Growing up hard of hearing in a world before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) meant facing countless barriers. I wasn’t seen—I was misunderstood. Teachers often punished me for not “listening,” assuming defiance instead of recognizing a disability. Job interviews brought skepticism, not opportunity. Over time, my hearing loss worsened. Crowds became exhausting, and even family reunions felt overwhelming. I began to retreat from the world.
As my hearing declined, I faced new physical challenges too—losing over a dozen teeth due to medical complications. Today, I rely on dental implants to chew, a daily reminder of how hearing loss often comes with hidden struggles.
The Turning Point: When Safety Became a Concern
In Memoirs of My Journey, I wrote about the incredible role of hearing-ear dogs in others’ lives—but I never imagined I’d need one myself. That changed the day a close friend was robbed and assaulted simply because he didn’t hear a thief’s demands. The incident shook me. My mother had long urged me to consider a service dog, and now her voice echoed in my mind.
I reached out to Circle Tail, an organization that trains service dogs with the help of prison handlers. Each dog carries not just skill, but a story—and a piece of their trainer’s heart.
Meeting Sita: The Dog Who Trained Me
When I met Sita, I believed I was going to train her. But in truth, she trained me. She became my rock through some of life’s darkest storms—standing by me through cancer treatment, my mother’s passing, and a life-altering bone marrow transplant. Sita brought calm to chaos, strength to sorrow.
Hospital staff adored her. She traveled everywhere with me, never leaving my side. For 14 beautiful years, Sita was more than a hearing-ear dog—she was my anchor.
Saying Goodbye and Starting Again
Losing Sita was devastating. I was already preparing for a bone marrow transplant, and suddenly, my emotional foundation was gone. I leaned heavily on my faith, trusting that something—or someone—would carry me through.
Circle Tail didn’t have another dog available, but Sita’s foster mom reached out. “I have a dog who might help,” she said. A small Jack Russell mix named Davina. “She’s just a loan,” she added. But the moment I met Davina, I knew: she was meant to be mine.
Davina: A New Chapter in Unconditional Love
Davina may be small, but she’s fierce, loyal, and incredibly intuitive. She alerts me to important sounds, just like Sita did, and stays close through life’s ups and downs. Different dog, same love. Same purpose.
Service dogs aren’t just animals—they’re lifelines. They restore independence, provide safety, and offer unwavering companionship. Through Sita and now Davina, I’ve learned that healing comes not just through medicine, but through connection, trust, and the kind of love that doesn’t need words.
