Pinup models Shane and Sia Barbi identify as “Green Tea Party” activists and frequently use their Twitter feed to promote causes related to veterans and animals. This morning, the twin sisters spotlighted the story of an Iraq War veteran and his certified service dog, Jack.
Disabled vet kicked out of restaurant for therapy dog! Call reps to rid #PTSD stigma & help our heroes #sot… http://t.co/PCc6s83kQc
— Barbi Twins (@Barbi_Twins) August 27, 2013
James Glasser says he brings his 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier everywhere to help him cope with the symptoms of PTSD. But when Glasser brought the dog to the Big I’s in Oxford, Mass., he says he was asked to leave. And by “asked to leave,” we mean he was reportedly told, “Get that f**king fake service dog out of my restaurant.”
“How much emotional support do you need when you are eating breakfast?” asked restaurant co-owner and noted douchenozzle Russel Ireland.
A truly classy way to honor an Air Force vet who served this country for 21 years, huh? Ireland refused to apologize to Glasser and said he doesn’t “want him in my establishment at all.”
The Barbi twins asked followers to call on representatives to help heroes like Glasser. And since the story broke, Mr. Ireland has developed a huge P.R. problem on social media.
Another day, another scumbag spitting in the face of a veteran…. http://t.co/CQ1kXLpI8T
— Anna (@Libertas_87) August 27, 2013
https://twitter.com/AmberBarno/status/372392287461863425
there is absolutely no excuse for the way this veteran was treated. http://t.co/FLaYJdEQL5
— Rita Merlot (@ritamerlot) August 27, 2013
https://twitter.com/Hankography/status/371831505082777600
Ah, a boycott a restaurant reason if I ever read one. Unbelievable. http://t.co/HD4r7sg9iG
— Angela Melody (@musique913) August 27, 2013
Lets get #boycottBigI trending. http://t.co/8VBy2oFOjF #boycottBigI #boycottBigI #boycottBigI #boycottBigI #boycottBigI
— Terri (@bivange) August 27, 2013
https://twitter.com/Worcester_JLL/status/371819567103754240
After all the backlash, Ireland is rethinking his stance and admits he “overreacted.”
#BigI restaurant owner in MA is a jerk, kicks Iraq war vet and service dog out, later ADMITS he was a jerk. http://t.co/XXiV8p6TW0
— Staci ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@swaddle24) August 27, 2013
Glasser reportedly intends to file an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint.
Update:
Worth mentioning: The Barbi twins and Shane’s husband Ken Wahl are celebrity ambassadors for Hounds and Heroes.
Related:
‘Final salute’: Barbi twins honor slain WWII vet Delbert Belton; Ken Wahl, Charlie Daniels hit Obama
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