Healed by a Dog Called Scar

“It’s just a dog.”

When I hear those words, I wish they knew that, deep down, Scar is not just a dog to me. He is my entire world.

Scar is my amazing dog partner, my teammate, my source of happiness, and the reason I am who I am today. Looking back over the last six years, I truly cannot imagine where I would be without him.

Not Just a Dog, But a Reason

Scar came to me during one of the most difficult chapters of my life. I was working in an incredibly unhealthy work environment that slowly chipped away at my confidence and mental health. Every day felt like a struggle, and I found myself constantly questioning my worth, carrying stress home with me, and struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. At 19 years old, it was too much, leaving me physically and mentally exhausted. I desperately needed something to lift me up and guide me out of such a hard place. 

On March 1st, 2020, a little blue merle Australian Shepherd was born. He was the blessing I didn’t know I needed. When he was only nine days old, I held him in my hands for the first time, and from that moment on, I knew this little guy would be my reason.

Scar gave me something to focus on besides the negativity surrounding me. I poured my heart into raising and training this incredible little puppy. From my weekly visits during his first couple of months to the training sessions in my kitchen and yard once I could finally bring him home, and every accomplishment that came out of it, I was constantly reminded that this dog was going to be my world.

Lockdown Limitations

As if raising a puppy was not challenging enough, Scar was a COVID puppy. Every service dog trainer knows that exposure to the world is one of the most important foundations of a confident working dog, and the world shut down shortly after bringing him home. All the critical and carefully planned socialization opportunities disappeared overnight. Stores were closed, public places were limited, and I couldn’t run puppy classes or work. There were countless moments where I wondered if I would ever be able to give him everything he needed to succeed.

Instead of giving up, we adapted. Training during a pandemic required some serious creativity. I found new ways to expose him to sounds, environments, obstacles, and experiences while keeping us both safe. Making use of my parents’ living room and backyard; every small outing was invaluable when opportunities were so limited.

Looking back now, those challenges only strengthened our partnership.

COVID wasn’t the only challenge we had to overcome. Scar went through a traumatic incident at the vet that left him hesitant around men. As a service dog, he needed to be confident around all people. We spent weeks addressing his trauma. Now, not only does he work comfortably and confidently around men as a service dog, but he also works alongside them as a canine actor!

Much More Than Just a Service Dog

Scar has always been incredibly intuitive. There are moments when I do not even realize something is wrong, yet Scar already knows. From the look in those piercing blue eyes, it’s clear he always knows something. You can tell by his expression that he doesn’t just perform tasks because it’s in his training; it’s what he wants to do.

If I am having a rough day, he finds a way to make me smile. Sometimes that means performing one of his trained tasks. Other times it means shoving a toy in my lap and insisting it’s time to play. And believe me: He is persistent when he wants something.

I wonder who he learned that from…?

Scar is not just my service dog. He is also my very first sport dog. Before him, I had admired dog sports from afar, but could never have imagined how much dog sports would change both of our lives.

Together we have explored agility, AKC events, Trick Dog titles, Rally, FASTCAT, Barn Hunt, and countless other sports. Watching him work is one of my favorite things in the world. Fair warning: he loves to talk about it… A LOT! You might need earplugs when watching him compete in these sports, but there’s no doubt he enjoys every minute of it, and that’s what matters most to me. His enthusiasm is contagious. Every time he steps onto a course or enters a ring, he lights up, and my goal is (and has always been) to give him the best life.

Over the years, Scar has earned more than 50 titles across multiple dog sports and organizations. Every ribbon represents hours of practice and teamwork. Even when we don’t go home with a ribbon, we always walk away having learned something together.

How a Single Video Changed Everything

One moment that truly changed our lives was something completely unexpected: a simple task and one simple video. What started as a way to showcase one of his medical tasks – finding me a chair – quickly captured hearts all over the internet. 

When I am not feeling well, one of Scar’s tasks is locating an available chair so I can safely sit down because getting up from the floor with my knee is not easy. He searches the surrounding environment, identifies a suitable object, and confidently leads me directly to it. Watching him point out chairs using his paw with such confidence is adorable, but it is also one of his many tasks as a service dog.

That video reminded people that service dogs perform tasks in countless unique ways depending on their handler’s needs. It has prompted conversations about service dogswhile making people smile. Across the U.S., from Disney to local stores, people recognize him from that video. It’s hard to wrap my head around, but I’m glad I can share Scar (and what an incredible dog he is) with the world.

A Dog of Many Talents

Beyond being a service dog and sport dog, Scar has also found success in the entertainment industry as an accomplished animal actor! Over the past couple of years, he has appeared in short films, commercials, promotional campaigns, model calls, and professional productions. Most recently, he has taken the stage as a cast member in a production of Annie, proving once again just how adaptable and talented he truly is. He never ceases to amaze me as I watch him under the bright stage lights, confidently working around large casts, loud music, crowds, and the constantly changing environment inherent to live theater. Most dogs specialize in one job, but Scar seems to thrive doing them all. He is incredibly special, and I admire him so much.

Despite carrying the name of a Disney villain, Scar has been nothing short of a hero in my life. He stood beside me during some of my hardest days. He has celebrated my happiest moments. He has been there through surgeries, chronic pain, medical appointments, school, life changes, career changes, and everything in between.

What makes Scar so extraordinary is not any single title, accomplishment, or viral video. It is who he is. He is incredibly intelligent and hardworking without ever making it look difficult or losing his playful spirit. 

Scar is professional when it is time to work but transforms into the biggest goofball the moment he knows he can!

People often tell me how lucky I am to have such an incredible dog, but it’s not all luck. It’s the hours Scar and I have spent training and building our relationship. But they are right about one thing: he is an incredible dog, and I am lucky to have the joy and privilege of giving him the best life possible.

To state it simply, life would not be the same without Scar, and I believe everyone deserves their own “Scar” in their lifetime. 

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