Sharon Fowler calls her 4-year-old black lab her an extension of herself. After all, the dog isn't just a pet. Laura is her guide dog.
"It's beyond best friend," Fowler said.
Fowler has Churg Strauss Syndrome and as a result, lost much of her vision. But thanks to Laura, she can still get around her Lutz community and home in Paradise Lakes Resort.
Fowler said when her and her husband first moved into the nudist community a couple of years ago, her home owners association had no problem with Laura, despite the fact that the dog exceeded the 25 pound weight limit on the size of pets.
Fowler said she provided all the documentation proving Laura was a service animal on her rental application, which was approved without a problem.
But several months later, Fowler said the tone changed. She said several neighbors complained and now the HOA wants her to get rid of Laura or get out of the community. Fowler said someone in the office even accused her of lying about being legally blind.
"I'm 43 years old," Fowler said. "And in the 43 years of my life, I've never been so degraded and so put down."
So Fowler got an attorney and filed a civil lawsuit, claiming Paradise Lakes Condominium Association is discriminating against her because of her disability.
"Somebody has to stand up and say enough is enough," Fowler said. "You don't treat a human being the way I'm being treated."
Fowler is seeking damages for mental anguish. But more importantly, she said she just wants to live peacefully in Paradise Lakes Resort.
Fowler said she wants Laura by her side.
Bay News 9 reached out to the Paradise Lakes Condominium Association for their side of the story but we were told no comment.