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Help Elise and Oliver

My name is Elise. I’m an aunt, part-time nanny, and full-time student, and I struggle with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Endometriosis, and Chronic Pain. I’ve been battling these and pursuing extensive and costly treatments for the majority of my life (17 years), and my doctors are now recommending a psychiatric service dog out of medical necessity.

A service dog is different from an emotional support dog by being specifically trained to do tasks that are highly personalized and unique to a person's needs in order to alleviate symptoms (such as providing deep pressure therapy, turning on lights, checking surroundings for safety, retrieving medication, offering brace support, and providing physical barriers). They are also allowed access to public areas and transportation as covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If a service dog could help me thrive, then I have to try everything possible to make this happen. It will truly be a saving grace.

The harsh reality is that service dogs are outrageously expensive. Anyone who has the medical clearance for one has to utilize fundraising since health insurance companies do not cover them. All of the nonprofit organizations I’ve applied to have never replied, denied me, or have 2 to 4 year waiting lists, and everything is indefinitely on hold due to COVID-19. Charitable prison inmate service dog trainings aren’t operating, either.

The program I’m working with, Love in the Lead, outlines the costs on their website .

There’s no way I can afford or do this on my own, and I’d be eternally grateful if you could help me reach my goal. Any little bit helps and anything is appreciated. If you're unable to contribute at this time, please consider sharing this link on your social media channels or via text and email to help spread the word. 

Another option is purchasing one of my “Dogs are cheaper than therapy” shirts, mugs, or tote bags to help my cause.

A service dog is my final chance toward a life worth living. This dog will be life-saving. My treatment team anticipates that it will help me lead a better quality of life and enable me to function at a higher level; specifically throughout my evenings and weekends when work and school are not a distraction. It will also serve as a loyal companion and provide emotional support and co-regulation since I am single and really isolated thanks to my symptoms.

I've missed out on a huge chunk of life, developmental milestones, and opportunities because of these disorders, and I'm beyond ready to move forward. My wish is to start living instead of feeling like I'm barely surviving. I'm absolutely exhausted from fighting for my life on such a consistent basis and desperate for an olive branch. Service dogs can mean the difference between remaining “stuck” or alleviating, and possibly eliminating, my certain obstacles. This ray of light is HUGE and a much needed and welcomed source of confidence after fighting for recovery for so many years.

Thank you so much in advance, and thank you for taking the time to read my story.
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Donations 

  • Marc Hallert
    • $150 
    • 7 mos
  • Jeanne Conner
    • $200 
    • 7 mos
  • William logan
    • $50 
    • 7 mos
  • Anonymous
    • $200 
    • 3 yrs
  • Nancy Reas
    • $200 
    • 3 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Elise Ramirez
Organizer
Matthews, NC

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