Mojo's Mission: Tails from the Fairway

Jonathan Sessa

Hi there, friends! My name is Mojo, a proud and fluffy 10-pound Pomeranian with a big heart and an even bigger job—I’m a service dog in training. I get to travel with my Pop, Jonathan, who is not just my best friend but also the founder of Warrior Golf Academy. Together, we’re on a mission to support veterans, first responders, and the adaptive golf community, one fairway at a time.

Warrior Golf Academy isn’t just about golf. It’s about creating opportunities, building connections, and making life more accessible for those who face unique challenges. Whether we’re hosting events, training future caddies, or just sharing a smile on the course, we’re all about turning obstacles into stepping stones.

As Pop’s service animal, my job is to help him stay calm, focused, and ready to tackle whatever the day brings. I love being part of this adventure, and through these stories, I hope to share our experiences, life lessons, and a little wag of joy with you.

Thanks for joining us! Let’s dive into our latest adventure.

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Mojo’s First Mission: A Big Adventure with Big Lessons

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Before We Left: A House Full of Hustle

The morning started out at usually, watching some Golf before breakfast, when Pop started pulling out suitcases.

I knew something big was happening. He rushed from room to room, muttering to himself:

“Don’t forget your medications, Jonathan.”

“Where’s the monitor? Oh, and snacks!”

I trotted after him, my little paws pattering on the floor, trying to keep up. I barked a few times to remind him, “Hey, Pop, don’t forget my stuff too!” He finally stopped and looked at me. “Alright, Mojo, don’t worry—I’ve got your treats and your favorite blanket.”

Phew! Crisis averted. I might be small, but I’m good at making sure Pop remembers the important things.

Then came the big pile of stuff by the door: clothes, shoes, chargers, golf clubs, snacks, and a mountain of other things. Pop kept pacing back and forth, checking lists on his phone and mumbling, “What am I forgetting?” I barked again, “Your coffee mug, Pop! You know you’ll need it!” He didn’t understand, but I tried.

Meanwhile, I watched the house turn into a whirlwind of activity. Pop had this serious look on his face—the kind he gets when he’s trying to stay calm but is actually feeling a bit overwhelmed. I nudged his leg with my nose, just to remind him, “I’m here, Pop. You’ve got this.”

In the middle of the hustle, I saw him pause and glance out the window for a moment. That’s when I wagged my tail like crazy, jumping up a little to get his attention. Sometimes, Pop just needs a quick reset, and I’m happy to be his reset button.

Life gets busy for all of us, doesn’t it? There’s always something pulling our attention, making us rush around like the world’s on fire. It’s easy to forget the little things—like taking a moment to slow down, breathe, and check in with yourself and the people (or pups!) who love you.

That’s where I come in. I’m learning that my most important job is to remind Pop what really matters: taking care of himself and enjoying the journey, not just the destination. So, while he was busy triple-checking his bags, I did what I do best: plopped down on top of his shoes. If he wasn’t going to slow down, I’d make him!

Eventually, we were all packed up and ready to go. The bags were loaded, and I hopped into my spot in the car, blanket and favorite chew toy in tow. As we pulled out of the driveway, I looked up at Pop and thought, This is it—our first big mission together. Let’s do this, Pop.

The Airport: So Many People!

Oh boy, the airport was like stepping into an entirely new world for me! The loud noises, long lines, and constant buzz of people rushing around made my fluffy head spin. There were suitcases rolling past, announcements echoing over the speakers, and machines that beeped at everyone walking through them. It was a lot to take in!

Pop kept me close by his side, holding my leash a little tighter than usual. I could feel his tension through the leash, and I knew I needed to stay calm for both of us. This was one of those moments where I had to step up and do my job as his service dog in training.

Whenever Pop seemed a little too quiet or started breathing faster, I nudged his leg with my nose to remind him, “Hey, Pop, I’m here. We’ve got this.” Sometimes, he’d squeeze my leash gently—not to keep me in line but to remind himself that I was there, steady as ever.

Airports are big and busy, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Have you ever been in a place that feels like too much? Maybe at school when there’s a big test coming up, at the grocery store when there are too many carts and aisles, or even at home when everyone’s talking all at once?

When life gets loud and crowded, it’s okay to feel wobbly. Everyone feels that way sometimes, even grown-ups like my Pop. That’s why it’s so important to have something—or someone—to help you stay grounded.

For Pop, that’s me, Mojo. For you, it could be a hug from a family member, taking a deep breath, or even just finding a quiet corner for a moment. We all need tools to help us through those busy, chaotic times.

As we made our way through the airport, I reminded myself of something Pop always says: “Even when everything feels like it’s moving too fast, it’s okay to take it slow.” Step by step, we worked our way through the crowd. And you know what? By sticking together, we made it to the other side of the madness.

On the Golf Course: Finding Peace and Friendship

When we arrived at the golf course for the 100fore22 event, everything felt different—in the best way possible. The tension of the airport melted away the moment my paws touched the soft, cool grass. The air smelled fresh and earthy, with just a hint of sunscreen and freshly cut fairways. It felt like a whole new world, one that was calm and welcoming.

Pop’s face lit up when he saw the other golfers. These weren’t just any players—they were veterans, first responders, and people who understood what it means to face challenges and push through them. As everyone started to gather, I could feel Pop’s anxiety fade away, replaced by excitement and purpose. He gave my head a quick pat, and I wagged my tail to let him know I was ready too.

The golfers were there to do something extraordinary: play over 100 holes in a single day. That’s a lot of swings, steps, and stamina! But as impressive as their determination was, what stood out to me most wasn’t the game—it was the spirit of the event.

People cheered each other on with every shot, big or small. When someone struggled, others stepped in to help, whether it was offering a tip, a bottle of water, or just a friendly pat on the back. Laughter echoed across the course, and there was this unspoken understanding that no one was in it alone.

Pop kept saying how proud he was to be part of something so special. He even made new friends as they swapped stories about life, service, and why events like this matter. Watching him smile and connect with others reminded me why I’m here—to be his constant companion through moments just like this.

I got to meet so many people that day! Some even stopped to scratch my ears or tell me I was doing a great job. One golfer in a wheelchair rolled up to Pop and me, grinned, and said, “Mojo, you’re the real MVP today.” I barked softly in agreement—I mean, it’s true, right?

What struck me most was how nobody cared about differences. It didn’t matter if someone was young or old, fast or slow, able-bodied or adaptive. Everyone belonged, just as they were. Pop often says, “Everyone has their own battles, and we’re all here to help each other through them.” That day, I saw what he meant.

The golf course felt like a giant family reunion. People who might have never crossed paths were suddenly sharing stories, offering encouragement, and finding common ground. Pop said it reminded him of how golf, like life, is about more than just the game. It’s about showing up, trying your best, and lifting each other up along the way.

By the end of the day, Pop and I were tired, but our hearts felt full. As we walked back to the car, he looked down at me and said, “Good job today, Mojo. We’re a team, and I couldn’t have done this without you.” Hearing that made all my hard work worth it.

Heading Home: Hard Work, Big Rewards

The trip home was just as busy as the journey there, and let me tell you, both Pop and I were running on empty. Airports are not exactly peaceful places—more long lines, more crowds, and more noises that make my little ears twitch. But I stayed right by Pop’s side, focusing on my job. Every squeeze of the leash or glance in my direction was a reminder that he needed me to help him feel okay.

At one point in the security line, Pop took a deep breath and whispered, “We’ve got this, Mojo.” I wagged my tail in agreement. We were a team, after all, and teamwork always gets us through.

Once we made it through security, Pop sat down for a moment and leaned back in his chair. I hopped up into his lap—yes, I know I’m not a lap dog, but desperate times, right? Pop chuckled softly and scratched behind my ears. “You’ve earned this, buddy,” he said. That little laugh reminded me that even in the midst of chaos, there are moments of calm if you look for them.

The flight home felt longer than it really was. Pop rested his hand on my back the entire time, and I stayed perfectly still, even when I wanted to stretch my legs. As the plane landed, I could feel him relax a little more, like the weight of the world was lifting off his shoulders.

Finally, we stepped through the door of our home, and everything felt right again. Pop set down the bags with a heavy sigh, looked at me, and smiled. “Attaboy, Mojo,” he said, giving me a gentle pat on the head. That was it—a small moment, simple words, but they meant everything to me.

I followed Pop as he sank into his favorite chair, and without hesitation, I curled up right beside him. The hum of the house, the familiar scents, and the quiet made me feel calm again. Pop leaned over and whispered, “We did it, Mojo. Another mission complete.”

And you know what? He was right. It wasn’t just about getting through the airport or making it to the event. It was about what we accomplished together—the hard work, the connections we made, and the moments where we reminded each other that we’re never alone in this big, busy world.

As my eyes started to close and I drifted off to sleep, I thought about all the people we met, the lessons we learned, and the incredible journey we had just shared. Being a service dog is hard work, but it’s worth it. Because at the end of the day, I’m not just helping Pop—I’m learning, growing, and finding my own purpose too.

What I Learned: Be Kind, Always

As I reflect on my first big mission, there’s one thing I want you to remember: kindness can make all the difference. You see, I noticed something important while we were traveling and working together. Everyone, even the people who look perfectly fine on the outside, is carrying something. Maybe they’re struggling with their health, like Pop, or maybe they’re feeling overwhelmed by the busyness of the world, just like I was at the airport.

It’s easy to forget that people (and animals!) have invisible burdens. I saw it in the way some of the golfers looked when they started their long day, tired but determined. I could sense their quiet strength—carrying not just golf clubs, but their stories, their struggles, and their hopes. Yet, despite all of that, they showed up. They showed up for their communities, for the veterans, the first responders, and for each other. And that’s something I’ll never forget.

When we were out on the golf course, I saw what happens when people choose to help one another. It wasn’t about who was the fastest golfer or who could hit the longest drive. It was about coming together, being patient, and supporting each other no matter what. It reminded me of how I work with Pop every day—he trusts me to help him stay steady when everything around us feels wobbly. On that golf course, everyone was steady for each other.

I think that’s what makes life so special: when we take time to lift each other up, even if it’s just by offering a smile or saying, “Hey, you’re doing great.” A small gesture, a little act of kindness, can ripple out in ways we’ll never fully understand. I witnessed it with Pop, who found peace surrounded by veterans who understood him, and I saw it with everyone there, working together to achieve something meaningful.

So, here’s what I want you to remember: next time you see someone who seems a little tired, a little stressed, or a little out of sorts, be kind. Maybe they need a friendly tail wag, a reassuring word, or even just a shared laugh to get them through the moment. You never know how much it might help them, or how much they might need it.

At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about—helping each other, being there when things are tough, and showing up for the people who need us most. That’s what makes the world a brighter place.

Until next time, keep wagging your tail, swinging for the fairway, and remembering that kindness can change the world.

Woof and tail wags,

Mojo 🐾

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