A Service Dog for Kassia

Almost a year ago I was diagnosed with severe anxiety. I see a therapist and psychiatrist who recently decided to refer me on for trauma counselling.

My anxiety/trauma has made life quite difficult for me. It is extremely difficult for me to talk to people. Even talking to someone I don't know can cause me to have a panic attack, I have not been able to hang out with my friends, I am unable to go anywhere on my own, I suffer from panic attacks and flashbacks. I have many goals for myself, a couple of which are going to university and eventually living on my own. These are difficult to envision happening at this time but with the help of a service dog it can become a reality.

A friend suggested that a psychiatric service dog may be of benefit to me. I have seen my family doctor and she agreed this would be a great idea for me and wrote me a prescription on the spot. I am also on a wait list for a puppy from a breeder (she has a litter coming this fall) who has agreed to match me up with a puppy who shows promise to be a service dog and will have a suitable temperment. I also have a dog trainer who has experience training psychatric service dogs lined up.

These types of dogs are able to provide help by:
- alerting me if I do not see someone approaching me
- deep pressure therapy
- diverting my attention during a panic attack
- diverting my attention when thinking about the trauma
- block people who are getting to close
- get others when I am in distress
- bring me my medicine
- steady me if I feel like fainting

I have set a goal of $14,000 to be raised to cover the costs for;
- puppy $3,200
- training $10, 200
- initial vet costs $600

Thank you so much for your kindness, understanding, and generosity.

Kassia