Student sues university to keep ferret in dorm
Sarah Sevick, 19, a freshman at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Tex., has filed an Americans with Disabilities Act complaint with the federal government because the university refused to allow her to keep her ferret in her dorm room.
Sevick said she has been diagnosed with psychiatric problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder. She takes medication for depression and anxiety, she said. . . .
Sevick requested to keep the ferret at her dormitory and in class before she moved onto campus in August, but was denied. . . .
Sevick said she’s had many attacks since she’s been on campus without the ferret.
She discovered Lilly’s calming effects when she received the ferret as a gift about a year ago.
“Pretty quickly, we realized it was very responsive to her,” said Sevick’s mother, Kay, who now cares for Lilly. “When (Sarah’s) anxiety goes up, (Lilly) climbs on her and nuzzles her, and will stay for hours with her until she’s better.”
Sarah Sevick said university officials feared the ferret was a threat to other students and wasn’t trained as a service animal. . . .
Meanwhile Sevick said she’s not doing well in class.
“It’s almost like I’m being jinxed,” she said. “Because of that, I stay in my room.” — Associated Press
Whoa, being depressed is a disability? I’m terribly depressed! Excuse me while I go file for some nice government benefits. As for Sarah Sevick, I hear she needs a boyfriend. Any of you eligible bachelors out there want to go out with her?
As soon as the said bachelor hears about this deal, they’ll be on the next plane to the other side of the country…
Comment by shorty114 — October 16, 2005 @ 4:55 am
I go to school with Sarah,
She is a down to earth girl, and yes she HAS a boyfriend. Until you have been through the stuff she has seen and been through. You have no right to judge. She is great and sweet, nice to everybody. Everybody loves her. You should consider yourself lucky, because you couldn’t handle the stuff she has been through, and all the hate you have been giving her. She doesn’t deserve this.
Comment by Starr — October 18, 2005 @ 8:13 am
I would say the reverse is true: Sarah couldn’t handle the stuff I’ve been through.
We all have our problems. It’s how we deal with them that sets us apart.
There were many other things Sarah could have done with respect to Our Lady of the Lake University, and she chose the dumbest thing I can think of. Sorry, that’s just the way it is.
She couldn’t have not known in advance that her ferret would not be permitted in the dorms. At that point your typical not-stupid person looks for other options, like living off campus, or finding a college which would be more understanding of her needs.
The fact remains that she did something stupid, and that’s why she wound up here.
Comment by Michael Hampton — October 18, 2005 @ 2:11 pm
Leave the Kid alone , You know I have my problems too its jest some people need extra help and someday you will too you know like when you get old and you go blind and crap yourself you heartless jack off. oh yea a Ferret kept me sane when I was in the Army and now I am owned by 2 little ones. Sounds like you need some love maybe the ferret can teach you how to be a better “Human”. Have a nice day…………..DOOK!
Comment by Gregory — December 10, 2005 @ 2:39 am
I understand what joy a ferret can bring. I suffer from depression and my ferret helps me through those tough times. Please keep up the fight! im with u all the way!
Comment by mel — December 27, 2005 @ 12:48 am
depression can be an extremely debilitating disorder, and is much worse than most physical conditions.people with depression can be dragged down further when they go to university and are shut up in a chlostrophobic little room.i think she should be allowed to keep her pet if it is handled responsably.i think people need to wise up and realisoe how seruious and potentially life threatening this condition can be.
Comment by Lauren — March 24, 2007 @ 5:08 pm
Ok this is an absolute insult my sister’s ferret has been her companion through so many difficult time and I would know cause i live with her. One of my pet peeves is people say things about a person that are hurtful and they don’t even know them! My sister has many friends she loves everyone, and she is the best person any one could ever meet. What is this about respecting the university? are you insane???? The univerisity needs to respect her! any way unless you know a person don’t judge them or how they deal with things. She deals with things her way and instead of saying she should just let things go, LET HER BE!
I love my sister and until you know her, seriously, don’t say anything else.
Comment by Anna Sevick — June 3, 2008 @ 7:10 pm