Yoshi and Me

Yoshi and Me – How a Golden Dog Taught Me to StayWhat happens when you need a dog to save you – but you’re the one who has to train her?

Living with PTSD, chronic illness, and the daily barriers of disability, Yevette Ho never imagined that a golden retriever puppy would become her lifeline. Yoshi and Me is a raw, funny, and deeply moving memoir about survival, stubborn hope, and the unbreakable bond between human and dog.

Unlike polished tales of ready-trained service animals, this is the messy, honest story of what it means to raise and train your own assistance dog. From sleepless nights and chaotic puppyhood to breakthroughs in behaviour, disability access battles, and the nerve-wracking journey toward the Public Access Test (PAT), Yoshi proves that she’s more than a dog – she’s a partner in independence.

Blending heartfelt memoir with practical insight, this book explores:

The realities of owner-trained assistance dogs
The difference between emotional support animals and service dogs
The struggles and triumphs of living with PTSD and chronic illness
The humour, frustration, and joy of training a golden retriever with a purpose

At its core, Yoshi and Me is about resilience, love, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going – with muddy paws, wagging tails, and plenty of dog hair along the way.

Perfect for readers who love service dog memoirs, disability lived experience, dog training stories, or uplifting tales of survival and companionship.

Author Biography

Yevette Ho is a writer, trainer, and disability advocate based in Canberra, Australia. Living with PTSD and chronic illness, she shares her honest journey of resilience and independence with her golden retriever assistance dog, Yoshi.With over 15 years of experience in coaching, training, and community work, Yevette holds a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and is completing a Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training. She is currently mentored by Tamika from Goin’ Muttz, further developing her skills in behaviour modification, scent work, and assistance dog training.Yevette is also in the early stages of developing YoPaws, a future initiative designed to support and empower owner-trainers on their assistance dog journeys. Through her writing, lived experience, and advocacy, she champions the bond between humans and dogs, disability inclusion, and the power of stubborn hope.