
A Service Dog for Bill
Donation protected
I am so excited to start this fundraising campaign for my cousin Bill, an extraordinary human with a big dream that we can help him achieve!
Bill is dealing with the most progressive form of MS. Over the past 12 years, as the MS has progressed, Bill has become confined to his power chair. He has lost the use of his legs, his left arm and hand, and is beginning to lose his right arm and hand. Despite the many challenges his illness has thrown his way, Bill demonstrates resilience, determination, courage, positivity, and a great sense of humor on a daily basis. Spending time with him is a gift to those who are lucky enough to be his friend.
Bill needs a service dog. Bill has been on the waiting list with Susquehanna Service Dogs for 7 years...yes 7 LONG years and he just found out that he is finally getting his service dog!
This dog will be such a blessing for Bill and his family. The dog will not only be a devoted companion for Bill, but he/she will be able to give Bill more independence and support in many aspects of his daily life. The dog will be able to open doors for Bill, both figuratively and literally! It will retrieve necessary items like his phone or his water. It can get his wallet out of his bag and place on store counters, and then after the transaction put it back in his bag. Most importantly, the dog will be a companion, a stress reliever, a source of positive energy and comfort in Bill's days. Bill and his family are already lifetime dog lovers, and the very best companions to animals, so the new addition will be very welcomed into the family with much gratitude and love.
Please consider teaming with me to make this dream come true for Bill. Bill, and his wife Ali, applied for many grants to assist with the cost of the dog and were thrilled to learn that they were awarded funds to cover the cost of the dog! Now, my goal is to help raise funds for the specialized training and related expenses, as well as start a veterinary fund to assist with healthcare for their new addition moving forward. As a parent of 2 doggies myself, I know that veterinary care can be very costly.
Bill will head to training on 9/28/2018 in Grantsville, PA. Ali, has done a lot of leg work and scouted out accommodations that will work for Bill. Ali, Bill, and their son Billy will stay in a fully accessible hotel room and support Bill through the training process. During training, Bill will spend his days bonding and learning with his new dog. They will all, doggie included, spend their evenings in the hotel bonding as a family. They will work with a trainer everyday learning to communicate, and navigate situations out in the community together. The dog will practice and master the specific skills it will need to learn to support Bill. This specialized training will be long, as the process can not be rushed. The family will remain in Grantsville until graduation day on 10/18. Together they will leave as a family.
Here is a breakdown of the costs:
Hotel room from 9/28 to 10/18 at a rate of $150 per night: $3,150.00
Hospital bed rental for the hotel room: $150.00
Daily living expenses(meals$50 per day/transportation$75 per week) for the family while at training: $1275.00
Veterinary Fund for 3 years at $500 per year (preventative medication costs included): $1500.00
Total Fundraising Goal: 6,075.00
**If we raise more than the goal, all additional $$ will go into the veterinary fund for unexpected medical issues the dog may face, and veterinary care past 3 years.
Please consider supporting Bill in this new, life changing adventure. Thank you for considering!
With gratitude,
Jen
Bill is dealing with the most progressive form of MS. Over the past 12 years, as the MS has progressed, Bill has become confined to his power chair. He has lost the use of his legs, his left arm and hand, and is beginning to lose his right arm and hand. Despite the many challenges his illness has thrown his way, Bill demonstrates resilience, determination, courage, positivity, and a great sense of humor on a daily basis. Spending time with him is a gift to those who are lucky enough to be his friend.
Bill needs a service dog. Bill has been on the waiting list with Susquehanna Service Dogs for 7 years...yes 7 LONG years and he just found out that he is finally getting his service dog!
This dog will be such a blessing for Bill and his family. The dog will not only be a devoted companion for Bill, but he/she will be able to give Bill more independence and support in many aspects of his daily life. The dog will be able to open doors for Bill, both figuratively and literally! It will retrieve necessary items like his phone or his water. It can get his wallet out of his bag and place on store counters, and then after the transaction put it back in his bag. Most importantly, the dog will be a companion, a stress reliever, a source of positive energy and comfort in Bill's days. Bill and his family are already lifetime dog lovers, and the very best companions to animals, so the new addition will be very welcomed into the family with much gratitude and love.
Please consider teaming with me to make this dream come true for Bill. Bill, and his wife Ali, applied for many grants to assist with the cost of the dog and were thrilled to learn that they were awarded funds to cover the cost of the dog! Now, my goal is to help raise funds for the specialized training and related expenses, as well as start a veterinary fund to assist with healthcare for their new addition moving forward. As a parent of 2 doggies myself, I know that veterinary care can be very costly.
Bill will head to training on 9/28/2018 in Grantsville, PA. Ali, has done a lot of leg work and scouted out accommodations that will work for Bill. Ali, Bill, and their son Billy will stay in a fully accessible hotel room and support Bill through the training process. During training, Bill will spend his days bonding and learning with his new dog. They will all, doggie included, spend their evenings in the hotel bonding as a family. They will work with a trainer everyday learning to communicate, and navigate situations out in the community together. The dog will practice and master the specific skills it will need to learn to support Bill. This specialized training will be long, as the process can not be rushed. The family will remain in Grantsville until graduation day on 10/18. Together they will leave as a family.
Here is a breakdown of the costs:
Hotel room from 9/28 to 10/18 at a rate of $150 per night: $3,150.00
Hospital bed rental for the hotel room: $150.00
Daily living expenses(meals$50 per day/transportation$75 per week) for the family while at training: $1275.00
Veterinary Fund for 3 years at $500 per year (preventative medication costs included): $1500.00
Total Fundraising Goal: 6,075.00
**If we raise more than the goal, all additional $$ will go into the veterinary fund for unexpected medical issues the dog may face, and veterinary care past 3 years.
Please consider supporting Bill in this new, life changing adventure. Thank you for considering!
With gratitude,
Jen
Organizer and beneficiary
Jennifer Ropes
Organizer
Duxbury, MA
Alyssa Glaser
Beneficiary