A Service Dog For Carolyn
Donation protected
Hi. My name is Carolyn Earl and I am trying desperately to raise funds for a service dog.
Health Issues
I should tell you a bit about my situation so you will understand my need for a service dog. I am a survivor of severe childhood abuse - physical, sexual, emotional - and multiple rapes (institutional, individuals in the community, and even a doctor). The result of this abuse was a diagnosis of Complex PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety; some of the symptoms I deal with are panic attacks, hypervigilance, flashbacks, and nightmares/night terrors. I struggle with every day activities like going shopping(anything with crowds), going for walks(don't know what is around me so I panic), and anything else that involves leaving the safety of my home. As a result, I tend to isolate and go out only to doctor appointments. In addition to the psychiatric issues, I am hearing impaired, have mobility issues as a result of psoriatic arthritis and lymphedema, and suffer from COPD and asthma.
Service Dog Research
I have done extensive research into the availability of service dogs. I have discovered that the majority of organizations deal with only one disability, like dogs for the blind. There are only a few that deal with PTSD, and even these are directed at veterans and first responders. There are long waiting lists for most every organization, and many are not even accepting applications because of the length of their waiting lists. I was able to find only one organization that could provide a service dog that would help with multiple disabilities, but unfortunately there is no sponsorship from any service clubs or charitable donations to cover the costs. It is very expensive to raise and train a service dog, something that most people who receive dogs from service clubs wouldn't experience first hand. You have to consider raising the dog from puppyhood - food, housing, vets - and the most extensive training that goes from puppyhood on.
Thames Centre Service Dogs
The organization I found was Thames Centre Service Dogs , and in all my dealings so far they have been upfront and honest about the costs. I have completed an application - quite extensive - and must raise at least a portion of the final cost in order to proceed any further; a deposit of $2,000 CAD is required.
So, I am asking for your help in raising the funds for my service dog. Every little bit helps, so whatever you can contribute would be most appreciated. Even if you can't personally afford to contribute at this time, perhaps you can pass on this page to someone who might be interested in helping out.
I thank you, in advance, for your help.
Take Care,
Carolyn
Health Issues
I should tell you a bit about my situation so you will understand my need for a service dog. I am a survivor of severe childhood abuse - physical, sexual, emotional - and multiple rapes (institutional, individuals in the community, and even a doctor). The result of this abuse was a diagnosis of Complex PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety; some of the symptoms I deal with are panic attacks, hypervigilance, flashbacks, and nightmares/night terrors. I struggle with every day activities like going shopping(anything with crowds), going for walks(don't know what is around me so I panic), and anything else that involves leaving the safety of my home. As a result, I tend to isolate and go out only to doctor appointments. In addition to the psychiatric issues, I am hearing impaired, have mobility issues as a result of psoriatic arthritis and lymphedema, and suffer from COPD and asthma.
Service Dog Research
I have done extensive research into the availability of service dogs. I have discovered that the majority of organizations deal with only one disability, like dogs for the blind. There are only a few that deal with PTSD, and even these are directed at veterans and first responders. There are long waiting lists for most every organization, and many are not even accepting applications because of the length of their waiting lists. I was able to find only one organization that could provide a service dog that would help with multiple disabilities, but unfortunately there is no sponsorship from any service clubs or charitable donations to cover the costs. It is very expensive to raise and train a service dog, something that most people who receive dogs from service clubs wouldn't experience first hand. You have to consider raising the dog from puppyhood - food, housing, vets - and the most extensive training that goes from puppyhood on.
Thames Centre Service Dogs
The organization I found was Thames Centre Service Dogs , and in all my dealings so far they have been upfront and honest about the costs. I have completed an application - quite extensive - and must raise at least a portion of the final cost in order to proceed any further; a deposit of $2,000 CAD is required.
So, I am asking for your help in raising the funds for my service dog. Every little bit helps, so whatever you can contribute would be most appreciated. Even if you can't personally afford to contribute at this time, perhaps you can pass on this page to someone who might be interested in helping out.
I thank you, in advance, for your help.
Take Care,
Carolyn
Organizer
Red Bear
Organizer
Gravenhurst, ON