Chaz

K.O.A., that's Kampgrounds Of America, does not allow Doberman Pinschers, and other *dangerous breeds* to stay in their campgrounds.

For absolutely no good reason.

I was told this by the manager of the Cloverdale (CA) KOA after I had already spent one night there and was about to stay another.

Pam, the host, tells me it's a *Family Image* issue. According to KOA, none of us Doberman owners have families.

She also explained it was a liability insurance issue. Anytime you hear this, it's almost always a flat out lie. I know. I useed to employ that one a bunch when I was tending bar (I used to make up my own "liquor laws" too).

But because Pam was kind enough to not "dis-invite" me (their term for throwing me out on my a--), I'll extend the benifit of the doubt her way. First thing one learns on day-1 of any customer service job is that The Customer Is King. When it comes to buying liability insurance, KOA is The Customer. The only reason KOA has a policy with asinine restrictions is because that's exactly the way they want it.

I explained to Pam that Mensa is the world's best behaved dog, and Pam said she was certain that was true, but because we look like others who may have caused problems, we're not welcome.

How is this different from profiling?

I've contacted KOA by e-mail. And tomorrow (Monday), if I am anywhere near a post office, I'm firing off a letter to their President to let him know how I feel.

If anyone else contacts KOA, especially the Cloverdale CA "K"ampground, please remember they cut me a break when they let me stay until morning instead of bouncing me out of here last night.

Mensa is far-and-above the best behaved dog in the entire campground, yet she is the one singled out for critical attention by two members of KOA staff.