An Assistance dog for Gabbi

We're fundraising $25 000 for an Assistance dog which will be specifically matched and trained for Gabbi.  

Gabbi is 4 years old and has Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, and high levels of anxiety.  Life outside the house can be very frightening for Gabbi.  Everyday sounds, smells and light changes that most of us barely notice can be overwhelming and trigger anxiety attacks.  Even walking through an unfamiliar doorway can be impossible on some days.  Her anxiety levels tend to trigger a "fight or flight" response, and she will run.... anywhere... with no sense of danger or ability to calm herself.  

Gabbi is now too big for a stroller, and wants to walk like other kids her age, but this has proven too dangerous.  She is very tall for her age and the adrenaline rushes make her incredibly strong, so I can no longer stop her from running. Gabbi has suffered from several dislocated elbows from her desperation to run while panicking, and my equally desperate attempts to not let go of her hand. In the last few months Gabbi has run straight into traffic 3 times, and I honestly thought I was about to watch my daughter die. It's only due to the fast reflexes of strangers and extremely good luck that we have so far avoided tragedy.  Normal family activities outside our home have become impossible.

That was until we met Katie and her amazing dogs (pictured above on a trial walk). Dogs for Kids with Disabilities (DKD) is a small, local, non-profit organisation and they recieve no government funding, but they help change the lives of kids like Gabbi.

An assistance dog will keep Gabbi safe, as she will be tethered to the dog whenever we are out in public.  The dog will help keep her calm, and physically stop her from running when she does start to panic. The dog can even be taught to nuzzle her out of a meltdown.

With her new best friend Gabbi will be able to enjoy the simple things that should be a part of every childs life.  Trips to the park, a milkshake at the shops or even a day at the zoo.  It will completely change our lives, and give Gabbi and her brother Samuel the childhoods that they both deserve.

Donations can be made by hitting the Donate button on this page, or by direct deposit to:

Dogs for Kids with Disabilities Ltd
Westpac Bank
BSB:   033 132
Acct:  263882
Please quote GABBI VIC in the reference

Cheques and money orders can be made out to:
Dogs for Kids with Disabilities Ltd.
156 Austin Rd
Seaford  VIC  3198

Please write GABBI VIC on the back of the check or money order so that it goes towards Gabbi's dog.

For all donations made through GoFundMe I'll be organising tax receipts directly from DKD, as the GoFundMe receipts are not tax deductable in Australia.  Please be advised that there will be a slight difference with dates, as the money takes a few days to transfer into DKD's account.

For any donations made directly to DKD please email me your details by hitting the message button above so that I can organise a tax receipt.  

You can follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/dogforGabbi


Thank you so much for helping to make a little girl very happy. 
Jaqui and David Lebreux.