The owner of a Parsippany 7-Eleven has apologized to a veteran who was not allowed into the store on Memorial Day because of his service dog.

This past Memorial Day, veteran Michael Deitch says he was not allowed into the 7-Eleven on North Beverwyk Road because he had a dog with him. 

Sox, a 7-month-old lab-hound-mix, is federally protected under the American with Disabilities Act. Deitch says he developed PTSD following an incident while working as a police officer during Superstorm Sandy. He says Sox has helped him recover.

"This dog literally saved me, and I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for him," he says.

According to Deitch, when he tried to go into the 7-Eleven, he was told dogs are not allowed into the store because it serves food. Deitch claims Sox was wearing his vest that identifies him as a service dog at the time.

The Parsippany 7-Eleven now says it was all a big misunderstanding. The owner of the store has called Deitch to apologize and the manager of the store even met with him to apologize in person.

A spokesperson for 7-Eleven's Corporate Headquarters in Dallas tells News 12 New Jersey that all stores allow service animals inside.