service animals

We’re both “in training,” learning how to adapt to my newly diagnosed (but 30-year old), narcolepsy. We’re getting better at it every day!

Does anyone out there have a service animal for narcolepsy, with or without cataplexy, and how have they helped you?
I was diagnosed with narcolepsy 3 days ago, after dealing with the symptoms for 30 years. I want to have my dog, who is already smart, loving, protective, and obedient, trained and certified as my service animal. The thought of having him as my constant companion and not being afraid of having cataplexy alone in public has really been the only silver lining for me this week. However, my husband’s view is that I have gotten by without a service dog so far, so why do I need one now?
How has your service animal helped you, and how can I explain to him that it’s not about “getting by” anymore - it is about managing this disease to the full extent that I can, to finally be free to live my best full life?

COMIC STRIP
A Day in the Life of a PWD (Person With a Disability)

Frame 1:
A woman in a wheelchair is with her service dog.
A stranger and her husband approach them.
STRANGER: Aww, look, honey! How sweet!

Frame 2:
The stranger pulls out her cell phone.
STRANGER (to woman): You guys are so cute! Can I get a picture with you?

COMIC STRIP
A Day in the Life of a PWD (Person With a Disability)

Frame 1:
A woman enters a grocery store with a dog wearing a service vest. They are greeted by a smiling clerk.
WOMAN: He's my service dog.

Frame 2:
The dog gets away from the woman, knocking over a display and jumping up on another customer, licking her face.

Frame 3:
The clerk kicks the woman and her dog out of the store.
CLERK: ...and do not bring him in here again!

Frame 4:
Later, another woman enters the store with her legitimate service dog.
The clerk greets them suspiciously.
CLERK: Can you prove it's really a service dog?

COMIC STRIP
A Day in the Life of a PWD (Person With a Disability)

Frame 1:
A woman enters a grocery store with a dog wearing a service vest. They are greeted by a smiling clerk.
WOMAN: He's my service dog.

Frame 2:
The dog gets away from the woman, knocking over a display and jumping up on another customer, licking her face.

Frame 3:
The clerk kicks the woman and her dog out of the store.
CLERK: ...and do not bring him in here again!

Frame 3:
Later, another woman enters the store with her legitimate service dog.
The clerk greets them suspiciously.
CLERK: Can you prove it's really a service dog?

COMIC STRIP
A Day in the Life of a PWD (Person With a Disability)

Frame 1:
A woman wearing dark glasses is crossing the street with her guide dog. Before they reach the curb, a stranger stops the dog to pet it.
STRANGER: Awww, you're sooo cuuute!
A car honks behind the woman, startling her.

Frame 2:
The woman and her dog are walking through the park.
A man feeding his dog biscuits offers a biscuit to the woman's dog.
MAN: Hey, buddy! You wanna treat too?
The guide dog stops to sniff it, almost yanking the woman off her feet.

Frame 3:
The woman,is sitting on a bench with her dog beside her.
A mother and her child approach them.
CHILD: Puppy!
MOTHER: Yes, baby, puppy! Isn't he so soft?
The dog gets distracted, pulling his harness out of the woman's hand.

Frame 4:
The woman and her dog are walking down the sidewalk. Two men see her approach.
MAN: Hey, can I pet your-
WOMAN: NO!!!

COMIC STRIP
A Day in the Life of a PWD (Person With a Disability)

Frame 1:
A woman has entered a supermarket with her service dog. A clerk stops her.
CLERK: Is that your service dog?
WOMAN: Yes, he is

Frame 2:
CLERK: So, why do you need him? What disability do you have?
WOMAN: I'll be happy to share...as soon as you tell me about YOUR medical history