Starting over looks different for everyone.
For some, it means a new job. For others, it’s letting go of old relationships, moving somewhere new, or even just waking up one morning and deciding, “I want better for myself.”
For me, it’s all of that. And then some.
I’ve been through more transitions lately than I can count. Divorce. Health changes. Shifting family dynamics. Saying goodbye to old versions of myself that no longer fit. But one little constant has been curled up by my side through it all—Jenny, my 2-year-old Chihuahua-Pomeranian mix.
She’s more than a pet. She’s my shadow. My little sponge for all things emotional. And now, she’s about to step into a new role in my life—as my service dog in training.
Why Now?
Living with hyperadrenergic POTS means my blood pressure has a mind of its own. One moment I’m fine, the next, I’m dizzy, disoriented, or completely wiped out. I’ve stopped driving, had to change how I navigate the world, and learned to slow down whether I wanted to or not.
It’s a humbling thing to admit when your body no longer lets you move through life the way you used to.
But instead of feeling defeated, I’m choosing to adapt—and Jenny is going to help me do that.
Training Jenny Is Part of My Healing
This isn’t just about teaching a dog new tricks. It’s about reclaiming some of the power I’ve lost. It’s about taking back control, even in the tiniest ways. It’s about saying, I’m not giving up—I’m adjusting.
Jenny already knows when something’s off. She’s glued to my side on bad days, and even more so when my body starts whispering those early warnings I’ve learned to listen for. So I figured, why not take that intuition and turn it into action?
We’re training Jenny to detect shifts in my blood pressure and alert me. She’s already halfway there just by being who she is.
The Steps We’re Taking
We started with the basics—commands like sit, stay, and heel. It’s important she’s calm and focused, even in public places (and yes, I’m looking at you, Dolly). From there, I’ve been watching how she reacts during my BP spikes. Does she stare? Paw at me? Hover?
Once we nail that down, I’ll pair it with a specific alert behavior—like a nose nudge or paw tap. We’ll add a cue like “Check me,” and with time, she’ll learn how to recognize when something’s up and let me know.
It won’t happen overnight. But neither did my healing.
Why It Matters
Starting over at this stage in life isn’t just about paperwork or to-do lists. It’s emotional. It’s rebuilding trust in yourself. And for me, it’s learning how to live in this body with grace—even when it feels like it’s fighting me.
Jenny isn’t just helping with my health. She’s a symbol of where I’m headed. Toward independence. Toward peace. Toward a life that feels safe, manageable, and full of love.
Know Your Rights
If you’re thinking about training your own service dog, especially for medical alerts, it’s important to understand your rights:
ADA Requirements for Service Animals Service Animals – ADA National Network Service Animal FAQ
Knowledge is power—just like training. So don’t be afraid to dive in.
This Is Just the Beginning
I don’t know exactly where this journey with Jenny will lead. But I know it’s a beautiful step in the right direction. She’s not just a dog. She’s my companion, my comfort, and now—my little nurse in training.
And as I build this new chapter of my life, paw by paw, moment by moment, I’m reminded that healing doesn’t have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it’s soft. Quiet. Cuddled up beside you with big eyes and a wagging tail.
If you’ve got a story about how your pet is helping you start over—drop it in the comments or send me a message. Let’s celebrate these tiny healers together.
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