Service Dog

From the time I was born, I’ve been a fighter.  I was born with closed spina bifida. There’s many characteristics of closed spina bifida also known as spina bifida occulta or spinal dysraphism. In my case I have an open hole at the bottom of my spine called a dermal sinus tract, and instead of having the nerves at the bottom of the spine end like a horses tail mine are bundled together in a mass called a lipomyelomeningocele. So at six weeks of age a surgery was performed to correct the spinal deformity. Throughout my 61 years multiple orthopedic and neurological issues have arisen along with numerous surgeries. I was able to have a professional career and enjoy what life has to offer until 2010. Beginning in 2010 I started to experience increasing weakness in my left leg and difficulty maintaining my balance while walking. On medical advice in September of 2011 I underwent a spinal cord de-teethering surgery along with a laminectomy. Which left me unable to return to my profession. Since then I have also been diagnosed with severe osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and am a breast cancer survivor. My poor balance and left sided weakness continues to worsen. Resulting in frequent falls, fear of injury and lack of confidence.


I am now in the process of being matched with a service dog. My new companion will help me with tasks by picking things up for me, bringing me things so that I do not loose my balance reaching for items. He or she will also be trained to help me when I fall, and to stabilize when I need to use stairs, get up/down on a curb, walk on gravel or uneven ground etc. And I would be much happier with a dog then my current cane at my side!


A service dog is an expensive endeavor but one that will help me to regain my confidence, engulf me with love and always be by my side. The projected cost to train my dog is $8500 so any amount you can spare will be greatly appreciated.


Denise