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Austin Subaru ⁣Faces Public Outcry After Former employee Loses Job, Dealership ⁢Retains Therapy Dog

AUSTIN, TX – Austin Subaru is weathering a critically important wave of public criticism after a recently terminated employee revealed the dealership intends to keep “Rally,” a golden retriever who⁣ served as a beloved fixture and emotional support animal ⁣at the store. The situation, which unfolded publicly this week, has sparked calls for a boycott and ignited a debate about corporate ‌responsibility towards both employees and animals.

The former​ employee, ‌whose name has not been widely publicized, ​detailed the situation in a now-viral social media⁤ post. He explained that the question of Rally’s fate was a⁢ constant worry during his employment. “I ⁢often got asked, ‘What will happen ​if you got ‌let go? Would you keep Rally?’ I honestly never ⁤knew how to ⁣answer that​ question. Now I know,” he wrote. He further shared that he initially took the marketing job ⁢following⁤ a diagnosis of severe anxiety and depression, and that Rally was a crucial source of support during that​ time. “He⁢ was my rock…This⁢ will definitely have a‌ long-term effect⁣ on both of us,” he added.

The post quickly gained traction across platforms like Reddit,‍ Instagram, and⁤ Facebook, with users expressing outrage ⁢at Austin‍ Subaru’s decision. Many pointed to the‌ dealership’s stated affiliation ‍with Austin ‍Pets Alive, a local animal ​rescue organization, as particularly hypocritical. “This dealership claims affiliation ⁢with the splendid Austin Pets Alive rescue, yet is knowingly removing⁣ Rally from his loving⁣ home ‌of the last ⁣three years,” ⁤one reddit⁤ post stated. “Subaru of Austin is obviously legally entitled to Rally, but we’re legally entitled​ to think this ‍is incredibly nasty business ⁤and to shop elsewhere.”

Other Austin-area dealerships⁣ appeared to ‌subtly address ‌the controversy. ⁤Roger Beasley⁢ Mazda Austin posted a⁣ video on social media ⁣highlighting their ongoing support of the ⁢Austin Humane Society,⁢ with the caption: “We believe every dog deserves a forever ‌home, not just a photo op.”

In response to the⁣ growing backlash, Austin Subaru released a statement via Instagram ‌Stories,⁢ asserting that Rally is “deeply loved ‌and ‌well cared for by our employees and‍ our ownership team.” The dealership emphasized that Rally is a “cherished part of our dealership family” and that his⁢ “safety, stability, and daily care have always been and will continue to be our top priority.”

Austin ⁤Subaru ⁤acknowledged the public concern but declined to comment on the specifics of the employment situation,⁤ stating, “We⁤ understand that emotions can run high, but please know that there are always multiple perspectives, and every decision we make is guided by what we believe is best for rally and our ‍greater Subaru family.”

Rally remains prominently featured on the Austin Subaru website, described as a team member whose duties include “cheering ‌up guests, making new friends, and greeting everyone who ‌comes into the store.”

As of publication, neither Austin Subaru nor the former‍ employee had responded to requests for ⁣comment from Chron. The situation continues to unfold, raising questions about the ⁤evolving role of animals ⁢in the workplace and the ethical considerations ​businesses face ‌when navigating employee departures and ⁤the fate of company “mascots” or support ⁢animals.