Having a service dog is very helpful for me, but it also comes with the responsibility of being aware of my rights as a person and the laws that are in place to protect me. I cannot tell you how many times I have had to inform people what they are saying to me is incorrect and illegal. I am speaking about this so that you are aware and hopefully you take this information and learn about your rights.

If someone in your life has a chronic illness and shows up to events, just know that they are choosing to spend time with you despite the effect it will have on their body in the coming days. Also, don’t be too hard on them if they don’t look super stoked or must bail early. I know I would love to feel great and be able to talk all day long, but the truth is, I am in constant pain, some days worse than others and being with people and pretending to not be in pain takes a very large toll on my mind and body. 

A conversation with my dear friend Megan, who I met through Freedom Service Dogs because she was MY service dog's foster mom. #FreedomServiceDogs is a not for profit organization that supplies service dogs to so many people through their programs and is always looking for donations AND volunteers. One of the ways you can volunteer is becoming either a part of their "puppy raiser" club or a weekend foster parent.

When people start deciding they want to know where they are from, it's usually a little too late.

The decision to apply for and get a service dog was a hard process for me. With the help of an amazing company and support of my medical team to make this choice made a huge difference.

Chronic fatigue and chronic illnesses.