Freddie & Kelsey Watson Dog Team Fundraiser

Paws for Life USA would like to introduce to you one of our newest dog teams, Freddie the Sheepadoodle and his handler, Kelsey Watson.

Kelsey has traveled a rough road in her short 17 years of life. At the tender age of 8, Kelsey was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and anxiety. After attempting self-harm at a young age, Kelsey experienced many trials and errors on medications prescribed by her doctors and therapists. As she entered adolescence, Kelsey began seeking solace in drugs and alcohol, exacerbating her symptoms of depression and anxiety and leading to a second self-harm incident in September 2021. While in the emergency room, Kelsey was involuntarily sent to a psychiatric hospital as a minor. Unfortunately, the treatment she received was unsuccessful; a few months later, she was headed down another destructive path.

Thanks to her parents' quick action, Kelsey agreed to go into a teen-based rehabilitation facility in the mountains of North Georgia in May 2022. She spent more than ten weeks doing intensive therapy and self-reflection before becoming more aligned with the person she was before drugs and alcohol.

Kelsey's depression and anxiety will be a part of her life moving forward, but her family is doing everything they can to keep her safe. That's where Freddie enters Kelsey's story! Kelsey's family are self-proclaimed "dog people." After finding Paws for Life USA, Kelsey knew that a psychiatric service dog would be an excellent tool in maintaining her mental and physical health.

Paws for Life USA is a 501c3, all-volunteer charity that provides individuals with disabilities specially trained dogs. The program specializes in Autism, Multipurpose, Mobility, Seizure, Psychiatric, Hearing, Medical, Companion & Therapy Dogs. For a service dog to qualify under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it has to perform specific tasks that will help its handler with everyday tasks. It is not a companion dog!

Kelsey worked hard on herself and her application for a Paws for Life USA service dog and was ecstatic to be chosen to receive Freddie. Freddie is seven months old and will need basic, intermediate and advanced obedience training. Then, obtain the AKC Puppy Star, certificates for each level of achievement, Canine Good Citizen and the final Service Dog Certification. Trainers will work with Freddie individually and in a group with Kelsey and her family. This training takes place over 12-36 months, through private lessons in Marietta, GA, at Kelsey's home and frequently visited locations. Paws for Life USA stays with their Dog Teams for the life of the service dog.

Paws for Life USA is not sponsored by any organization, and fees are associated with the training program that the handler is responsible for. Imagine the difference you can make in Kelsey's life by donating towards Freddie's training!

Freddie will be trained to recognize when Kelsey has missed medication and is headed down a self-destructive path. To help ease Kelsey's anxiety, Freddie will be trained to provide positive pressure to help ground her. Freddie will also intervene if Kelsey is attempting to self-harm. Freddie will never leave Kelsey's side!

Kelsey's life goals are to finish high school and hopes to make theater, specifically the technical side, a career. She has big plans, and Freddie will help her achieve them!

Paws for Life USA website: https://animalsdeservebetter.org