Mia & Prima

Dreaming Big with Prima

As Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Mia always dreamt of a life where she felt self-confident, connected, and empowered to chase what she wants. But living with autism, she struggled to relate with others, find herself, go out in public comfortably, and regulate her emotions. Despite these challenges, she never stopped dreaming of the person she wanted to become—all she needed was a little extra support.

In 2023, Freedom Service Dog Prima became that support, helping Mia spread her wings and discover what was truly possible.

A yellow Labrador Retriever wearing a pink collar and a red service dog vest. She is smiling with her tongue sticking out.
A young woman with light brown hair smiling and hugging a dog sitting beside her. The dog is a yellow Labrador retriever wearing a pink collar and red service dog vest.

“Before, everything was stressful,” Mia shared. “I had a lot of meltdowns and episodes of anxiety. Life was just hard all the time. It was isolating and exhausting, and I was struggling to find myself.”

When Mia met Prima—an outgoing yellow Labrador retriever with a sunny disposition— she began a new chapter of independence and self-discovery. From the very beginning, they just clicked. Mia was anxious to meet her, but all her concerns melted away as Prima crawled in her lap as if they had always belonged together. In that moment, Mia just knew they were meant to be.

“Since meeting, our bond has snapped right in place, and every day since it’s just strengthened,” Mia shared. “Now, I know her like the back of my hand and she knows me like the back of her paw.”

Prima was custom-trained to support Mia by interrupting anxious behaviors, de-escalating emotions before they amplify, performing deep pressure therapy to help her stay calm, and gently redirecting her attention to the present moment.

A young woman with light brown hair wearing jeans and a t-shirt sitting on the floor beside her yellow Labrador Retriever. The dog is standing and wearing a red service dog vest.
A young woman with light brown hair laying in bed. She is wearing a grey t-shirt. Resting her head on the young woman is a yellow Labrador retriever.
A young woman with light brown hair wearing a blue tank top and printed shorts. She is standing in a tub washing her wet yellow Labrador Retriever.

With Prima by her side, Mia has found the confidence to step into the world in ways that once felt impossible. She knows she’s not facing it alone because Prima is always there, ready to support her when she needs it.

“Before, going out in public, even to everyday places like the grocery store, was really hard and could result in a meltdown,” Mia said. “But now that I have Prima, we’re going to my favorite places like Disney and Universal without a hitch. We’re also going to everyday places more often. I’ve been to so many places with fewer or no meltdowns because of her, and that’s outstanding.”

A young woman with light brown hair wearing a purple t-shirt, jeans, and black Converse standing at the airport. Between her feet is a yellow Labrador retriever wearing a red service dog vest.
A yellow Labrador retriever wearing a red service dog vest laying down at the store in front of a peaches display with the logo "Prima."
A young woman sitting on a purple cart. She is wearing a back back. Beside her is a yellow Labrador retriever wearing a service dog vest sitting at her feet.

The friendship and assistance Prima offers has also empowered Mia to explore new things about herself. With her constant support, Mia has been able to build connections, discover new things, and pursue goals she has always wanted to achieve. Prima is her super power, and together, they are unstoppable. 

Mia shared: 

“Prima has helped me focus on myself again and has taught me to be patient and open to things I normally wouldn’t be open to. She has amplified my happiness so much, and the joy she brings me every day is a massive way she’s helped me. She’s an everyday game changer by simply just being there. Whether it’s her just being herself or her tasking for me, she has helped me learn how to breathe again. She is my lifeline, and I am truly grateful for her and for Freedom Service Dogs.”

Keep dreaming, Mia and Prima! We know your future is bright.

April is Autism Awareness Month! When you support Freedom Service Dogs with a gift of any amount, you help more teams like Prima and Mia live with the independence and confidence they need to pursue their dreams. Give now and make a dog-sized difference!

If this story made your tail wag, you may also enjoy: 

From Puppy Raising to Proposals 

Tom & Alanis: Duty, Honor, and Commitment 

Kiya & Cinema: A Cinematic Connection

 

Published 4/14/2026

Contact Erin Conley at econley@freedomservicedogs.org for all media inquiries.