10/06/2026
Learning a new way to be a team.. 💜🐾
For the last six years, Buttons and I have done life together. Since March, that life has looked very different.
Buttons has been navigating some significant changes in her health, and over the last six months our focus has been on understanding what she needs and making the best decisions we can for her.
It became clear quite early that working in the way she always had was no longer the right choice. Rather than suddenly taking away a job she loves, we’ve been finding our own version of retirement.
Most of her work happens at home, without the demands of public access. If she continues to do well, the cooler months may bring a few carefully chosen adventures too.
For now, she’s happy, comfortable, and we’re following her lead.
The love and support shown to Buttons and our family has meant more than I can say. You’ve also given us the space and privacy we needed, and reminded me just how many lives this special girl has touched. She may be my service dog, but she is loved by so many of you too.
Service dog retirement is something we don’t talk about enough. There is grief and adjustment when a partnership that has given you independence for years begins to change.
But retirement doesn’t erase that partnership.
Buttons is still my girl, still beside me, and still very invested in supervising everything I do.
It has also become clear that I will need another service dog in the future. Beginning that journey doesn’t take anything away from Buttons or what we have together. It simply means finding a way forward that includes her.
There is no right timeline for this. Every handler and every dog is different, and doing what is right for both of you if key.
As for my next teammate…
I’d love to say I chose him, but he made that decision pretty clear himself.
And perhaps the sweetest part is watching Buttons help show him the way.
For now, we’re taking it one day at a time, with Buttons exactly where she belongs, at the heart of our family and this next chapter. 💜🐝🐾 and thank you to ELM Photo Co. for always capturing the perfect moments.
