Support dog (Roxy) for Eric

Eric was born and raised in South Bronx. He lived most of his adult life in Houston Texas where he retired from the Police Department. In August of 2017 Hurricane Harvey hit Houston. Hurricane Harvey was a devastating Category 4 hurricane that made landfall, causing catastrophic flooding and many deaths. Eric moved to Pennsylvania after losing everything in the flooding that accompanied hurricane Harvey. Eric’s dedication to serve and protect has left him physically disabled and suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Eric has found that a service dog helps him combat his constant battle with PTSD. A service dog is a dog specifically trained to perform work for a person with a disability. Service dogs are valued working partners and companions. Eric had a service dog named Gracie. In November of 2019 Gracie was diagnosed with liver disease and passed away in May 2020. Eric sold personal belongings and his car to pay for the veterinarian bills. Along with loosing Gracie, we were all put on lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Eric lives alone and has been very isolated since her passing. The American Legion Riders Post 580 has offered to donate the funds needed to find a new companion for Eric. With the help of Unleashed, a new service dog named Roxy has been found for Eric. He has dedicated his life as a police officer to help keep us safe and now it is time for us to help him. Service animals can cost up to $20,000 to the owner which includes boarding,food,equipment,lifetime boarding,and lifetime training. In addition to these costs, we would like to prepay for veterinarian care and a food credit to further assist Eric and Roxy.