felt I may have provoked the situation. The officer said that even if I did, the security guard acted to the extreme. He said he will get a statement from him, and if the situation is as I said, he will be arrested. He also told me that there are security cameras in the mall, and he would get hold of the tape which would be ample evidence. None of the vendors in the mall were prepared to help me, and one of them actually said I should grow up. It is now about two hours later, and poor little Emmy Lou is still shaking and won’t eat.

I eventually found the store I was looking for, and it was closed!

[Eva]

Howe terrible Lucille! And what an aggressive a**hole. Give some people a uniform and they think that they are entitled to whatever they want to do. Hugs to you and Emmy Lou.

If it's any consolation: canines live in packs and in the way she sees the world you belong to Emmy Lou's pack. You obviously made an effort to defend her. Your bond will only get tighter now.

Eva

[Irish Beth]

I say we kidnap the SOB bring him to the picnic - make him watch us all eat and not give him one morsel - and dance around him in a circle calling him poopie head, and booger brain!

Hugs to you both. Deep breaths - stay cool!

[Denise]

Lucille ....
"what goes around comes around" ... he'll get his in the end....

<<hugs>>

[RedjackRyan]

to quote Kurt Russell sonuvabitch must pay.

I think Eva and I should have a concerned discussion with that a-hole.. Nothing like a good Keelhaulin in the mornin


Hugs to you and Emmy Lou.

[Lin]

That's a pretty awful thing to go throught, Lucille. I would have called the police for you and I probably would have ended up in jail because I would have kicked where the sun don't shine.

Hugs coming to you hon.

Lin xo

[Dar]

Wendy,
That is absolutely unforgivable. It's one thing to be verbally abusive, that's bad enough, but to actually lay hands on you? What the F was this guy thinking? He should at the very least lose his job!
I hope you'll be okay! My goodness, your poor knee!! Thank goodness Emmy didn't bite the SOB, she showed remarkable restraint because I certainly would have.

[KarenSews2]

How stupid do you have to be to grab a strange dog by the hind leg?? I hope you do press charges and get that SOB out of uniform! And as IB said, we'll call him "poopie head and booger brain!"

Rest and feel better! And hug Emmy Lou for me.

[hoops]

you were assaulted for having a dog in a shopping area? and my a peace officer?? and then not helped by anyone??
Please accept my apologies for all of them> I apologise for mankind and the ugly places it has reached into. I am truly sorry. You have been terribly wronged and it makes me very sad to see how low people can sink. I wish there were something better i could do for you, but i promise right now that i will do my best to become a better person so that this may never happen to anyone again.
Pax
Noel

[lucille]

You guys are the best. Thanks for your support. I have been away for a couple of days, so have just seen your replies. I agree that uniforms do make some people take on an aggressive persona. I also think that ageism is alive and well unfortunately.

With the distinct possibility ahead of me of needing a guide dog at some stage, I think I reacted angrilly(sp) to the security guard's aggression towards me. Not that Emmy Lou resembles a guide dog by any means :D But she is very well behaved and walks at heel on a loose lead.

I will make a statement at the police station on Wednesday, as the officer I reported to is not back until then. I have to say he was about twelve years old :) and in a uniform, but very compassionate and caring. (Also he didn't order me and my dog out of the station.) I'll let you know how I get on. I'm okay, just need my glasses repaired, but I don't want anyone else to suffer with this inappropriate treatment. I will also write a letter to the management of the mall.

[Agnes]

Just saw your thread, Lucille - what the #$%#$&&*@* was he thinking?! :mad: Blegh. Ptuy. Grmbl. And then some. I do hope they'll sack him for it!

Big hug to you and Emmy Lou.

[Gigglepottomus]

I too apologize for the human race Lucille. No person or animal deserves to be treated the way you and Emmy Lou were treated. I would love to see that guy pay for his actions. But if it does not turn out that way I too believe karma will get him in the end.

[Rickster]

Lucille, I can't believe this guy touched you! You should have kicked him in the croch (sp?) What, does this guy own the Mall? Guard or not...he should not have touched or pushed you.

[SongDragon]

Lucille, my thoughts go out to you and Emmy Lou! What the heck was he thinking! You stood up for yourself much better than I would have managed, but I can understand why you would both be a bit shaken and seeking justice!

I hope eveything goes well for you Wednesday. You definitely did what you needed to do. It is the unfortunate trait of humans to diffuse responsibility (someone else will call the police or break it up, I don't have to) while in a crowd. Also very few will react against authority in the fear they may be wrong. This is why unfortunate situations like the one you described so often get little outside aid... so many simply turn away.

A huge hug from me to both you and Emmy Lou.

~Song