A Service Dog for Michelle
Donation protected
My name is Michelle Golden. I am a senior in college at Roosevelt University. I have cerebral palsy and use a variety of mobility aids to get around such as a power wheelchair, manual wheelchair, and crutches. Recently I made the decision to work on getting a service dog to broaden my independence.
The dog would be able to steady me when I am out of my wheelchair, and help me if I fall by either helping me up or retrieving the phone. In addition it would help me by retrieving objects I drop, or pushing elevator buttons/handicap door switches whether I am in or out of my chair. Things such as travel would become much easier as well.
I have applied for a dog through several organizations, all of which are non-for-profit. However, the organization I am working with does ask for the eventual owner to contribute money towards the training cost of the dog. This includes additional support following placement. Also, as the dog's owner I am responsible for care costs and other expenses. As I am on a fixed income, this is difficult.
I had imagined that I would not recieve my dog very quickly, likely until after I had graduated college and found a full time job. However, that may not be the case, as one organization I spoke with indicated they may have a dog that will match well with me. If she does, I may be ready to begin training with her as early as January 2015.
This makes my financial situation a bit more urgent and is why I am now reaching out for help. Should the match fall through, the funds raised here will be used for when I do get a service animal, regardless of how long I wait.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. It will literally change my life.
Love,
Michelle
The dog would be able to steady me when I am out of my wheelchair, and help me if I fall by either helping me up or retrieving the phone. In addition it would help me by retrieving objects I drop, or pushing elevator buttons/handicap door switches whether I am in or out of my chair. Things such as travel would become much easier as well.
I have applied for a dog through several organizations, all of which are non-for-profit. However, the organization I am working with does ask for the eventual owner to contribute money towards the training cost of the dog. This includes additional support following placement. Also, as the dog's owner I am responsible for care costs and other expenses. As I am on a fixed income, this is difficult.
I had imagined that I would not recieve my dog very quickly, likely until after I had graduated college and found a full time job. However, that may not be the case, as one organization I spoke with indicated they may have a dog that will match well with me. If she does, I may be ready to begin training with her as early as January 2015.
This makes my financial situation a bit more urgent and is why I am now reaching out for help. Should the match fall through, the funds raised here will be used for when I do get a service animal, regardless of how long I wait.
Thank you in advance for your generosity. It will literally change my life.
Love,
Michelle
Organizer
Michelle Golden
Organizer
Chicago, IL
