Nicky’s Healing, My Recovery, and What Comes Next
The most important update I have—the one that matters more than anything—is that Nicky is doing better. Thank God.
Since the attack, she had been having accidents in the house and was visibly shaken. She stopped eating, she stopped playing, and she started barking at dogs she used to be able to walk right past with ease. But this week, for the first time since it happened, I saw my girl coming back to herself. She’s eating again. She’s starting to go back to her normal potty routine. And we’ve had two small victories outside—dogs walked by, and I was able to refocus her. She didn’t bark. She stayed with me.
That might sound small, but if you’ve ever trained a service dog, you know—it’s everything.
She had been trained not to react, even in crowded places. That attack shook her to the core. Now we’re back at square one, and because of how serious her role is, we don’t get the luxury of “just seeing how it goes.” She has to be able to sit on an airplane surrounded by dogs and not react. And if she can’t, I need to pursue legal action and possibly get another dog. But that’s not the path I want. I want Nicky. I chose her. And I believe in her healing.
And for anyone wondering: no, the other dog’s owner never apologized. Not once. Just a few text messages about how his dog is “excitable” and “still a puppy.” Sir—Nicky is eight months old. The same age. She behaves the way I trained her to behave. That’s the difference. Dogs reflect their people. This wasn’t the dog’s fault—it was yours. And I’m not done holding you accountable. My dog comes first, once she is okay - ill deal with you.
The Aftermath—for Me
I did finally go to the doctor. I have a sprained rotator cuff and a sprained ankle—not the end of the world, but when you rely on your arms to paint and your legs to walk your dog, it adds up fast. I’ve been icing, resting, using heat, and giving myself a little grace. Recovery takes time. Especially when you’ve been knocked down more than once.
And this wasn’t just a physical blow. It was a massive emotional one. I’ve reported everything to my building, including the attack (which was caught on camera) and other disturbing behavior—harassment, even entering my apartment without permission. I’ve involved attorneys. The corporate office seemed alarmed. As they should.
When people get injured on your property and you do nothing, that becomes your problem, too.
The Light at the Edge of This Tunnel
I love Nicky more than I can put into words. She’s the reason I wake up in the morning. She’s the reason I keep going. She’s why I haven’t given up. She is my anchor, my daughter, my everything.
And because I love her—I’m not going anywhere.
We’re going to find a place. Maybe not a perfect place. But a better one. A place where we can start over. A place where she can learn to trust again, and maybe I can, too.
I tried so hard to ask for help. We were told no. That is how we got hurt. And now, I will spend EVERY penny I have to get my dog and I to safety. We have NO safety net or support here, I understand that now.
I don’t know exactly where we’re going or how we’re getting there. But I do know this: we are not staying here. And wherever we land, I will keep painting, keep creating, and keep telling the truth. Even the ugly parts. Especially the ugly parts. Because someone out there needs to hear it.
If that someone is you, I hope you know—you’re not alone either.
We’re going to figure this out.
Together.
🕊️
With love,
Dana & Nicky
