Nolan, my reticent son with autism, never speaks in public. But one evening, at a city council meeting where we’d planned only to show support for a service animal program, something unexpected happened.

As we sat quietly, Nolan, with his golden retriever, Hunter, holding him steady, raised his hand. The room fell silent. Nolan rarely spoke, but with Hunter beside him, he found his voice. “Hunter helps me talk,” he said softly, but clearly enough for everyone to hear. His courage sparked tears and applause from the crowd.

Afterward, Mr. Aldridge, a sponsor of the project, approached us, asking about Nolan’s bond with Hunter. I shared a story of how Hunter had once saved Nolan from running into traffic. Mr. Aldridge, moved, invited us to be part of a documentary showcasing the true impact of service animals.

The documentary’s release sparked widespread support for service animal programs, with donations pouring in. But the real twist came months later, when a mother told us how Nolan’s story inspired her family to get a service dog for her daughter.

Nolan’s bravery changed not only our lives but the lives of others. Never underestimate the power of one small act.