Tiny's Bill Has Never Stopped And Neither Have I

I want to share something important with everyone who has supported Tiny's Bill, because there's a lot of work happening behind the scenes that people don't always get to see.

Tiny's Bill has never been on hold. I have never stopped fighting for this cause.

l've spent countless hours researching, writing emails, contacting lawmakers, reaching out to media outlets, and looking for people and organizations willing to help bring greater attention to the challenges service dog handlers face.

l've contacted U.S. senators across the country, researched potential legislative supporters and cosponsors, and continued reaching out to anyone I believe might be willing to listen.

I literally have a list, and I'm working my way through it.

Some people respond with encouragement.

Some never respond at all. Others simply tell me no.

I've even had people explain that they don't want to become involved because this issue touches on law enforcement accountability.

And that's okay.

I'm not asking anyone to put their name, reputation, or livelihood on the line if they aren't comfortable doing so. I respect their decisions.

But here's the difference:

When someone tells me no, I don't quit. I move on to the next person.

The next email. The next organization. The next lawmaker. The next opportunity.

Because I don't believe meaningful change depends on convincing one particular person to listen.

It depends on continuing until we find the people who will.

Why I Believe Change Is Needed

Tiny's Bill began because of what happened to my service dog and me. But this effort has grown into something much bigger than our experience.

I've heard from other service dog handlers who have faced discrimination, misunderstandings, and situations where their rights were not respected.

The Americans with Disabilities Act provides essential protections, and those protections matter tremendously.

But having rights written into law doesn't automatically mean those rights are understood, respected, or consistently enforced.

The ADA was signed into law on July 26, 1990.

And here's something that has always made me smile: July 26 is also my birthday.

Of all the days on the calendar, the ADA was signed on mine. Sometimes I can't help but wonder whether advocating for disability rights was something I was meant to do.

But there's a serious point behind that coincidence.

Think about how much our world has changed since 1990.

Cell phones, social media, instant video recording, and technology that now shapes nearly every part of our lives have transformed the way people interact.

The ADA has been amended, and regulations have evolved over time. But that doesn't mean we should stop examining where protections, education, and accountability could be strengthened.

Our world continues to change. We should be willing to make sure our protections keep pace.

Saying We Need Change Is Only the Beginning

One thing l've noticed throughout my outreach is how many people tell me, "Absolutely, the ADA needs reform!"

And I appreciate hearing that.

But there's something I've been thinking about.

We cannot keep saying something needs to change while expecting somebody else to be the only person willing to stand up for it.

I know change can be frightening.

I know putting your name behind something can be intimidating, especially when the subject involves disability rights, government agencies, or law enforcement accountability.

Believe me, I understand.

For more than 20 years, I avoided having pictures of myself posted online, let alone videos.

And look at me now.

Over the past year, I've stepped so far outside my comfort zone that sometimes I can hardly believe how much has changed.

Was it easy? No.

Am I always comfortable putting myself out there? Absolutely not.

But I believe this cause matters enough to keep trying.

I can't ask others to find their courage if I'm unwilling to find my own.

That doesn't mean everyone needs to become a public advocate. I understand that people have different circumstances, boundaries, and concerns.

There are ways to help without sharing your personal story or putting your face on the internet.

But I do want people to ask themselves one question:

If we believe change is necessary, what are we willing to do to help make it happen?

Because sometimes change begins when someone decides the issue matters more than their fear.

One Voice Can Start Change. Many Voices Can Make It Impossible to Ignore.

I can send hundreds of emails.

I can continue researching, contacting lawmakers, reaching out to the media, and knocking on every door I can find.

And I will.

But this cannot be only one person's voice.

Other service dog handlers have experiences that deserve to be heard. Families, disability advocates, and supporters have perspectives that matter, too.

We may not all have the same experiences or agree on every proposed change. But we can still come together around something important:

Service dog teams deserve safety, dignity, respect, and meaningful protections.

This effort isn't about asking everyone to fight my personal battle.

It's about building a stronger collective voice for service dog handlers who deserve to be heard.

And that is why I'm asking you to stand with us.

How You Can Help

If you believe this cause deserves attention, please consider taking a few moments to help.

• Sign the petition if you haven't already.
• Share it with friends, family, other service dog handlers, disability advocates, and anyone who believes these issues matter.
• Speak up when you see misinformation or misunderstanding about service dogs and disability rights.
• Contact your representatives if you're comfortable doing so.
• Add your voice, in whatever way you safely and comfortably can.

Every signature matters. Every share matters.

Every person who helps spread awareness brings another opportunity for this issue to reach someone who can make a difference.

I know change doesn't happen overnight.

I also know that not every person I contact will respond, agree, or want to be involved.

But I'm not measuring this effort by how many people tell me no.

I'm measuring it by whether I keep showing up, keep reaching out, and keep giving this cause another opportunity to be heard.

To everyone who has signed, shared, encouraged me, offered advice, or simply taken the time to listen: thank you.

Your support means more than you know.

Tiny's Bill has not been forgotten. It has not been abandoned. And I am not giving up.

The next email will be sent.

The next person will be contacted.

The next opportunity will be pursued.

And I hope more of you will join us.

One voice can start change. Together, we can build a voice that is much harder to ignore.

With gratitude,

Tiny's Bill