VETERANS CORNER: Addressing veterans’ concerns about facility abuses

Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

by Gary Kennedy

Welcome back readers. I want to thank you all for the great response we received regarding our last couple of issues. I hope you continue to read and comment as that is the way we draw attention and also get things done. There is a right and a wrong way to do things and we hope that attention leads to doing things which lead to the right way.

I will address some of the negatives that were presented to me this week and then get on to things which hopefully will aid all our veterans in the path they would like to take. This path will lead to better care and hopefully much deserved financial gain.

The first thing I will mention is veterans and especially non-veterans taking advantage of the “Service Dog Allowance”. Service dogs began a few years ago when it was discovered that man’s best friend was truly that. Some veterans were all alone without any support to aid them through loneliness. It was noticed that animals could fill that role if properly trained to negotiate the hurdles involved with dealing with the public. Dogs were and are the number one pick. The old adage, ” Man’s Best Friend”, is truly the case. However, that being said, some dogs are not and never will be able to cope with the public. Also, some are very difficult to train. That is why some wear signs saying, ” Dog In Training”. You are not supposed to have any interplay with these dogs as they are in the learning phase and should not be confused or distracted. The time will come when they will greet you as will their masters. After all, both are being trained by each other.

The other issue is the abuse that some people take regarding the rules of the system. The first thing I heard was, the small areas of lawn were being used as bathrooms for all dogs riding with veterans to their appointments at the VA. This shows ignorance and lack of consideration for others who use these lawns for break time, lunch and just lounging around. I have seen this all myself, so this is not news to me. I just needed you readers to see, and object to it before I brought it up.

It used to be, and still is supposed to be, that the owner of the dog would carry a scoop and a bag for this event. It’s now being taken for granted. If it continues, only certified companion dogs will be allowed. Also, the abuse continues when civilians bring in show dogs on multiple leashes. We have allowed the initial intent to become abused through the allowance of these things. Several people I know are allergic to dogs and after all, it is supposed to be a hospital. You don’t see this at other hospitals. In years past you only saw a dog leading a blind person.

Now anyone can say, I have stress, x-military or civilian. I have actually seen dogs urinate in building 200. This is the entrance to the emergency and the main treatment rooms and hospital. It is popular opinion that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Don’t get this writer wrong, I love all animals as you can tell by some of my previous articles. I have owned many pets in past years. I believe you have to agree with the veterans who brought this to me.

The veteran’s dog should be what is allowed and if you are a guest you shouldn’t be bringing your animals because you don’t want to leave them at home. This facility is about the care and well-being of our veterans, respect the rules and laws. Our police force needs to see this as a threat and danger to guests as well as patients. One dog bite will lead to a lawsuit, we don’t need that. We also don’t need a contaminated hospital facility. Check other hospitals and you will see what I mean. The Administration is not doing his job.

I mentioned last week that I would check on a couple of things. I have spoken with several regarding the Fisher Hospitality House and its supposed sinking/listing to one side. It seems to be true. If you approach the rear pond side of the building you can see it is listing to that side.

VA has initiated a cover up by keeping the area well groomed, with lights all on and allowing the Fisher House parking lot to fill with non-resident cars and trucks. This only makes things worse as it adds to congestion that I tried to warn them against three years ago. As our readers may recall I went to the State of Maine and filed a complaint regarding “Wetland Violations”, they took my report and said they would get back to me regarding any action taken. I never heard from them. I didn’t think I would, but occasionally you meet some honorable people who take these things seriously.

I didn’t want to see our pond disappearing, nor the ducks leaving. Many of us enjoy them coming every year and raising new families. It’s very nice for us to watch. Wildlife is very healthy within Togus’s 500 acre property; you can see most anything. I visit almost every night. I visit our graveyards also, just to see that all is well. I noticed a “No Dogs Allowed” sign has been placed outside the gate there. Lately, my wife and I have observed some rabbits. We haven’t seen those here for years.

Our charity event in Sidney went off very well. People had a great meal, met new and old friends, as well as donated to some of our ongoing projects for the least advantaged among us. Also, I had a couple of veterans approach me and ask for help with some issues. I never can say no to a veteran in need. I feel everyone with the ability to help should.

For some reason some veterans are very shy when it comes to asking for assistance with an issue. Veterans should never feel that way. There are many things that VA can do to help, but you must let them know. Togus VBA has some of the most knowledgeable Service Officers anywhere. I for one am very proud of the staff we have acquired. You will feel welcome from the very first minute you arrive. Also, you probably will leave with what you came for. You’ll even get a free pen to mark the first day of the rest of your life.

God bless. Until next time.