I am raising funds for my sister, Hannah, to get a service dog. Please read their letter below - they put it into better words than I ever could how important this is for them, their health, and their independence.

"Two years ago I lost a part of my soul. My service dog of seven years, Gwen, died very suddenly and unexpectedly. She had a heart attack/stroke and was gone in less than half an hour of anything seeming wrong. Gwen changed my life so completely, I don't truly have words for it. Among many other things, I faint often without warning, have non-epileptic seizures, frequent partial joint dislocations from a connective tissue disorder, difficulty bending down and reaching up, difficulty with balance and walking, and have severe chronic pain and fatigue.

Before Gwen and I became partners, I barely ever left the house except for medical appointments. Gwen alerted to my fainting and seizures five to ten minutes before they started, helped me walk and keep from falling, assisted me with nearly all daily tasks, let me know when it was safe to move and stand, and provided deep pressure therapy for anxiety and pain. In our years together, she and I traveled alone, had a thriving social life, and eventually moved out of my parents' house to live on our own. Losing her was like losing a piece of myself, as well as my freedom and safety. She made me feel safe in my unsafe body, and learning to live without her has been the hardest thing I've had to do and, after two years, I am exhausted and longing for my freedom back.

I was on a waiting list with the organization that trained Gwen; but after two years of waiting, the right match hadn't come along. After a lot of thought and research, I decided to go the route of owner training for my next service dog. This means that I will both own my next dog and be entirely responsible for the expense of training her. I really wanted to own my next dog. With a program trained dog, you don't own your service dog, they belong to the organization that trained them. I am also very much looking forward to being involved in her training. I love dog training and it was the axis of my life for seven years. I am so excited to go on this journey and truly be able to customize her training and skills.

I am working with Independentk9 LLC and Gwen's original trainer. I was recently matched with a Bernese mountain dog/poodle mix named Sybil. She is almost 10 months old and currently undergoing the beginnings of public access training and service skills. When she completes that twelve week course, she will come home with me and I will continue her training.

I know this is a tough time for everyone, and I feel strange asking for money. But this is something essential for my survival and safety. I am disabled and unable to work, and live on a low, fixed income. Even a dollar or just sharing this with your friends will help so, so much. Everything adds up, and I appreciate everyone that stops to read this.

If the goal is exceeded, the extra funds will go towards tools and grooming supplies and Sybil's future vet expenses.

Sybil's adoption fee: $1,500

Cost of service dog training package: $9,275

Cost of support harness: $1,000+

Cost of spaying Sybil; $652.50

Food and lodging for a few days of in-person training at Independentk9's location in WV: TBD"

Thank you so much for reading, for all of your support, and for sharing.