Service Dog Days with Stevie NicksThis page is about my journey training a rescue dog to become my service dog — the challenges, milestones, and lessons learned along the way. Stevie has been a life-changing partner, and I hope our story inspires others to explore the possibilities of owner-trained service dogs.
Why I Wanted a DogAs you can imagine life was pretty busy with therapy and the focus on recovering. I was excited to get a dog. I knew my life would be different from what it was before - I wouldn't be traveling for work, and I would potentially be alone and home a lot more. I didn't want to be alone. I felt worried about being alone in case I were to have another stroke. I also felt concerned about being out on a walk, and, god forbid, something were to happen, at least a dog would attract attention. I thought that somebody would stop to help a person with a dog potentially faster than they would stop to help just a person. We had fostered a couple of dogs (Meg and Dugger) so that I could understand the physical and cognitive demands of having a dog. I could do it, but it needed to be the 'right dog'.
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Finding Stevie Nicks
I was lucky to work with a couple of rescues that were willing to understand what my needs were and help me find a dog that could match my abilities. I needed a dog that was good on a leash and did not pull, one that was small enough that they couldn't knock me down but big enough that I could notice it as to not trip. I explained my health situation and what some of my disabilities were and they kept an eye out for a matching pup. So into our world came Ginger, now and furever known as Stevie Nicks. We adopted her just 7 months after my stroke.
Why I Thought My Rescue Could Become a Service Dog
From the get-go, Stevie seemed to know that I was the most vulnerable member of the pack. She intuitively kept an eye on me, and a few times she blew my mind. I remember standing on the bed (no judgment, please) to dust the fan, and she went to alert Rob—who absolutely judged me. Another time, as I was walking down the stairs, I lost awareness of my hand, and it wrenched my frozen shoulder. I cried out and flopped on the top step, overwhelmed by the pain. When I gathered myself, Stevie was right there, refusing to move. Only when I stood did she walk beside me, step by careful step, all the way down.
Another day, after a long wait in a checkout line, she grew restless as we reached the front. I knelt to pet her, and when I stood again, the grounding helped me realize that I was the one who was off-balance and overstimulated. I think she knew I’d had enough—we both had. both ready to go. Her instincts, her timing, her quiet protection have made her an extraordinary partner in my healing. It was those moments that led me to begin researching how to train her as a service dog—an unexpected path, and not an easy one, but one that felt exactly right.
Another day, after a long wait in a checkout line, she grew restless as we reached the front. I knelt to pet her, and when I stood again, the grounding helped me realize that I was the one who was off-balance and overstimulated. I think she knew I’d had enough—we both had. both ready to go. Her instincts, her timing, her quiet protection have made her an extraordinary partner in my healing. It was those moments that led me to begin researching how to train her as a service dog—an unexpected path, and not an easy one, but one that felt exactly right.
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Our Training Team Anne with Marfa and Lizzie
I was fortunate to find Faithfully K9. They’re based in Colorado—the very place I was when I had my stroke. When we traveled to Denver in December 2021 for Maya’s graduation, I arranged to meet with Cathy, the Director, to see whether Stevie’s temperament and my needs would be a good fit for their program.
We were accepted and began virtual sessions in the new year until we could return to Colorado in person. Choosing a Colorado-based organization made sense: before my stroke, we had been planning to spend part of the year there, our daughter lives there, and it remains a place deeply connected to my heart. And when you find the right people—those who truly understand your goals and are willing to walk alongside you—you know the distance is worth it. Helping someone with a disability train their own service dog requires patience, creativity, and deep empathy. It means meeting a person where they are, understanding their challenges, and finding ways to help them succeed. Our trainer, Anne, embodies all of this. She has been nothing short of extraordinary. |
Our Training Journey
In the new year, I met with Anne weekly. We were already enrolled in obedience training at PCTOC and continued to supplement our work there. That spring, we returned to Colorado for five months, where Stevie and I trained with Anne in person each week.
Back in NY, we kept up our routine—continuing virtual sessions with Anne, practicing our at-home training, and keeping Stevie engaged at PCTOC through obedience and nose work classes. As a rescue dog, a few behaviors have been more challenging to address; Stevie is still sensitive around high-energy dogs, and we continue to work on this. Even so, when it matters most—especially during public outings where she is working—she remains focused and steady by my side.
On June 26, 2023, Stevie passed her AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine tests, and soon after earned her Urban Canine Good Citizen title. To date, we have completed over 170 hours of training, covering general obedience, a wide range of skills and tasks, and, most importantly, the specific work that supports my disabilities.
Back in NY, we kept up our routine—continuing virtual sessions with Anne, practicing our at-home training, and keeping Stevie engaged at PCTOC through obedience and nose work classes. As a rescue dog, a few behaviors have been more challenging to address; Stevie is still sensitive around high-energy dogs, and we continue to work on this. Even so, when it matters most—especially during public outings where she is working—she remains focused and steady by my side.
On June 26, 2023, Stevie passed her AKC Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine tests, and soon after earned her Urban Canine Good Citizen title. To date, we have completed over 170 hours of training, covering general obedience, a wide range of skills and tasks, and, most importantly, the specific work that supports my disabilities.
How Stevie Helps Me
Stevie’s support goes far beyond companionship. One of her most impactful tasks is assisting with my medication routine. I described it well in the video. Stevie learned this sequence by working with me and being coached virtually by Anne. She also monitors my left side, where my awareness is limited, helps ground me when my balance or attention drifts, and strengthens my confidence and independence every day.
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Trick Time
BOSU Balance |
Touch |
Spins!!! |
I love my dog - she's my best friend - she's so small but she's big inside my heart
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