It was supposed to be just another flight home.

I was heading back to Seattle after a rough weekend in Phoenix—scorching heat, dry air, and constant reminders of a conference I wasn’t emotionally prepared for. But thankfully, I wasn’t traveling alone. My service dog, Max—a golden retriever mix trained to help with anxiety and panic attacks—was right there with me. He’s more than just support. He somehow always knows exactly when I need him.

When I boarded the plane, the seat beside me was already taken. A man sat there, still and silent, avoiding eye contact. Something about his posture told me he was carrying something heavy—but I didn’t pry. I gave a polite nod and settled in.

Max, as usual, quietly lay at my feet—until he didn’t. He suddenly stood up, gently nudged his way toward the man, and sat close beside him. I was about to pull him back when I noticed the man’s eyes welling up with tears.

After a moment, he whispered, “I haven’t touched a dog since my tour overseas.”

He didn’t say much else, but Max stayed with him the entire flight—resting his head on the man’s lap, offering silent comfort. By the time we landed, the man finally looked at me and said softly, “Thank you. I didn’t know how much I needed that.”

That flight reminded me that service dogs don’t just help the people they’re trained for. Sometimes, they help the ones who need it most—quietly, unexpectedly, and without asking for anything in return.