What happens when an ethics professor spends decades hiding the very vulnerability that would eventually transform her life... and her work?
Host Rahn Springer sits down with Deni Elliott — vision-impaired handler, ethics professor, and lifelong advocate for independence — and Graham Buck, a veteran guide dog trainer with over 30 years at Guiding Eyes for the Blind and founder of Buck's Best Dogs. Together, they co-authored *Catching Sight: How a Guide Dog Helped Me See Myself*, a rare dual-perspective look at the guide dog partnership told by the person who lived it and the trainer who shaped it.
This one goes deep. Humor, heartbreak, and hard-earned wisdom... from both sides of the harness.

Renee Michaels, actress and creator, joins Rahn Springer to talk about her career, two service dogs (Harper and Finn), and how service animals fit into professional and everyday life. Renee shares stories from set, explains owner‑training vs. program dogs, and urges better public education and stronger laws against fake service animals.

Key Moments and Timestamps
00:00 — Intro and guest welcome
00:34 — Renee describes her new sitcom Minding the Family — faith‑based, small‑town slice‑of‑life series.
01:41 — Haven and The Haven Chronicles — post‑apocalyptic series inspired by earlier work.
03:05 — Awards and recognition — Branson International Film Festival and Bare Bones Trailblazer Award.
03:48 — How Renee uses two service dogs on set — Harper (experienced, semi‑retired) and Finn (younger, learning).
06:30 — Training approach — on‑the‑job reinforcement and ongoing practice.
07:24 — Bringing a service dog to set — how crews react and how Renee coordinates with productions.
09:45 — When to disclose a service dog to casting/production — job‑by‑job approach; travel is non‑negotiable.
14:14 — Advice for prospective service dog handlers — define needs, budget, temperament testing.
18:26 — What Renee wishes people knew — service dogs are working; don’t distract them.
20:58 — Policy and education goals — stronger state laws and better public/business education.
21:59 — Where to find Renee — Actors Access, IMDb, and social: Actress with a Service Dog on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram.

Top Quotes
On storytelling: “I have a sitcom that I'm working on... Minding the Family.” On public etiquette: “If you see a dog out... assume it's a service dog and ignore it.”

Takeaways for Listeners
Service dogs are medical equipment. Respect their space and handler privacy. Training never really ends. Everyday outings are opportunities to reinforce skills. Disclosure is situational. Renee recommends telling productions when travel or long absences are involved. Policy change matters. Stronger state laws and education would reduce fake service‑animal misuse.

Find Renee:
Facebook: Renee Michaels / Actress with a Service Dog YouTube, TikTok, Instagram: @ActressWithAServiceDog Casting/professional: IMDb | Actors Access
Call to ActionIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share—especially with anyone who works with animals or in casting and production. Help spread the message: service dogs are working dogs.

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