A partially-paralysed woman faces losing her ‘lifeline’ canine pal or the roof over her head after council bosses change sheltered housing pet rules.
Jane Stock, 60, has been told she has just 28 days to get rid of Staffordshire bull terrier Bobby-Jay – or face being re-homed herself.
Jane, who suffers from pancreatitis and has had seven operations in the past two years, however, has never signing a contract banning dogs at the property.
She says her female pooch is “everything” to her and had motivated her to go out again after being housebound for six months with her ailment.
New tenancy agreements banning tenants from owning dogs were issued while Mrs Stock was in intensive care for 13 weeks earlier this year.
It gave tenants a choice between accepting the new policy or giving four weeks notice.
Jane said: “They’re trying to make me get rid of my dog even though I’ve got letters from my doctor stating my health has improved since I had her.
“She’s everything to me – she’s given me my life back.
“I didn’t go outside the door for over six months – she’s absolutely everything to me and I couldn’t give her up now.”
Jane had already sent an application form to City of York Council in April last year under the advice of the manager at Barstow House in York.
A letter from Mrs Stock’s GP which was presented to the council as part of her appeal stated she felt “the dog benefits her mental health”.
Mrs Stock had also previously told the doctor Bobby-Jay “improves her motivation to get out of the house, improves her mood and gives her companionship”.
Kate Grandfield, housing management service manager at City of York Council, responded: “Mrs Stock did not sign a new tenancy and her new tenancy did not state she cannot have a pet in the building.
“However, tenants were consulted regarding this policy and amendment to the tenancy agreement and were ultimately given an option to accept or to give four weeks notice.
“I am not unsympathetic to the current situation and I note Mrs Stock’s medical conditions and the doctor’s note, but I cannot grant permission for something that would be in breach of the tenancy agreement and the council’s policy.
