A real, honest look at how we juggle it all—one moment at a time.
If you’ve ever tried to juggle school schedules, therapy appointments, meltdowns, homework, meals, and a service animal who also needs structure… then you’ll understand why I practically live by my color-coded calendar and coffee.
A lot of people ask what our days really look like. They picture a perfectly trained service dog, a child who calmly transitions through routines, and me somehow gliding through the day like Mary Poppins.
Let me just say—that’s not our life. At all.
So here’s what a typical day looks like for us, in all its messy, beautiful, exhausting, and joyful glory.
Mornings: Where We Hope for Smooth, But Expect Chaos
Our mornings always start with the familiar sound of paws stretching on the bedroom carpet. Our service dog is always the first one awake—ready to work, ready to help, and prepared to alert if needed. Meanwhile, I’m over here trying to convince myself that yes, it’s time to get out of bed.
The first challenge of the day is transitions.
Getting dressed. Brushing teeth. Putting shoes on the right feet.
If you know, you know.
This is where our service dog shines.
Deep-pressure therapy during an early morning sensory overload?
He’s on it.
Leading my son gently toward his backpack when he stalls?
He’s got it.
Interrupting anxious behaviors when the morning feels too rushed?
Yep—he does that too.
But even with the help, mornings are… a lot. Some days we’re on time. Some days we’re “this counts as present, right?” late. And that’s okay.
School Time: Where I Hold My Breath a Little
Drop-off is the hardest part of the day—for all of us.
I watch my son walk in with his service dog at his side, both of them working as a team. My heart swells with pride, but my stomach always does that nervous little flip. Will today be a good day? Will the noise be too much? Will transitions overwhelm him? Will the service dog need to step in more than usual?
Then I sit in the car for a minute, take a deep breath, and mentally prepare myself for whatever call or message might come from school. Some days are quiet. Some days are not.
And on the good days?
I celebrate like we just won an Olympic event.
Afternoons: Therapy, Homework… and Trying Not to Fall Apart
After school, there’s usually therapy—sometimes occupational, sometimes speech, sometimes both. My son works hard. His service animal works hard. And honestly, I do too.
Therapy days feel long, but they also feel hopeful—every small win matters. Every new skill is something worth celebrating. Some days, he comes out smiling. Other days, he comes out drained. His service dog is usually the one who notices the shift first.
Once we’re home, it’s homework time… or what I like to call.
“The hour of negotiations.”
Here again, our service dog plays a huge role—providing grounding, companionship, and comfort when frustration hits.
Evenings: Our Version of Peace
Evenings are calmer in our house. Dinner together. A little playtime. A walk if the weather is good. And always—always—some cuddle time between my son and his service dog. It’s their shared moment to reset after a long day.
Bedtime is a process. And on the nights where his service dog curls up beside him and he falls asleep without a fight, I silently thank the universe.
And That’s Our Life—A Balance of Busy, Beautiful, and Brave
Our days aren’t perfect. They aren’t always smooth. And yes, sometimes they feel like a marathon with no finish line in sight. But they’re ours-made easier, softer, and safer because of the bond between my son and his service dog. We face each day with resilience, finding beauty in the chaos and strength in our struggles.
But they’re ours—made easier, softer, and safer because of the bond between my son and his service dog.
We don’t always get things right.
We don’t always stay on schedule.
And we don’t always stay calm.
But we keep going.
We laugh a lot. Our home is filled with joy and laughter, even in the midst of our challenges. We find humor in the everyday moments, and it’s these shared smiles that keep us connected and strong.
We learn more than most families ever have to. Each day brings new lessons, new perspectives, and new understandings. We’re constantly growing and evolving, and it’s this journey of learning that makes our family unique and empathetic.
And we get through it—one routine, one therapy session, one wagging tail at a time.
