Today, shopping centers, restraunts, and all other public places are seeing people like me entering their business with small service animals. It takes a little getting used to but makes good sense as people are leaving larger homes for small apartments. Make no mistake, though, these guys may be smaller, but they work hard. As I travel around the state, I am pleased to find most people are eager to learn how Tappi helps me control my illness. But size is not the only big change. Dogs are moving over to make room for cats in service as well as animals such as snakes, iguanas, hamsters, etc. Thanks to the Buddy Program, more people with mental illness are able to get the help they need to get out into the public again and feel less anxious while there. With the aid of a service animal many are finding their lives more fulfilling than they dared dream as they become significant contrubuting members of communities across our state. This is just one way people with mental illness are recovering in Kansas. You can see what else is out there for you to start or enhance your recovery journey by attending the 2008 Kansas Recovery Conference in Wichita at Century II this June 17th to the 19th. This conference is made possible through the support of SRS, the Center for Community Support and Research, and the Kansas Consumer Advisory Council for Adult Mental Health. You will hear nationally known speakers, eat free great food, and find many inspiring workshops. You will laugh, you will cry. Plus you will have the opportunity to connect with others as you meet and mingle with over 600 consumers in all stages of recovery from mental illness. You don't have to go it alone! Kansas is a leader in our nation in mental health care as it emphasizes consumer-driven services. To find out if a service animal is right for you, or for more information about the recovery conference, email me at: paws_ability@yahoo.com.