Being given a space is powerful.

People often assume that because you’re a professional, you must already have confidence. That you must be comfortable speaking. That you naturally “have a platform.”

But something we don’t talk about enough is how hard it can be to use that platform when you are autistic, an individual with disabilities, have had difficult past experiences, and are used to shrinking yourself to fit into rooms that were never built with you in mind.

Recently, I’ve been invited into spaces that have meant more to me than the organisers probably realise.

The Pet Professional Guild and Canine Principles, specifically come to mind now, for the opportunities that they have given me, invited me too and made concessions such as being able to deliver a webinar remotely at an in person conference. 

Not because I asked.

But because they made space.

And in doing so, they gave me something incredibly powerful:

permission to speak.

That acknowledgement does something profound. It builds confidence. It tells you your voice matters. That your experience, knowledge, and perspective are valid.

And it made me think…

If this is what happens to a human when they are given space, patience, and encouragement — imagine what happens to a dog when we do the same.

When we stop demanding performance and start offering safety.

When we stop correcting and start listening.

When we create an environment where they feel allowed to be themselves.

Being given a space is powerful.

For people.

For dogs.

For all sentient beings.