Most of us see the dog first. That’s understandable. But for someone living with an assistance dog, the dog isn’t the story. Monika Gawen shares what it’s like to move through the world with an invisible disability, relying on a dog trained to do far more than most people realise. Together, we explore the assumptions people make, the questions they ask, and the quiet ways respect can become compassion. This conversation isn’t just about assistance dogs. It’s about learning to see the person beside the harness, recognising courage that often goes unnoticed, and understanding how one small act of awareness can help someone feel safer, more understood, and more welcome in the world. Pour yourself a cuppa, grab your favourite chocolate, and join the conversation.