Help Me Keep Ollie — My Lifeboat Service Dog

My Story

My name is Tim, and I’ve lived with debilitating disabilities for nearly 40 years.

At just 21, I suffered a brain AVM (arteriovenous malformation) rupture that required emergency surgery to save my life. While the surgery was successful, after 30 days in the hospital, I was left with permanent damage: severe balance issues, loss of coordination, and double vision.

I adjusted as best I could for nearly three decades—until my nightmare happened again when the clips used to repair the AVM gave and caused another bleed. A second brain surgery followed, but this time, the toll was even greater. My physical condition has steadily declined with age, and I face daily risks of falling and injury, even when using a walker.

Fighting Depression and Finding Hope Again

On top of my physical challenges, I’ve battled severe depression—especially after my second surgery. In 2018, I hit the lowest point in my life and endured another lengthy hospitalization.

Since then, I’ve been fighting to rebuild. ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) treatments, medication, and therapy have helped me begin to find hope again.

But one vital part of my healing is still missing: a service dog who can be both my support and my companion. In 2018, I had to give up my beloved dog when I was hospitalized, and because of my physical limitations, I need more than just a companion animal - I need a service dog who can help me avoid further injuries.

Meet Ollie — The Dog Who Can Change My Life

After years of searching, I found Tacie, an experienced service dog trainer in the Ohio Valley—and Ollie, a specially chosen dog who can help restore my safety, mobility, and independence.

Ollie will be trained to:

Why I Need Your Help

Unfortunately, the cost of service dog training and care is far more than I can afford on a fixed disability income.

I’m turning to this community for help to raise $15,000, which will cover:

How Your Donation Will Change a Life

A service dog like Ollie isn’t just helpful—it’s life-saving. He will give me the confidence to move safely through the world, with fewer injuries and less fear. He’ll restore my dignity in public, where people often misunderstand my condition. And he’ll bring warmth and companionship to a life that has felt too quiet for too long.

Ollie is more than a dog. He is a buoy to keep me afloat.

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Whether you can donate, share this campaign, or simply offer a kind word—I am deeply grateful.

With your help, I can move forward with the support and hope I’ve been missing.

Sincerely,

Tim Townsend