Hello everyone, my name is Shaulynne, and writing this is one of the hardest but bravest things I’ve done.

Due to misunderstanding, I’d like to add before you continue reading.

*This is NOT an ESA. There is such stigma due to illegitimate service animals that have created problems for those who really need them.

For years I have battled severe post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, OCD, and debilitating anxiety, which has had impacts to my physical health and well being. These conditions have gradually taken away my independence, my confidence, and my ability to function in a way that gives my quality of life. Simple everyday activities — grocery shopping, driving, going to appointments, dating my husband, taking my children to make memories, simply leaving the house — has become terrifying or impossible. I live in a constant cycle of fear, panic attacks, obsessive safety rituals, and isolation. It brings constant exhaustion, physical pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, insomnia, amongst other things.

I am a mom of two beautiful children, one of whom requires regular medical appointments with GI specialists (making it impossible to work ontop of my own struggles). My greatest heartbreak is watching how much my disabilities are beginning to affect my children’s lives too — limiting their experiences, their freedom, and even their view of what childhood should feel like. I want to show up for them fully. I want to be able to take them places, to participate in life, and to give them the mother they deserve — not a shell of the person I used to be.

After decades of trying to medicate, therapies, holistic approaches, hospital stays, and endless medical testing- it’s time I considered a different approach and stop putting it off like I have been.

With recommendation and discussion with medical professionals, I have been advised to obtain a psychiatric & mobility service dog.

This dog would be trained to:

• Interrupt panic attacks and flashbacks

• Calm and ground me during PTSD episodes

• Help reduce compulsive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, disassociating, and hypervigilance

• Assist me in safely navigating public spaces providing boundary control

• Enable me to leave the house with my children without overwhelming fear and panic for our safety

• Alert me to cardiac/blood pressure changes as preventative measures

• Retrieve medication and assistance when a blackout/panic attack occurs

A properly trained service dog could truly change the trajectory of my life and the quality of my family’s future. The only thing standing in the way is the cost — typically ranging from $15,000 to $40,000, depending on the training required.

I am unable to work due to my condition, the appointments of my little one, and our household survives on one income. We simply don’t have the means to cover such an overwhelming expense upfront and on our own — so I am swallowing my pride and reaching out for help. This is extremely difficult for me to do as I often feel undeserving but my family deserves better. My husband deserves a wife that doesn’t live in a constant state of survival and my children deserve a mother that can be present for them in all that they do and not miss out on a childhood of laughter and freedom because of my own scarred and broken brain.

We are fundraising for more than just a ‘dog’ but for a new chance on life, safety, and much much more.

✨ What Your Donation Would Do

Your contribution would go directly toward:

• The purchase and training of a certified psychiatric/mobility service dog

• Travel and placement costs associated with the dog’s training program

• Necessary equipment and certifications

No amount is too small — truly. Even $5 gets us one step closer to safety, independence, and giving my family the life they deserve. If you can’t donate, sharing this page means the world to us too.

From the Bottom of My Heart

I can’t fully express how much your support means — whether financial, emotional, or through prayer and positive thoughts. Thank you for taking the time to read my story, help carry this burden, and believe in my healing journey.

With gratitude and hope,

The Rockwell Family

*This is not an ESA and will be trained similar to veteran dogs.

trained in three or more service acts and life changing measures.