Empower Emma: Service Dog for a Better Life
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Help Me Bring Summer Home: A life changing Service Dog for Chronic Illness & Disability
Hi, I’m Emma, and I’m raising funds to bring home Summer, a specially trained service dog who will be my partner in navigating daily life with multiple chronic illnesses and disabilities.
️ My Medical Journey
I live with several debilitating conditions, including:
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
• Narcolepsy
• Seizures
• Mobility challenges
These conditions make everyday tasks—like standing, walking, concentrating, or even safely staying awake—extremely difficult and sometimes dangerous. A trained service dog like Summer can provide the support I need to live more independently, safely, and confidently.
Meet Summer
Summer is currently undergoing intensive training with Stephanie Carmichael, a certified service dog trainer and co-founder of Alert-K9 Training, based in Clearwater, Florida. I’ve been in discussions and meetings with Stephanie for several weeks now, and together we’ve built a training plan that fits my specific medical needs. Stephanie specializes in personalized service dog training programs designed to empower individuals with disabilities through well-trained canine companions.
Stephanie’s credentials include:
• Certified evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen
• Temperament Test (ATT)
• Trick Dog
• FETCH programs
• Trained in Pet CPR & First Aid
Under Stephanie’s guidance, Summer is learning to:
• Alert to medical episodes, including oncoming seizures, heart rate spikes, and sudden fatigue
• Assist with mobility, such as helping me stand or retrieve dropped items
• Respond to sudden sleep attacks or disorientation from narcolepsy
• Navigate public spaces calmly and stay focused in varied environments
Why I Need Your Help
The total cost of bringing Summer into my life includes both her adoption, ongoing training, and other associated costs:
• $10,000 adoption fee to bring Summer home
• $ 150 per training session for continued customized service work
• Additional costs for veterinary care, service gear, insurance
• Travel costs to go pick her up from Clearwater
Service dogs like Summer are a major investment in safety and independence, and unfortunately, these life changing companions are not covered by insurance. Your generous donation will help me meet these expenses and ensure Summer receives everything she needs to do her job well.
How You Can Help
Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to a safer, more independent life. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your network is equally valuable. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering a donation to help bring Summer home. Your support means the world to me.
Hi, I’m Emma, and I’m raising funds to bring home Summer, a specially trained service dog who will be my partner in navigating daily life with multiple chronic illnesses and disabilities.
️ My Medical Journey
I live with several debilitating conditions, including:
• Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
• Narcolepsy
• Seizures
• Mobility challenges
These conditions make everyday tasks—like standing, walking, concentrating, or even safely staying awake—extremely difficult and sometimes dangerous. A trained service dog like Summer can provide the support I need to live more independently, safely, and confidently.
Meet Summer
Summer is currently undergoing intensive training with Stephanie Carmichael, a certified service dog trainer and co-founder of Alert-K9 Training, based in Clearwater, Florida. I’ve been in discussions and meetings with Stephanie for several weeks now, and together we’ve built a training plan that fits my specific medical needs. Stephanie specializes in personalized service dog training programs designed to empower individuals with disabilities through well-trained canine companions.
Stephanie’s credentials include:
• Certified evaluator for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen
• Temperament Test (ATT)
• Trick Dog
• FETCH programs
• Trained in Pet CPR & First Aid
Under Stephanie’s guidance, Summer is learning to:
• Alert to medical episodes, including oncoming seizures, heart rate spikes, and sudden fatigue
• Assist with mobility, such as helping me stand or retrieve dropped items
• Respond to sudden sleep attacks or disorientation from narcolepsy
• Navigate public spaces calmly and stay focused in varied environments
Why I Need Your Help
The total cost of bringing Summer into my life includes both her adoption, ongoing training, and other associated costs:
• $10,000 adoption fee to bring Summer home
• $ 150 per training session for continued customized service work
• Additional costs for veterinary care, service gear, insurance
• Travel costs to go pick her up from Clearwater
Service dogs like Summer are a major investment in safety and independence, and unfortunately, these life changing companions are not covered by insurance. Your generous donation will help me meet these expenses and ensure Summer receives everything she needs to do her job well.
How You Can Help
Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me one step closer to a safer, more independent life. If you’re unable to donate, sharing this campaign with your network is equally valuable. Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for considering a donation to help bring Summer home. Your support means the world to me.
Organizer
Emma Spence
Organizer
Independence, KY