Service Dog Awareness & Training
What is a Service Dog?
Hi, I’m Kai, and I’m Michele’s service dog. I have an important job: helping Michele live her best life despite her health challenges. I’m not a pet—I’m a trained partner. I assist her with balance, alert her to migraines and fibro flares, provide Deep Pressure Therapy and several other tasks. Dogs like me are life changing and allow disabled people to do more. None of this would be capable without the love & teamwork of Bret & Michele.
Our Mission for Awareness
Michele, Bret, and I want to teach people about service dogs. We aim to share why we’re essential, what we do, and how to respect our role. Bret is a big part of this mission. He’s always finding ways to help spread awareness—whether it’s through photography, conversations, or creating resources to make life easier for service dog handlers.
How to start your own journey
Not every dog is cut out for this role, but that’s where Michele and Bret come in. They can help you figure out if your dog has what it takes to be a service dog or guide you on how to find the right dog to join your family.
- How to start full-time RV’ing
- How to train your current dog
- How to pick out a puppy to be a service dog
- Helpful tips for living with chronic illnesses
Training Basics
It takes a lot of work to become a service dog, and Bret was there every step of the way. He helped Michele train me, cheering us on when things got tough. Service dog training is about learning tasks that meet your handler’s needs while behaving politely in public. Bret and Michele share tips, tools, and resources to make the training journey a success.
- What does it take to be a service dog
- Basic training
- Task training
- Public access
- Pet-friendly areas
- What else do I need?
Traveling with a Service Dog
Travel can be stressful, but Bret is the master of preparation. He makes sure Michele and I have everything we need, from my gear to travel checklists. Together, they’ve created resources to help other handlers travel confidently with their service dogs.
- What’s in your bag? (Tips on daily essentials for your dog)
- Emergency kit (What to have ready)
- Where are we going? (Packing tips for travel)
- Public access
- Pet-friendly areas
- What to pack
- What else do I need?
Educating Others
Spreading awareness isn’t just Michele’s mission—it’s Bret’s too. Whether he’s talking to a curious family at a park or answering questions at a business, Bret is passionate about :
- Training Service Dogs
- Training pet dogs
- Rottweilers (we’ve had a few other dogs but love Rotties)
- How to be a good partner to a chronically ill person
- Rv’ing, Bret takes maintenance for his RV and trip planning seriously.
Our Story
I’m Kai, Michele’s service dog. But you know who’s my hero? Bret, Michele’s husband and my best buddy. He’s the glue that holds our family together. Let me tell you about how he became such an important part of our story.
For 22 years, Michele thrived in a high-pressure job at UPS, expertly balancing international calls, tight deadlines, and complex projects. But over time, her health began to decline. Years of injuries and chronic illnesses slowly took their toll. The demands of her career made things even harder, and in 2021, she faced unimaginable loss—the passing of her mother, father, and grandmother within weeks of each other. The grief and stress compounded her physical challenges, leaving her overwhelmed and struggling to manage day-to-day life.
That’s when Bret stepped in. He knew Michele couldn’t face this alone and became her rock, her biggest advocate, and her partner in every sense of the word.
When Michele’s health worsened, Bret suggested a bold change. Together, they sold their home and moved into a 400 sq. ft. fifth-wheel RV. Downsizing wasn’t just practical—it gave them freedom.
Our Journey & Adventures
Our adventures wouldn’t be possible without Bret. When Michele and Bret decided to sell their home and live in an RV, Bret became our navigator, planner, and caretaker. He made sure Michele had what she needed to manage her health and that I had a safe, comfortable place to work and play.
Even though Michele’s health limits how far and often we travel, Bret plans every trip with care. On good days, we explore zoos, aquariums, and nature parks. Bret’s the one who finds wheelchair-accessible paths, scopes out quiet areas for rest, and makes sure Michele feels supported every step of the way.
Bret is also our family photographer. He documents everything, from me playing at the dog park to Michele enjoying a peaceful moment at the RV. When Michele needs rest, Bret makes sure we don’t miss out—he captures the magic so she can relive it later.
Our journey isn’t just about travel; it’s about making the most of every moment together. Whether we’re exploring a new place or enjoying a quiet evening, Bret’s love and dedication make all the difference.
Offerings
One-on-One Travel &
Accessibility Consultation
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Personalized guidance for planning trips with a service dog.
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Step-by-step advice on managing accessibility needs.
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Checklists and resources tailored to your specific travel plans.
Membership Community
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Exclusive access to a community of service dog owners and advocates.
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A safe space to share experiences, tips, and resources.
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Monthly webinars, guides, and tools to navigate life with a service dog.
Donations and Support
Pay As You Wish
- Exclusive access to a community of service dog owners and advocates.
- Funds support the maintenance of this platform and the development of educational materials.
- Donations allow us to spread awareness and continue supporting handlers and their service dogs.
What Our Community Says
Welcome To Our Family
Bret Highley
Kai
Michele Highley
Contact Details
Address
6844 Bardstown Rd #629, Louisville, KY 40291
support@kaispaws.com