Diagnosed with a life-threatening heart condition as a teenager, I was prescribed almost a dozen medications in just three years. Realizing an early death could await me because of something out of my control was devastating.... Then, one day, a nurse practitioner suggested a service animal.

In desperate need of a solution that didn't leave me terrified and constantly dealing with unwanted side effects, I agreed it was worth a try. But at nearly six feet tall, I knew there were only a few breeds of dogs that might work. My first service dog, Sassy, was a Mastiff. Sassy was a good dog, and she served me well.

But it was Sassy's successor, Goose, a beautiful Blue Merle Great Dane, who changed my world.

Unlike any other dog I'd ever met (and, animal lover that I am, I'd met plenty), Goose exuded elegance and calm. Right from the beginning, her poised confidence surprised me, especially compared with Sassy's boisterous sociability. Goose's behavior was far from canine. It was more than humane; it was practically human. Though I didn't realize how much I'd needed it, I was immediately grateful for her patience, love, and support.

Though I'd dreaded the ordeal of living with my heart condition for the rest of my life, I began to discover living with a disability didn't have to be the end for me.

With Goose by my side, I was ready to take on the world. So, from bar-hopping (she was always my DD—designated dog!) to bridesmaid to Chief Canine Officer, that's exactly what we did.