Eden's Service Dog Fundraiser

UPDATE 4/13: I'm meeting my dog this Saturday 4/15! Sasha's Volhard temperament test results came back with mostly scores of 4 and a few scores of 3, which means he is an excellent candidate to begin service work with extensive, proper training. I'll be working closely with the breeder, as well as a private trainer, to get him started on puppy training, Canine Good Citizen (CGC), and eventually service tasks starting in June, a few weeks after bringing him home.

I am also coordinating a move in June, to a larger space with a yard where Sasha will have ample opportunity to train and have play time when off duty. I anticipate bringing Sasha home around the same time that I move (late May/early June) to minimize stress.

At this point, I've assembled all of the supplies for the first few months of his care. I am still in need of assistance with the upfront cost of Sasha himself and the preliminary training expenses. These funds are vital to raise as soon as possible since the early foundational training is crucial in determining if Sasha will become my service dog. As always, sharing and/or donating to this page is so greatly appreciated. I have also recently opened an ABLE account if you'd rather help me with continuing disability and living expenses. You can donate here: UGiftABLE with the code 96B-A33

I'm so grateful for everyone's assistance with making my dream a reality. Thank you all so much for your continued support. I promise I will pay it forward when I am able.

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Hello, I'm Eden, a multiply disabled, chronically ill, low-income person in the process of getting a service dog. Having a trained dog to assist with my disabilities would radically transform my overall well-being and adjustment to life, as I have been struggling with severe and debilitating health issues for many years. I love animals and currently keep other critters; I also worked at veterinary clinics, kennels, etc., so I know what I am getting into in terms of time, money, and effort. I believe that training a dog that can consistently do specific disability-related tasks for me will be the most significant intervention I can hope for.

A local dog trainer who historically has been very successful with service dog training has agreed to work with me in selecting a dog/training it to accomplish my goals. The dog will be cross-trained for mobility, psychiatric, and possibly alert tasks. Some of these tasks include acting as a barrier between myself and others, turning corners before me, retrieving items, carrying groceries/items, support with rising from a reclining position, bracing, deep pressure therapy, medication reminders, and alerting my partner if problems occur.

Training costs vary based on how quickly my dog learns, but it is generally around $7,000. The cost of the dog itself, including the deposit, is approximately another $1,800. My dog will be an AKC temperament tested purebred German Shepherd (GSD) since he has the size, lifespan, intelligence, and drive that is best suited to the kind of service tasks I require. Neither of the above costs include supplies, food, or veterinary care. While I have access to many ongoing factors and costs already, I am still hoping to raise a substantial portion of the overall cost through donations. I cannot meet my goal without a great deal of assistance, and while I work, I cannot work intensive jobs or many hours without heavy accommodations.

I have tried many other interventions, including medications, as-needed mobility aids, braces and compression garments, physical therapy, intensive psychological therapy (including EMDR), and so on, with little success. I believe that having a trained service dog as a mobility/psychiatric support aid would vastly improve my overall functioning and allow me to participate more fully in social activities, gain independence, and work/live life more effectively. Please consider donating to my fundraiser, as meeting my goal would tremendously impact my life. Thank you, and be well.