Help Candice Get a Service Dog

Ten years ago I was active and passionate about the outdoors - as the Camp Director at an Outdoor Education Centre, I loved swimming, rock climbing, hiking, cycling, and enjoying everything the outdoors had to offer.

But one summer that all changed.  I caught a virus that changed my life. The virus affected my central nervous system.  I lost most of my strength, coordination and balance.  I was continually weak and dizzy, and I spent the next two years mostly in bed. 

Not being a person to give up, I gained the strength to go back to university - one course at a time - and completed a B.A. in Geography and a Bachelor of Education.

I still struggle with energy, strength and balance, often needing help to open doors, pick things up, get up stairs or across uneven surfaces, and I am forced to walk with two canes or use a motorized scooter. 

About two years ago, I decided to start looking for a service dog to help me get around in my day-to-day life. After tonnes of research, I found The Joy of Living Assistance Dogs - an American organization that raises and trains service dogs so individuals such as myself can become more independent.

Last week,  I was finally paired with a dog named Roy - and at the end of April I will be going down to Oregon to complete my training and certification with him so I can bring him back with me here to Toronto.

I'm so very excited to finally be able to bring Roy home, but I need your help.

It costs around $30,000 to raise and train a service dog and while the Joy of Living Assistance Dogs is covering most of this expense, I am still required to cover $7,000.  With the help of friends and family, I've raised a portion of this, but I still need a bit more to help bring Roy home.

Please help me to raise this money and make each day easier - thank you so very much for your generosity.