Alright, listen up, because I’m about to drop a story on you that’s going to make you re-evaluate everything you thought you knew about limits, setbacks, and what it truly takes to win.
We’re talking about a 17-year-old girl named Alison Appleby. Most teenagers are stressed about homework or their social life. Alison? She’s battling epilepsy. A serious condition that can throw a wrench into anyone’s plans.
But here’s the kicker: Alison decided, on a whim, to enter her very first beauty pageant. Not just any pageant – the Miss Dallas Teen Pageant. High heels, interviews, quick changes, stairs… it’s a gauntlet. And she decided to do it all with an 18-month-old Golden Retriever, her service dog in training, Brady, right there by her side.
Think about the guts it takes. The sheer audacity.
Now, why did she do it? Part of it, sure, was to prove a point. To prove that epilepsy wasn’t going to define her. But there’s a little secret ingredient here, something I love: righteous spite.
Alison was chatting with a girl about pageants when some random woman at their table piped up. “You can’t do that ’cause you’re disabled,” she said.
Boom! That’s the spark. That’s the fuel. Alison signed up right then and there. Had no idea what she was doing, sure, but she wasn’t going to let some ignorant comment hold her back.
Fast forward three weeks. Pageant time. Brady, the Golden Retriever, is a constant presence. He’s trained to sense Alison’s stress, her blood sugar levels, and most critically, to warn her before a seizure hits.
He’ll even apply deep-pressure therapy to calm her. This isn’t just a pet; this is a lifeline.
The original plan was for Brady to stay backstage. But when showtime hit and Alison felt that familiar stress creeping in, Brady knew. He broke free from his handler and went straight to her. Plan B: Brady’s staying right there with her. Non-negotiable.
And what a performance! Opening number, interviews, multiple outfit changes in those sky-high heels (her mom couldn’t believe she did the stairs!).
And Brady? He’s a pro. He’s following her, sneaking in naps under her gown, even winking at the judges! Alison swears that sealed the deal.
But beyond the glamour, there’s a deeper lesson here. A service dog isn’t just a companion; it’s a huge responsibility. Alison isn’t just managing her own health; she’s making sure Brady is fed, rested, and gets his bathroom breaks.
She’s putting his needs first, even if it means leaving social functions. This isn’t just “owning a dog”; it’s a partnership. A commitment.
And when her name was called? When she was crowned Miss Dallas Teen 2022? Brady jumped up and down like the excited puppy he is – a service dog “no-no,” sure, but perfectly understandable in that moment of pure triumph.
Alison Appleby and Brady. They didn’t just win a pageant. They shattered stereotypes. They proved that limitations are often just perceptions.
And they delivered a powerful message to anyone who’s ever been told “you can’t”: It’s not your illness. It’s just what you put your mind to.
So, a huge shoutout to that rude woman who sparked it all. You thought you were putting her down. You just ignited a champion.
