Dogs are the most loving and selfless beings on earth.

I am the proud owner of a blonde, spunky, Wheaton Terrier named Emmy. Out of all my family members, she's easily the most loved. The minute I open the door when I come home, she is always right there, wagging her tail, with her big brown eyes staring up at me. She is truly the highlight at the end of my day.

Emmy's road to becoming a Service Dog began years ago when she was just a puppy. We put her through five weeks of boarding school dog training since my family decided it was better to send her away for short, intensive training rather than go to puppy school every Saturday for years. Through her training, she learned basic commands and has since become the energetic, though obedient, dog she is today.

Unfortunately, five years ago my mom suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and consequential Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Through it, Emmy was always by her side. My mom always tells the story when after her injury, she was bed-ridden and when she finally woke up and asked "Where is Emmy?" she only had to look down to find Emmy curled up on the floor by her bed -- where she had lain the entire time. My mom began calling Emmy "her PTSD dog," and we decided it was time to register her officially.

While this title is one that comes with great responsibility, we found that Emmy was already performing the duties of a Service Dog. Thanks to her original training, she already performs all of the commands necessary, such as sit, stay, lie down and handshake. Besides commands, Emmy provides my mom support by helping her get out of bed every day, reminds her to take her medication, provides relief emotionally and reduces anxiety attacks.

According to the United States Dog Registry, there are three types of dogs that provide service: Service Dogs, Emotional Support Dogs and Therapy Dogs. Each type of Service Dog provides different support, but only Service Dogs are protected under Federal Law. We decided to register Emmy as a Service Dog because she already meets all the requirements necessary and can continue to provide support for my mom anywhere she goes.

Although Emmy has just officially become a Service Dog, she still has a long journey. Dealing with high-stress situations, as well as staying calm under pressure, comes along with her job description. I never thought my dog would serve any other purpose than to provide joy to my family, but now I know she is helping us all move forward in positive and healthy ways. I am truly lucky to have my dog and grateful she takes care of my mom, while I am 2,000 miles away at SMU.