Andrei Reacher has an addiction problem. He has sought professional help, tried home remedies and even consulted an acupuncturist. So far a cure has eluded him and so he copes as best he can. One of his coping mechanisms is an emotional support animal. And that’s where Mr. Reacher and society part ways.
We met with Mr. Reacher at the Jennette’s Pier, one of the few places “Bob,” Mr. Reacher’s service animal is not unwelcome. Bob is a sea mullet today. Some days he is a perch, others a blue fish. Once he was a goldfish.
“That was a horrible time,” said Mr. Reacher about Goldfish Bob. “I broke my hand and couldn’t fish for a couple days. So I had to get one at the pet store.”
Mr. Reacher’s addiction is fishing. He fishes from the pier in the morning, takes his ocean kayak out in the afternoon, and surf casts in the evening. He owns a dozen different fish finders and even has a fish whistle which he swears is the best thing for landing striped bass.
But there are days Mr. Reacher cannot fish. Hurricanes are his arch nemesis, but he also avoids thunderstorms and tornadoes. When he can’t fish Mr. Reacher enters a strange mental state that he describes as a cross between opioid withdrawal and incel sexual frustration (both of which Mr. Reacher is familiar with). And that’s when Bob comes in.
“When I have Bob with me, I can cope,” says Mr. Reacher. “He smooths out my nerves and lets me function like a normal human being.”
It is a matter of debate if “normal” is a word that could be used for a man that carries a live 30 pound carp under one arm while standing in line to order pizza. Managers at most establishments tend to think not, despite the handmade “Service Animal” vests the Bob’s are wearing.
“I don’t buy it,” said Valerie Scroggins, owner of Toys Were Us. Scroggins claims she has kicked Mr. Reacher out of her store about a half dozen times. “I mean, it’s not so bad if Bob is a minnow or something small he can keep in his pocket. But Andy tends to go big and usually he’s toting around a goddamn grouper or something.”
Andrei Reacher’s struggle for social acceptance of his condition continues. He patiently explains his medical condition to any who will listen and while he’s never completely convinced anyone, he feels he’s gained some sympathy.
“My greatest hope,” Mr. Reacher said, “Is to simply be able to go to the store or the movies with my service animal, just like Ronnie Milsap.”