Mindy: My Anchor, My Matriarch (April 12, 2012 – June 19, 2025)
The story of Mindy began thousands of miles away from me, under the intense, vibrant sun of St. Martin. She was a tiny, fierce survivor—a puppy with the focused intensity of a Border Collie and the soulful, steady kindness of a Golden Retriever. She was a rescue, found on the streets, but even in those early, scrappy days, her spirit promised an extraordinary destiny. When she made the long journey north and finally came into my life, she wasn’t just finding a home; she was stepping directly into her essential work.
My life was undergoing a profound transition, shifting from decades of high-stakes IT work to becoming one of Connecticut’s first hemp farmers at SweetTiva Farms. This new path, marked by resilience through legal battles and managing complex physical and mental health trauma, required a reliable anchor. Mindy became that anchor, instantly and completely.
Our bond was professional, essential, and profoundly intimate. Mindy was my certified Service Dog, specializing in PTSD support. Her intelligence was channeled into unwavering loyalty, making her my lifeline. She was the silent, steady presence in the chaos—the furry, four-legged sentinel who knew before I did when a grounding moment was needed. She would position herself, her body a comforting weight, her paw resting on my foot, giving me the non-verbal reassurance to breathe and recenter. She held the perimeter of my internal world, allowing me the peace to build my external one.
The Matriarch of SweetTiva Farms and Public Ambassador
Mindy’s true mission, however, extended far beyond the quiet of our home and fields. She was the undisputed Matriarch and the public face of SweetTiva Farms. As I dedicated my ingenuity to building the greenhouses, mastering distillation, and pioneering a new industry, Mindy worked just as hard—she was the tireless, beautiful brand ambassador.
We went everywhere together, from official state meetings and farm inspections to local flea markets and public events. Mindy loved these outings, knowing she was on the job, performing critical public service. She moved through crowds with a regal, calming demeanor, effortlessly drawing people in. She didn’t just meet people; she welcomed them into our story, our mission, and the reality of the hemp world.
At our booths, Mindy was always present, sitting patiently, allowing strangers to pet her and relax in her powerful, calming presence. She helped me spread the word about the farm and, most importantly, the reality of living with PTSD and the importance of service animals. She was a bridge, an instant connection that broke the ice and opened conversations about mental health and service work that might have otherwise been too difficult to start. Her presence was my security blanket, my most effective marketing tool, and a living demonstration of the healing power of animals and the crucial role of a working service dog.
For thirteen incredible years, she was the keeper of the farm and the guardian of my soul. She supervised every crop, every harvest, and every new venture, ensuring the energy around the farm remained focused and gentle.
On June 19, 2025, my beloved Mindy crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The physical world of SweetTiva Farms, where her rhythmic breathing and the soft tap of her paws had been a constant melody, fell silent. The hole she left is immeasurable.
Mindy’s importance to me is foundational. She was the dog who held my heart steady through monumental life shifts and unseen battles. She fulfilled her certification through the daily, essential labor of keeping her person whole. Her legacy is one of unwavering, certified service, a powerful reminder that the deepest healing comes through unconditional loyalty. She proved that a rescue puppy from a distant island could become the very foundation upon which a new life—my new life—was built. She was the one consistent, gentle force, and I will be forever grateful for the years she gave me. I’m here today and alive because of Mindy.
