Dear Annie: For most of my life, I’ve struggled with feeling isolated. As someone on the autism spectrum, I’ve often found social situations confusing or overwhelming. I longed for connection but wasn’t always sure how to reach for it. Then something unexpected gave me not only companionship but also a sense of purpose: my dog.

She’s not just a pet. She’s a trained service animal who goes everywhere with me. She helps me navigate the world in ways I didn’t think were possible. When I take her into stores, on walks or even to the coffee shop, people stop to smile, ask questions and sometimes share their own stories about dogs they’ve loved. She has opened doors to conversations and friendships I never would have had on my own.

And it’s not only service dogs that can change a life. Emotio

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