Dan Baker reports that his assistance dog Loki was prohibited from entering a church after barking to alert others when Baker was in distress. (Photo credit: DonovanMaess/CTVNews)
In a heartfelt plea for recognition and understanding, Saskatchewan veteran Dan Baker has taken a bold step forward by filing a complaint with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission (SHRC) after an unsettling encounter at a Regina church sanctuary.
Baker, who served his country for over a decade, found solace in the companionship of his loyal service dog, Loki, whom he adopted with his wife after battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.
The bond between Baker and Loki is profound; trained to sense and alleviate Baker's anxiety, Loki has become an invaluable companion, even trained to alert others in case of an emergency, as witnessed during Baker's heart attack.
Their connection, however, faced an unexpected hurdle during a Sunday service at ROC Church International in the summer of 2023. Despite Loki's well-trained assistance, the duo was reportedly turned away, with the church citing disruption to the "Holy Spirit" as the reason for their exclusion.
The incident not only left Baker feeling discriminated against but also had a profound impact on Loki, now exhibiting signs of distress akin to his owner's PTSD.
Driven by a sense of injustice, Baker has taken his grievance to the SHRC, hoping to shed light on the rights of individuals with service animals. While the commission remains tight-lipped on the specifics of the case, citing privacy concerns, Baker remains resolute in his pursuit of justice and understanding.
ROC Church International has yet to respond to the allegations, leaving the fate of Baker and Loki's complaint hanging in the balance.
In a bid to turn their ordeal into a catalyst for change, Baker stresses the importance of education regarding service animals, advocating for their recognition as vital medical aids.
As the wheels of justice slowly turn, Baker's story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by those with service animals and the pressing need for empathy and inclusivity in society.
