Disabled Veteran Needs a Service Dog

Hi,

I am Ron Sandifer. I am a 40% disabled veteran. I was a U.S. Army Engineer, I spent all my service time overseas. My disability is my right shoulder, it comes out of its socket whenever my arm is raised at a 30% angle. I am receiving the maximum disability allowed by law short of a complete loss of both arms.

I live in Shippensburg Pennsylvania, I have a BA from Eastern University, I have worked as a computer programmer and a teacher of programming.

Five years ago I developed a Panic/Anxiety disorder. This disorder became so severe that during one two week period I was in the emergency room four times and even had a heart catheter to ensure I was not having heart attacks.

Because of my health problems I take a lot of medications and this has caused me to gain a lot of weight in the last five years. I own my own business as a private delivery company. I serve just Ford motor company and I only drive/work at night. This enables me to earn a living and to stay away from most crowds and people which does lessen my anxiety attacks.

A service dog would allow me to live a more normal life. A service dog will be trained to my specific needs. He will pick up items that are dropped. He will be able to open doors, turn on and off lights, etc... He will also be able to bring me my medications, wake me up if I miss an alarm. He will be able to distrauct me during a panic attack and give me reassurance during an anxiety attack.

As many of you know these dogs take up to two years to train and costs many times meet or exceed $20,000. I have however, received a rescued dog, with a great disposition to be trained as a service dog. This leaves me a balance of  $7500 dollars.

This service dog will allow me to regain a more active life and to regain a more natural social life.