Visually impaired woman wins fight over therapeutic ferret

An Ottawa woman who travels with a therapeutic ferret has won her fight to be allowed back on city buses while holding the creature close.

Frances Woodard, 54, suffers from agoraphobia, anxiety and panic attacks. According to her doctor, having Gyno with her eases her symptoms.

Last fall, municipal officials issued Woodard a special pass to take the animal on the bus. Then, even though nobody had complained, the permit was revoked when it was determined Gyno didn't qualify under existing city bylaws as a "service animal" such as the guide dogs used by the visually impaired.

But the city's transit committee decided Wednesday to give Woodard a special exemption.
Woodard said Wednesday she was pleased with the move. She said last fall when she was allowed to take the ferret on the transit system, she gained her "freedom" for the first time in years.