To the Editor:
I would like to thank the very nice person whom my service dog Ike and I met outside the Newes cafe.
We were out there on November 9. It was a rainy day, and it was getting harder for Ike and me to get around. We decided to get something to eat. We were standing outside the Newes debating on whether to go in or not. You see, the last time I was on Nantucket with Ike, we were harassed at a restaurant that said, “We don’t have to follow them rules out here.” When I graciously handed that person the laws regarding service dogs in the United States, he said his restaurant was exempt.
So as I was standing outside the Newes, this was what I was thinking about. While I was standing there, a nice man (local) started talking to Ike and me. I explained what had happened on Nantucket, and he told me “the people here are much nicer” He was very interested in Ike and all the amazing things he does for me.
Ike can even empty the dryer. I received Ike from canine support teams in California. They are a 501 nonprofit that does not charge the recipient for the dog. This nice man told me that the Newes was a good place to eat, so we started inside.
When I walked inside, dripping wet with a wet dog in tow, the hostess gave me the impression that she was about to tell me no dogs allowed. I walked away and went to the restroom. When I came back, the nice person I had been talking to must have talked to the hostess, because she sat me and my companions right away.
During the meal, the young man visited our table again to make sure everything was okay. It was amazing, the care and concern this person had for me and Ike. Unfortunately, we were only there for the day. It would have been nice to see more of Martha’s Vineyard with a local, or just wander on our own.
I never did get this nice stranger’s name. It was because of his kindness that I will visit Martha’s Vineyard again. As for Nantucket, I’m not so sure. Thank you for your kindness, mystery man. I will never forget it.
Jennifer Blanchard and Ike
San Diego, California
