From Sound to Silence: Finding a New Rhythm Through MobilityDog

Life Before My Diagnosis

Before being diagnosed with Meniere’s disease, my life revolved around sound. My nights were spent in nightclubs, at concerts, and music festivals. I was an Audio Engineer, Lighting Designer, Visual Artist, and DJ, music wasn’t just my job; it was my identity. My mornings, on the other hand, were spent on the disc golf course. I played three to four times a week, it was my way to get outside, connect with friends, and stay competitive. Life was loud, bright, and full of motion.

When Everything Changed

Then, seemingly overnight, everything came to a halt. My first major Meniere’s attack hit, and I had to stop everything on a dime. The music, the lights, the movement, all of it slipped out of reach. I had no choice but to completely shift the way I lived.

Learning to Cope

I didn’t cope well at first. I became isolated and rarely left the house. It felt like everything I loved had been ripped from my hands. For months, I grieved the life I used to have. It wasn’t until about six months after my official diagnosis that I began to feel a shift. My mental health started to improve, little by little, as I began to accept what had happened and look for ways to rebuild.

The First Glimmer of Hope

Around that time, roughly a year after my first attack, I started thinking about how I could make life easier and more manageable. That’s when the idea of a service dog came to me. It was the first time I’d felt hopeful about the future since my diagnosis. That thought, that maybe I could have a partner to help me navigate this new reality, lit a spark in me. So, I began the search.

Finding MobilityDog

As I started researching more about Meniere’s disease and other vestibular disorders, I found the Vestibular Disorders Association (VeDA). Their resources mentioned that service animals could be helpful for people like me, and they listed several organizations that trained them. One name immediately stood out: MobilityDog.

They were based in Southern California, close to home, and they trained poodles, which caught my attention right away. I reached out, and that decision has changed my life in ways I never could have imagined.

Becoming Part of the MobilityDog Family

Since joining MobilityDog, I’ve been met with nothing but open arms and unwavering support. This isn’t just a program, it’s a family. Everyone involved understands what it’s like to live with limitations and works tirelessly to help one another overcome them.

I thought I was simply signing up to train with a dog, but what I found was a community that builds each other up, shares hope, and reminds me daily that I’m not alone. Knowing that there are others walking this same path has made every day a little bit easier.

A New Chapter with Ike

Now, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been matched with my service dog, Ike! I can’t wait to start training and begin this next chapter together.

Looking Ahead

Next comes getting Ike fully prepared for work, and preparing myself to be the best partner I can be for him. When times get tough, I remind myself that soon, I won’t be doing this alone. I’ll have a loyal companion by my side, one who will help me face life’s challenges and celebrate its victories.

This journey has shown me that even when life changes beyond recognition, there’s still hope, and sometimes, that hope comes on four paws.

Mark you calendar for May 2, 2026, 11:30-3:30 at Pasadena City Hall for ARF! 2026!