Service Dog for Alex

Hello,

My name is Alexandra (Alex). I am 28 years old and was diagnosed with Autism late at 22 years old. However, as a kid I was diagnosed with severe ADHD and put on medication, so for years my autistic tendencies were hidden.

Around grade 9, I started realizing something wasn't quite right. I missed social cues, I had horrible panic attacks and I had fainting spells. Doctors said I was completely healthy physically. Little did I know I was Autistic.

This was also the year I read a special book.

Throughout my life I called this book “The upside down dog” (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, actual name). This book was special to me because I started realizing I really related to the main character. It made me confused and I started trying to understand why I felt that way. It also introduced me to the idea of service dogs.

I faint without warning and need a lot of assistance. In 2012, I lost my long time friend, my golden retriever. This started my spiral. I felt like things were really going downhill. My emotional support best friend had passed away due to old age. I felt as if I no longer had any help. Life was hard, many things began to change fast and I felt that they were just going to get worse. I felt alone.

Throughout my life I struggled to find a support system around me that would work with my needs. Life constantly threw blocks or barriers my way. Things felt more and more isolating. Multiple doctors recommended that I should look into acquiring a service dog as it would change my life for the better. However, many support systems around me failed in understanding that necessity.

Finally, late 21-22 years of age I was diagnosed with Autism from a psychologist. My family helped me get diagnosed as they realized something was wrong. We were told I had severe Autism, and that I am actually more Autistic than I am ADHD. We also learned that my medication was masking most of my symptoms. My family did not fully grasp the severity of my situation. This amplified my feelings of isolation and feeling misunderstood.

My psychologist showed me everything I needed. The first thing was needing to get a service dog ASAP. The second thing was a weighted blanket. The third was a special therapy (I do not remember what it was called). Lastly, they recommended anxiety medication until I was able to get a service dog. My living situation did not accommodate having a service dog until I could move out on my own.

This brought about its own issues and challenges.

I felt unequipped in dealing with these new issues of becoming independent. I learned that I cannot go out on my own, I struggle with social tasks, and I am struggling with physical injuries that can transpire at work or in public places. I have in the past, injured myself without knowing my own limits and cues with my panic attacks and autistic episodes that caused overstimulation shut downs in public (when alone). This means that becoming independent has become the biggest challenge I have ever faced yet.

Today, I am hoping with the gofundme, that I can finally start taking a step to making a change for my future. After these long 8 years I finally hope to achieve getting the help that I need to acquire the tools I need to function in society. However, I am unable to do this alone, and I would really appreciate any and all help. Some of my friends have helped me find a reputable breeder and an organization that works with you to train your service dog to meet your specific needs.

My very best friend has been so nice and has sponsored the start of my journey by providing the funds for purchasing the puppy. And The first deposit of the training organization.

Training a service dog, the supplies and care of the dog are expensive. I am looking to get help so that I will be able to train my future service dog. My goal of $10 000 is what I expect the expenses to cost. The funds will be used for the cost of the vet check ups, Dog Training/Organization Aid For Service dog, proper equipment (harness, service dog vest), microchipping, medical insurance and other necessities needed for proper training.

This service dog would be like putting on glasses with the best prescription. I’d be able to see things, do better and actually be independent.

In short, I need the service dog for my public panic attacks, anxiety and Autism sensory issues and more.

I would really love and appreciate any and all help, I’ll share my adventure with everyone along the way, and I truly hope that you all can see the difference it can make in my life.

This service dog will be a huge undertaking and the journey will be long. I hope that by starting my Gofundme goal now, that I can raise the funds throughout the first year of the puppies life. This will give me the stability I need to financially support my service dog as wholly as possible, especially when it comes to training.

I am an apprentice/intern in a field of study that I am extremely passionate about, the hours are long and bills are high. I am currently working off of a student’s salary and can only support so much of this service dog’s training without it crippling my finances severely.

I hope that you can understand my journey, and thank you for your time,

Alex and my future service dog