In 2009, Dr. Gael Yonnet of Salt Lake City was paired with a service dog from Canine Companions for Independence, or CCI. The dog, named Elon, and Dr. Yonnet became inseparable. 

That was until January 29, 2011, when CCI deemed Dr. Yonnet's active lifestyle and job were putting Elon in danger. Dr. Yonnet is a senior resident at the University of Utah hospital's neuro-rehabilitation department. 

Dr. Yonnet is wheelchair bound due to a snowboarding accident five years ago, but because of Elon, he is able to mountain bike, climb and continue to be active in the Wasatch Mountains.

CCI has a strict no off-leash policy, and while on their mountain adventures, Elon -- like hundreds of dogs every week -- was let off-leash in designated areas. Dr. Yonnet also admitted allowing Elon off-leash while making rounds at the clinic so Elon could cuddle up to patients on their beds. 

Elon was not allowed off a leash near urban areas or streets. He was even kept on-leash during meetings at the hospital. Elon was never in danger and Utah leash laws were never broken. 

Though Dr. Yonnet had to briefly drop the leash on occasion at grocery stores in order to grab products, complete transactions and hold bags, Elon was always right next to him and under control. This is a common practice among those with service animals.

Elon was living the life most dogs only dream of. He was well cared for, loved, taken everywhere and allowed to romp and play on mountain trails next to his devoted owner.

CCI didn't see it that way, and illegally seized the dog from Dr. Yonnet without a court order because he let him off-leash, even though Elon's safety was never jeopardized. Now, Elon waits for his fate on a concrete floor in a California kennel.

Dr. Yonnet apologized for having Elon off-leash, and says if all it takes to get Elon back is to keep him on-leash at all times, he will comply. 

Sign the petition below and tell Canine Companions for Independence to give Elon back to his rightful owner: Dr. Yonnet.

Photo credit: Gael Yonnet