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Assistance dog for MS

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Hello world,

My name is Nicola, I am a 26 year old woman who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis almost 7 years ago. I live a bright and happy life with a loving network of friends and family, and am very healthy despite MS.

However, my physical abilities have begun to decline. I am beginning to have trouble using my right hand, leg and have balance issues especially when walking. Sometimes that changes and it becomes my whole body, such as being numb and have tremors everywhere, and I am poorly coordinated (I call it discombobulation). My levels of anxiety and occasional depression due to MS changing my brain and being affected by stressors in life can be debilitating in itself.

I have spent the last 5 years trying to save money for a dog that will be trained to assist me in daily tasks, and to serve as a therapy dog for myself and my work/volunteering in the community. I am a strong supporter of both and want to give back in the ways that I can. I cannot apply through organizations that provide excellent and pre-trained service dogs because I do not rank high enough in disability measurements, thankfully.

So, I am asking for help to train a Shiloh Shepherd (the perfect breed for assistance work!). So far my savings are able to cover the dog itself, initial expenses and vet bills. I will need these funds by early summer 2018- June, to be exact.

I live in a home near parks, a 2 min walk from the ocean, and have access to a car, nearby vet, trainers, pet sitters, friends with dogs, and other animals living in the house with me. The dog will have a happy life indeed, with so much love. It will help me immensely in the long run, in more ways than is conceivable. 

I am to raise and save $5000 by June 1rst for the initial costs in the following months. Overall, I am raising for an  total of 10,000$ because of the high costs of training a service dog longterm, and overall care for such a big dog. As expenses show up, I will post them on my Gofundme page for full, transparent disclosure.

Whatever is NOT absolutely necessary will not be used, and the money that is left will be put BACK into the community. I would also donate to local initiatives in Victoria, BC (to be determined at that time).  I will provide full disclosure of these things because Ibelieve in total honesty and deeply care about these things.

For those who donate over 100$ I will personally send a heartfelt handwritten thank you letter, with an inked paw from my puppy and a photo of us both by autumn 2018. In gratitude of other donations and support, I will write you an email with a photo of us two, marking our journey. (Please send me your email/address though!). I love expanding networks and meeting new people with whom to share stories! 

With gratitude, warmth and love,

Nicola
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Donations 

  • Lion Malhamoub
    • $10 
    • 8 yrs
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Organizer

Niko Belzile
Organizer
Oak Bay North, BC

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