“She alerts me when I’m about to faint—I have a heart condition. She’s saved my life.”

She told me she once didn’t understand service dogs either, until her diagnosis. “I didn’t want to feel weak. But there’s strength in accepting help.”

That line stuck with me.

Now, I notice vests. I explain them to kids. I guide Bowie with more awareness. That awkward moment at the vet? It turned into something meaningful.

Sometimes, the best lessons come from our mistakes.