Supplies for Bella

Hi, my name is Shawn Lantryand I recently received a Service Dog named Bella to help me with my PTSD and also to help with knee pain associated with my time spent in the US Marine Corps. I served from 2001-2005, was part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Battle of An Nasariyah. My unit received the Combat Action Ribbon and the Presidential Unit Citation.

I was medically discharged in 2005 with an Honorable Discharge due to my Right Hip getting overworked during my time in service. I have needed 2 Arthroscopic Hip surgeries and am already aware that in the semi-near future, I will need a total hip replacement.

Bella my new Service Dog was given to me through an organization called Paws for Veterans. They rescue dogs, put them through a 6 month training program at a prison and then give them to Veterans. I am so thankful to them and everything they have helped me with.

Even though I did not have to pay for Bella, I still need to get hew a few items so that her stay is more comfortable. I say her stay, but in reality she will always be with us now. She is a large dog, you can't really tell from the picture but she is 100lbs. She is a Labradane, Black Lab / Great Dane mix. We love her already and we just want to make sure she is super comfortable when she is not working.

We are looking to buy her a new bed (right now all she is sleeping on is a crate mat and a fleece blanket) and a new Vest. The bed will have to be a good size because she is so big. I'm not looking for a specific desgign as my Mother-in-Lay has already agreed to make a washable cover for it. I just need to get one that will last for her. I need to get her a new vest for two reasons. The vest she came with is well used and worn out. The straps are stretched out from her training andf the vest is always sagging. The other reason is I want to be able to show people that she belongs to a Veteran and be able to take her more places so that others can learn and hopefully support organizations like Paws for Veterans.

http://www.onetigris.com/product/onetigris-dog-vest-for-training-service-hunting-tactical/

I will need to get it in XL and am going to get it in Tan so it stands out against her Black color.

In reality, any help is appreciated as we do have 2 young children and finding the extra money to get these items will take until probably Christmas. Thank you for any help that you might be able to give.

Update 1: Now that we have met and exceeded the orignal goal of $250, we are still looking for help to be able to pay for one year of pet insurance and to get her Microchipped. Once again, thank you to everyone that has shared or donated and especially to those that have done both. We are eternally grateful.