Greetings from the land of nomads.
Yesterday was Nana’s birthday. I’ve never been one to celebrate pet birthdays, but this year felt different. It felt worth pausing and writing something down.
We started the day with me singing “Happy Birthday” while rubbing her belly. Her tail wagged enthusiastically, stirring up the desert dust that had settled overnight. She got a few high-value surprises mixed into her morning kibble, a solid round of fetch with her favorite rabbit toy, and plenty of time doing what she loves most — sunbathing and sniffing absolutely everything.
Where Nana’s Story Began
Nana’s journey began four years ago, on January 29, 2022. She was born into a litter trained by ICAN, though it would be two years before our paths crossed. I don’t know much about her puppyhood — just that she was learning how to become something extraordinary long before I ever met her.
I first connected with ICAN in 2023. At the time, I had never heard of psychiatric service dogs, but I came across an article about how they were helping veterans. That led me down a rabbit hole, and eventually to the realization that one might help me too.
Finding ICAN — and Hope
For a long time, I struggled quietly with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Like many people, I hid most of it behind “I’m fine.” I withdrew from people, stopped finding joy in things I used to love, and rarely left the house unless I absolutely had to.
Eventually, I reached a point where I needed something to change.
A simple Google search for service dog trainers in Indiana led me to ICAN and their Veteran Service Division. They provide service dogs at no cost to eligible veterans in northeast Indiana. I applied, was accepted, and then waited just over a year for the right match.
During that time, I met several dogs. Some weren’t the right fit for me. Others didn’t quite make the cut as service dogs. Then, in February 2024, I met Nana.
Teams Training and Becoming a Team
We met at ICAN’s Fort Wayne facility, where Nana and I were evaluated together. A month later, I was heading to Indianapolis for Teams Training at the Correctional Industrial Facility.
ICAN partners with incarcerated men and women who volunteer to train service dogs. During Teams Training, clients, dogs, and inmate handlers work together. The handlers lead much of the training and bring an incredible level of patience, care, and pride to their work.
The dogs are learning life-changing skills for their future partners. At the same time, the handlers are learning trust, responsibility, and connection. ICAN calls it “therapy at both ends of the leash,” and that phrase couldn’t be more accurate.
After training, Nana came home with me. From that point on, we were a team.
What Nana Does for Me
I won’t list every task Nana knows. What matters more is what she does for me.
She alerts me when my anxiety begins to surface, often before I’m consciously aware of it. She grounds me in public spaces by resting her head across my feet. She provides deep pressure therapy when I need it. Her presence makes it easier for me to go places, interact with people, and live a fuller life.
Just as importantly, she gave me a reason to step back into the world. Training and caring for her pushed me gently but consistently outside my comfort zone — and made it manageable.
She’s also incredibly smart. She can open and close doors, retrieve items, and follow complex cues. But her intelligence is only part of what makes her special.
What She’s Meant to Me
My life and outlook have changed because Nana is in it. It doesn’t feel like a stretch to say she saved my life. At the very least, she helped me find it again.
I can’t think of anyone else I could spend 24 hours a day with, every day of the year. We annoy each other sometimes. She’s stubborn. I’m human. But she’s my little pain in the ass, and I love her more than words can explain.
Happy Birthday, Pup Pup.
Bear Belly Adventures 
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