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If you told Wylie parent Robyn Burns she’d be writing a children’s book in 2020, she would have thought it completely far-fetched and definitely unexpected. However, looking back now, Burns can see how everything led to this moment and soon the publishing of her very first children’s book, titled Harvey’s Special Mission.
Harvey’s Mission Unfolds
On April 12, 2022, what seemed like a standard procedure for pets took a turn for the worse. Burns dear Golden Doodle of four years, Lucie, was scheduled to be spade. Although healthy prior to the procedure, Lucie did not respond well and ended up not recovering from the procedure. The loss of Lucie was heart-wrenching for Burns to the point she decided she would not replace her, but a life-changing event two years prior and her husband’s dog Harvey changed her heart and mind. According to Burns it was on her birthday in 2020 that everything would change.
“Life took an unexpected turn when I was confronted with a life-threatening brain aneurysm that shattered my world and forced me to reimagine how I would navigate each passing day.” Burns, who is the mother to four children and proud wife of a veteran, now had to grapple with how she would continue to do what she loved most. “As a caretaker to my beloved husband and children, I was unprepared to face my own mortality and the daunting uncertainties that lay ahead.”
It was not until the loss of Lucie, however, that Harvey’s mission became apparent. Harvey would not leave her side. “When Lucie passed, Harvey had this bond with me that was indescribable. He just had an instinct for my needs,” says Burns. It was then that Mike, her husband, felt that Harvey should be her dog.
“The arrival of Harvey in my life was nothing short of a miracle. With his gentle demeanor and unwavering dedication, he became my guardian angel, a furry friend who understood my struggles and has provided a sense of security.” 
Harvey’s Superpowers
Early on Robyn noticed Harvey had an innate sense of when her blood pressure drops, which can be life-threatening for her and is a side effect of her medications. It was this discovery that led Robyn to the realization that Harvey could become certified as a service dog for her condition. This is a sense that not all dogs have but is required to be trained in this capacity, according to Service Dog School International. Harvey’s superpower now made him Robyn’s superhero.
“Harvey is no ordinary dog; he is meticulously trained as a cardiac alert service dog, with a unique ability to detect changes in my heart rate and keep me safe,” says Burns. “When I say, Harvey has saved my life, it’s literal.”
As a cardiac alert service dog, Harvey has had scent training that helps him sense more keenly when her blood pressure drops. He also is certified in deep pressure therapy that helps him know when and where to apply pressure to Burns, which he does by laying his head on her. This helps calm Robyn when she feels anxious, also a side effect of her medications. These are only two of the many ways Harvey uses his superpowers to keep Robyn safe.
Out of Hardship Comes Inspiration
Since then, the duo has teamed up to embark on an adventure that consists of a young girl’s dream and real-life experience. Burns says writing has always been important to her, and Harvey’s constant companionship and devotion has been her source of inspiration to no longer delay writing.
“Since I was a young girl, I’ve held a deep desire to write, and it became clear to me that I wanted to showcase the incredible impact of service dogs and how they transform the lives of their human companions,” says Burns. “His [Harvey’s] unwavering presence and the love we share have fueled my passion to put pen to paper and bring this story to life.”
Burns has also seen the remarkable role service dogs play in the lives of many veterans prior to her needing a companion of her own. “I had witnessed firsthand the transformative power of service dogs in the lives of Veterans. These incredible animals, trained to provide unwavering support, offered a lifeline to those who had sacrificed so much for our country. Their presence and devotion were truly awe-inspiring, offering a beacon of hope in the darkest of times.” 
Harvey’s Special Mission is the first of a series Burns hopes to write. She says, “readers will embark on a journey with Harvey and his human companions and through their adventures witness the incredible bond between him and the people he helps, showing off the unique abilities and qualities that make service dogs so extraordinary.”
“The overall message I aim to share through the Harvey’s Special Mission books is the profound impact that animals, particularly service dogs, can have on our lives and the importance of empathy, understanding, and inclusivity,” said Burns.
She also hopes to educate children about how service dogs assist humans especially since often their human may have invisible needs in which the dog aids. In addition to better understanding service dogs and the positive influence make in the lives of their human companions, Burns touches on key messages including, empathy, compassion, kindness, facing adversity, embracing differences, and adapting to change.
“In sharing these stories, I aim to shed light on the remarkable role service dogs play in safeguarding the well-being of their human companions. Through the pages of these books, I seek to inspire and educate others about the life-altering impact these incredible animals can have, not only on veterans but on individuals facing their own unique battles. These stories are a tribute to the countless unsung heroes who walk among us on four paws, offering a steadfast companionship that transcends the boundaries of our everyday lives.”
Listen to an excerpt from Harvey’s Special Mission read by Kayleb Burns.
By Kristen Johnson