Funds for Emotional Support Dog
Firstly, thank you for visiting our page!
Update: We have received some harsh and negative criticism from this GoFundMe page. But we have also received much support from those who are close and dear to us (the friends and family who know Ashleigh and her battles). These extreme differences in terms of feedback have made us aware that the fund description needed many alterations in the way it has been worded.
I have asked Ashleigh if I may rewrite this because there are many parts of Ashleigh's life she never likes to, or wants to divulge with friends and even family, let alone on social media -- a persona that's even on when meeting face to face.
Due to this, certain details in the fund description have been played down or even disregarded, which, in hindsight may not have been the best way to get certain aspects across where donations are concerned.
From - Matt. (Engaged to Ashleigh, and have been together for 5 years, almost 6!)
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Ashleigh has suffered from birth, a chronic, physical, illness which has rendered her disabled and unable to work. Due to this condition, she has suffered from severe forms of depression from an early age. Her physical and mental states have been diagnosed as 'intertwined', which makes any form of therapy progress near impossible, considering her physical side is permanent, and a daily torment.
As a result of this, Ashleigh also suffers from social anxiety. This dramatically reduces her chances of outside world contact. We moved to a location where we were more isolated so she could develop in her own time, and confidently move around outside the house (when physically able), as well feel comfortable inside when home alone. Due her anxiety, and me going to work, she spends most of her days at home, alone.
During very difficult times, we have had family stay with Ashleigh whilst I've have to go to work, and at times when no one could stay for longer periods, Ashleigh's family's dog (Tiffy) travels hours across the country to come stay with us. The loving nature of Tiffy and the company she brings to our household significantly improves Ashleigh's mood. Not only this, walking Tiffy gives Ashleigh that reason, and companionship to step outside when she is capable of doing so. Tiffy provides the support Ashleigh seeks, Tiffy also allows me to go to work in a less worried, worked up state because I know Ashleigh will find consolation in Tiffy.
Ashleigh and Tiffy on an adventure!
Due to the recent changes that the government has made to the disability schemes, Ashleigh's money had been unexpectedly and wrongly stopped for 7 months. This has had a devasting impact on Ashleigh's health, and our finances.
We've debated for some time to rescue a dog/puppy as generally that would be our first choice (as Ashleigh and her family have done so in the past), but living on farmland, alongside livestock, and renting from the farmer, there are significant risks involved with this; The characteristics, nature and traits of a mixed breed will always be unknown and unpredictable until too late because we wouldn't know it's history.
Previous training or lack there-of is also a concern to our landlord, his livestock, and our own concerns.
Homing a purebred puppy from a reputable breeder, and personally meeting the family line of dogs the puppy would be coming from, gives us the best chance of correctly training a dog to be surrounded by farmland, and be trusted to behave accordingly, coinciding with its nature.
After much research, Ashleigh found a particular breed - the Bernese Mountain dog, known for its gentle, docile and friendly nature, that lives well on farmland, but generally has no natural instincts to chase or give any real notice to sheep above its master. We have gotten many an owner's testaments to this, as well as specific examples of them ignoring sheep, deer, and even chickens completely, while other breeds have instantly given chase, with no warning (as it is somewhere in their breeding to do so).
Based on theses traits we have entered into a contract with our landlord to home a Bernese Mountain Dog.
Picture from meeting BMDs at a show in Kelso.
We wouldn't have even considered this page if it wasn't for the time frame in which we have. Almost 2 years ago Ashleigh and I, met with this wonderful, kind breeder who is very supportive and helpful.
We have been told November is likely the next time a puppy litter will be available from her, otherwise, we will have to wait another year (perhaps even longer). We have had to regrettably decline two offers since Ashleigh's money had stopped.
This whole fund came about for the love of the breed and the emotional support a dog would bring to Ashleigh. We have seen the amazing kindness of strangers using platforms similar to this.
We have so far raised back £800, since our funds plumitted. The price that was/had been stated accounted for the whole cost including the money we had saved.
A Bernese Mountain Dog Puppy costs between £1300 to £1700.
The cost here is for a puppy that is KC approved and has a family history documented for good hip scores and longer life spans.
(To reduce the chances of cancers and hip dysplasia.)
The remaining money would be going towards the initial essentials and supplies needed when owning a new puppy. Leads, bowls, toys, beds, grooming supplies, vet bills, and other miscellaneous items.
It's hard for us to ask for donations, but we would greatly appreciate any help that we could get to cover this initial start.
With everything she's been through, I know she deserves this, hopefully, you will see this too. It breaks my heart to know that I can't provide the things she needs.
Again, thank you so much for visiting our page and taking the time to read this. We are extremely grateful for the support from friends and family.
If you don't agree with this page, please could you refrain from commenting negatively. (I have not delved further into the conditions Ashleigh suffers with on a daily basis. She wants to keep certain details of her daily routines, fears and thoughts private.)
Matt and Ashleigh X
Outside our home
Picture from meeting BMDs at a show in Kelso.