Hi, my name is Bethanie and this is my service dog, Max. I've always been connected to animals since a young age. They have helped and healed me in so many ways.

My mom wanted to get me a service dog when I was younger for my health issues that have been diagnosed long-term, but I was too nervous about what society was going to think of me, and it was expensive.

I've always struggled with health problems that I never wanted to share because of fear of judgment and embarrassment. Before I had Max, I had an angel that came to me and said its name was Max. I didn't think much of it. Later, an old neighbor of mine posted on Instagram some cute puppies, and like most animal lovers, I had to take a look! I was scrolling and I said, 'That is Max! What?! How could this be Max?' I thought to myself. Well, I'm just going to reach for the stars and go for it. If I can get a ride to where these puppies are, it's a sign. Well, it turns out I wouldn't even need a ride; a close neighbor friend was bringing one over that lived right next to me. The seller said they could just take my dog too! I didn't ask for permission in this case, more of forgiveness, but I knew it was the right choice. He was even on sale!

Anyways, I knew I'd have a service dog someday, just getting Max for the love of a dog and having a new best friend. As a young pup, Max started alerting me to episodes and tasking before I even taught him. That's how I knew he was going to be my service dog. At first, I was a little lost, so we didn't start training until he was 2. We both learned together. Over the years of hard work and dedication, though service dogs are always in training, I felt he was ready for the big labels, not 'service dog in training' but 'service dog.' I had gotten comfortable with having him around and with myself and my needs. He had gotten confident and able to understand cues. He really enjoyed having a job, and I really enjoyed having him and that he helped me feel more comfortable in my own skin than ever and feel better.

Until recently, this past year, we have hit some obstacles in his training, only a few, but I have not been able to help him as well as I need to be to be successful. Max, as an owner-trained service dog, has done so well, and I'm very proud of our accomplishments. Unfortunately, I'm needing a little bit of extra help to overcome some of these trials we've come across. Since having Max, my whole life has changed, and it's helped me in so many ways to be able to have him perform his tasks and help me on my bad health days. Hoping to get him some professional training to keep him as my service dog as he's done so well and we both have had major benefits from the team we have become.It is just very expensive.