Giving Paws: Having a Service Dog for a Hidden Disability

Martha lives with chronic illness, but is determined to stay strong enough to continue working at the zoo, which she loves. When her symptoms worsen and she starts fainting, she gets a service dog for support. With Henry by her side, she expects life to get easier, but that’s not what happens. Henry is a Chihuahua mix, much smaller than the familiar guide dogs for the blind, and Martha’s disability is not obvious, so when they go into public places people ask, “He’s so small. How does he he...