Disabled Veteran Is Unable To Work Without His Service Dog – Hardware Store Hires Them Both

Jun 03, 2020 by apost team

Being disabled and needing the support of a service dog is not an easy situation, and unfortunately some employers aren't so kind in this matter. Thankfully, that wasn't the case for Clay Luthy, a US Air Force veteran who was recently employed by Lowe's hardware store in Abilene, Texas in 2016- and his service dog Charlotte was as well.

Now Clay has the support he needs on the job.

Having served on multiple deployments—once in Uzbekistan and twice in Qatar—Clay Luthy knows what it's like to fight for his country. After injuring himself and needing to have multiple knee surgeries, including a reconstructive surgery, Clay was unable to continue serving his country after he wasn't allowed to re-enlist. Instead, he wanted to get a job and go to work.

However, as anyone with a disability knows, some employers aren't so thoughtful when it comes to people with disabilities, especially those who have the need for a service dog to be at their side. But all of Clay's fears were put aside when he interviewed at the Abilene, Texas location of Lowe's hardware. He took the initiative and brought his service dog Charlotte to the interview with him, wanting to make sure from the get go that Lowe's knew what his requirements for working there were.

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One of Lowe's human resource managers, Jay Fellers, told CBS News about the moment:

"We were interviewing people for his position and he was one of the applicants, so he showed up for his interview, and he had Charlotte with him."

Clay wanted to make sure that him needing Charlotte wouldn't be an issue, but as he explained to CBS News, he soon found that wouldn't be a problem at all: "He told me 'Oh no, absolutely. We've got service dogs that work all throughout Lowe's.'" Then a few weeks later they offered him the job.

It's a positive turn for Clay, who wants nothing more than to be in the workforce. He said in the same interview, "I'm a disabled vet, and I can't stand sitting at home." Instead of having medications, Clay has Charlotte and it's clear the two have a beautiful bond. 

Lowe's has even taken her wellbeing into account when scheduling shifts for the pair, with Clay adding:

"They schedule me in an area for at least a few hours where Charlotte can get a good break."

Charlotte even has her own Lowe's work vest which Clay made himself. She's now 10-years-old, and Clay is currently training his other dog Lola to take over for her in about one year or so.

Jay Fellers also told CBS News that Clay has been very kind to let customers pat Charlotte when they see her and that the two of them have been very popular in-store. What a positive turn to Clay and Charlotte's story. 

What did you think of Clay and Charlotte's working relationship? Do you know any people with disabilities that have interesting employment stories? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this heartwarming story on to your family and friends!