Lily’s Therapy Dog Fund

Lily was diagnosed with Juvenile Idopathic arthritis in 2013 when she was 4 years old. We expected her to reach medicated remission within 6 months. Instead, her arthritis spread to all of her major joints (along with smaller ones) and every medication she tried failed to treat her arthritis effectively. Arthritis effects Lily every day of her life. Her joints are stiff, swollen and hurt. She often cannot play because her pain level is high. The arthritis in her hands and wrist makes writing, coloring and creating difficult. She requires accommodations for her schooling including using a computer, iPad and voice to text for most of her work. Her arthritis in her feet and knees makes walking and running difficult and she uses an electric handicapped scooter any time she has to walk a distance. It’s been 6 years since Lily’s diagnosis and she hasn’t ever been in medicated remission. Lily has endured more physical pain than seems reasonable for a small child. Recently Lily started asking for a dog she could train to be a therapy dog. She said she wants one so she can take it to her many appointments at the Children’s Hospital and visit other children at the hospital while she is there. Being ill has made Lily very aware of those around her that are suffering. I believe training and loving a therapy dog will encourage Lily. I also believe it will encourage and lift the spirits of those she visits. When you donate, the money will go towards the purchase of a small Moyen Poodle, the first year of vet care and training and registering the therapy dog. As her Mom and Dad, we want to make Lily’s childhood as happy as possible. We believe this will improve Lilys outlook on life, but with all of the other expenses of chronic illness we are unable to provide this on our own. Please give if you can.