Doctor Turns Away Guide Dog For The Blind And Owner From Office

The local Fox affiliate in Philadelphia is reporting that a man with a guide dog for the blind was turned away and refused service in the office of a doctor.

According to the report, Dr. Priya Punjabi, a medical professional in the Philadelphia area, refused to allow local man Joe Cichonski and his dog Hero to wait in the office for his wife's appointment.

"The dog is not allowed in the office, it is a pet," Punjabi allegedly told Cichonski.

The catch: Hero is Cichonski's lifeline, as Cichonski is considered legally blind. He can only see a small bit of light from one eye, and from the other eye he can see nothing. Without Hero, it is impossible for Cichonski to get around.

After the incident in the lobby, the doctor refused to conduct the scheduled examination with Cichonski's wife.

All in all, it's not very nice treatment for a guide dog during a week that is supposed to honor assistance dogs.

Should there be legal ramifications for this doctor's supposed actions? Let us know what you think in a comment!