How My Service Dog Saved My Life (and Still Does)

When I met Harley, I didn’t just meet a dog — I met my lifeline.

I’ve lived through moments that could have ended me — bullets, violence, loss, and the weight of trauma. In those moments, most people saw scars. Harley saw me.

The First Rescue

The day Harley became my service dog was the day my life shifted from just surviving to beginning to heal. His alertness, his loyalty, and his quiet understanding were unlike anything I’d experienced.

• He knows before I do when a panic attack is coming.

• He interrupts flashbacks with a nudge or a paw on my leg.

• He makes me feel safe enough to walk into places I once avoided.

More Than a Task List

People sometimes think service dogs are just “trained to do tricks.” Harley is my partner, my shadow, my constant. His work is not just physical — it’s deeply emotional.
When the world feels loud and unsafe, Harley is the quiet in the storm.

A Daily Lifeline

• Morning walks: He gets me out of bed when depression tries to keep me there.

• Public outings: I feel confident knowing I’m not facing crowds alone.

• Hard days: He stays pressed against me, reminding me that I’m never truly alone.

What I Wish People Knew About Service Dogs

They are not pets — they’re trained professionals with jobs that save lives. Please:

• Don’t distract them when they’re working.

• Don’t question whether someone “looks disabled enough” to need one.

• Understand that sometimes, they’re the difference between a meltdown and a manageable day.

To Harley

If you could understand every word I’m typing, I’d tell you: You didn’t just save me once, you save me every single day.

Call to Action:
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to live with a service dog, read my book Harley: The Dog Who Saved Me — it’s our full story.