Babe has been my service dog since 2019, after I received a Dysautonomia diagnosis. This came almost immediately after moving to college, where I had multiple on-campus incidents that made attending classes, learning, and generally just living my life a struggle. Since then, I have been able to progress more than I had ever imagined, and this would not be possible without the support and safety I've been granted because of her. She's been on airplanes, to zoos, protests, concerts, tattoo shops, professional conferences, doctors' appointments… nearly everywhere I have.

In 2025, Babe had a large mast cell tumor removed from her face, but last month she was diagnosed again. This time, multiple tumors cannot be removed; our only option is 12 weeks of chemotherapy. The estimated cost to cover the treatments Babe needs is about $5,500, but it could change depending on how she tolerates them. I currently have an assistantship at NMU, working towards my Master's in Biology, which has the lowest stipend in the state. Simply put, I don't have much money to begin with, and Babe's health is imperative to my overall accessibility and career trajectory.

Babe is such a sweet girl and an amazing service dog. She attends all of my classes, labs, and field work. When I am working in the lab, she must remain far from me sometimes because of chemicals, contamination, or other animal interactions, and she keeps a watchful eye on me at all times. She’s able to assist me in ways that no people or medication could, bridging gaps for me in safety and independence. She LOVES working and is a model service dog, especially for a handler in biology. There are so many friends and family that Babe has performed tasks for, too, just because she's eager to work and loves them.

I owe so much to Babe; she’s only 7 years old and deserves a full, happy life. If you can't donate, please help share this so my girl can get the care she deserves. Every bit helps!

-Ceirighen Gill