ARLINGTON – David R. Hardiman, author of “Bailey’s Remarkable Plan,” will sign copies of the Christian autobiography/memoir 1-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept.18, at Half Price Books South Arlington. The book shares how Hardiman endured many decades of illness and other challenges alone before Bailey – a shih tzu – became his best friend, service dog and hero.

“The book includes wonderful examples of perseverance, love and triumph,” he said.

Hardiman, a longtime Arlington resident, was born with a rare medical condition that eluded diagnosis for decades, and he developed post-traumatic stress disorder late in life. Bailey senses when Hardiman is about to have an attack, and she alerts him and helps him deal with the horror.

“I face challenges each day, but she helps me cope. She and I have a special bond, and we are uniquely suited for each other,” Hardiman said. “Bailey is a gift from God to me.”

“Bailey’s Remarkable Plan” (Brown Books Publishing Group) cautions against judging people whose disabilities aren’t obvious. Hardiman doesn’t look like he has disabilities, but his problems are real.

The book, Hardiman’s first, also shares information about laws that protect people who rely on service dogs. His goal is to provide a better understanding of service dogs in an entertaining way.

“We’ve been told to leave malls and other public places because people mistake her for a pet,” Hardiman said. “So many people aren’t familiar with the laws that protect the use of service dogs.”

The store is at 2211 S. Cooper St.

Hardcovers also are available by going to http://www.baileysremarkableplan.com. To receive autographed copies, send emails to baileysremarkableplan@gmail.com.