As KSPR first told you, A Springfield woman is taking some of the biggest names in the city to court.

That includes Wal-Mart, Cox Health and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department.

KSPR talked to the woman about why she's fighting to keep a monkey by her side.

Debby Rose has agoraphobia or a fear of public places along with a panic disorder.

Rose says when the health department sent out 1,000 letters to black list her, she not only couldn't eat out but she couldn't get an education.

Rose says, “He helps me in every daily routine I do."

Richard the monkey is more than a pet to Debby Rose.

He's her service animal. He helps her overcome what she calls crippling anxiety.

Rose says, “He'll encourage me to keep going to move on to the next task."

Richard and Rose go everywhere together. Or at least they did.

Many businesses quit letting Rose and Richard in after the health department sent out the letters to ban the monkey because of food and health codes.

Rose says she was stopped before she could go into the Wal-Mart on Kansas Expressway.

Rose says, “A manager walked in with the letter in his hand laughing saying you’re not getting in here.”

Rose says she and Richard can’t go anywhere that serves food including her daughter’s soccer game, Wal-Mart and even nursing school at Cox Health.

Wal-Mart and Cox Health representatives would not go on camera. Both say they have not formally been served the suit.

Wal-Mart spokesperson Sharon Weber says, “We were following the direction of the local health department.”

Cox Health’s Legal Department sent us this statement. “We have not yet seen the lawsuit so we are unable to comment on Ms. Rose’s allegations. As a health care organization, we are governed by many health and safety guidelines including the Centers for Disease Control. According to these guidelines, a monkey poses significant health risks that other animals do not. Our first priority is to ensure the safety of our patients, employees and visitors. We fully stand behind our decision, and we plan to vigorously defend this lawsuit through the court process.”

Rose says her monkey is just as healthy if not more healthy than a child. Rose says, “We get tested twice a year for blood work. We are perfectly health and clear of any diseases that anyone can catch."

The health department says Richard is still a risk. They also say they've never seen proof he was trained.

As for Richard's hygiene, the monkey wears diapers, showers every day and brushes his teeth. Rose says he also visits a vet.

Rose says Richard is also certified as a service animal by three organizations. She says the local service animal group, the Service Animal Registry of America, and the Missouri Department of Revenue.

In fact, Richard is a restriction on Rose's driver's license.

Rose says, “I was told you can't drive anywhere without your service animal because of your disability."

Rose says it makes no sense for the state to require her to drive with Richard but she can't take him inside anywhere in Greene County.

“Richard enables Debby just like a Seeing Eye dog helps a blind person." Rose’s attorney Jim Arneson said, “I'd like her to be treated like a normal person."

Debby says she does all of her grocery shopping in Polk County.

She goes out to eat and works in Branson, where they allow Richard in businesses.

Rose would like to all in Greene County.

No court date has been set for the civil lawsuit.