An idea: train him as a special assistance dog. There are many skills the dog can do, the important thing is to give him some training.. I think people really latch on to the idea that a dog has been specially trained. Might as well be honest: what is the best skill to bring you and your dog together and make it easy for people to understand why you can't be separated from your companion? Hint: moods like anxiety is a great reason to have a dog around. An animal can detect and stop a condition like this before it worsens into things like panic attacks. Don't think you have to pretend to be anxious though (I would never recommend that)... Far more subtle forms of mood enhancement are just as worthy of something more obvious. Finally, in most places they are not allowed to ask what the special need is, that is private health information..