Help Jane Miller get a Service Dog

I had no idea anything was wrong, so the diagnosis of early on-set Parkinson’s disease hit me hard.

 

I had just moved back to Oregon after living in the Midwest for seven years. My divorce was final, my youngest had graduated from college, and both sons had decided to move back home with me.

 

I was freelancing and preparing to apply for admission to a prestigious MBA for Professionals program.

 

That was eight years ago.

 

When I got over the shock, I vowed that nothing was going to stop me from doing what I wanted to do. I was going to keep moving, working, learning, dancing, living, and loving.

 

I wouldn’t need anyone’s help, I thought. I was an independent person, and rarely, if ever, asked for help.

 

But this disease has left me with losses I could not have anticipated. My beloved dancing is extremely limited. I shuffle when I walk, and sometimes my legs stop moving (freeze) and can’t start moving again. When that happens, I cannot get my body to move an inch, let alone get out of the way of traffic. I can’t hike with my head up so I can see the world and not just my feet. My balance is poor, my falls and injuries are frequent. The pain is constant.

 

My life as I know it has changed in dramatic ways. My personal safety is of the utmost concern.

 

The only way I can keep my independence at this point is to purchase a highly-trained assistance dog from a professional agency. A dog who will be specifically trained for my needs. For example, he/she will:

 

 

I have gone through the long and involved process of being medically approved for one of these wonderful, life-saving animals. I am currently on a waiting list.

 

The socialization and training the dogs receive are very expensive. They are trained to respond to over 80 commands, in addition to undergoing specialized individual training for the person they are matched with.

 

My initial costs will be at least $12,000, including any dog-specific things, e.g., leashes, harnesses, packs. Additionally, once the service dog is mine, I will be responsible for all expenses necessary for the daily care all dogs need, e.g., food, annual veterinary check-ups, toys, beds.

 

Those are funds I do not have.

 

But if Parkinson’s disease has taught me anything, it is that it is okay to ask for help.

 

I am asking for your support.

 

With your help, I can get my life back, live as long as I can, as independently as I can. That way, I can be an advocate for others who face similar issues, so I can show them how important it is to keep going. So in the end, we can all say that we let nothing stop us.

 

Thank you for anything you can offer.

Jane

 

(I am registered with the Joys of Living Assistance Dogs. Located in Salem, OR, this 501(c)3 non-profit organization is dedicated to raising and training assistance dogs and placing them in positions of service.)

 

To read more of my story, see my blog, The Stars Each Night, at https://www.thestarseachnight.com

Note: my name is Kerry Rae Connolly and I am Jane's dear friend here in Portland, Oregon. I met Jane through the Parkinson's community; my husband Harry had PD, and he had a service dog from JLAD. Since I saw first-hand how a service dog can change the life of someone living with physical challenges, I offered to set up this fundraiser for Jane.

Jane's service dog will be specifically trained to meet her needs. She'll have a dog who will brace her when she loses her balance (preventing falls), help her navigate her way through crowds, around corners, up and down stairs (freezing, balance, gait).  Her dog will keep her safe when she falls, helping her get up and/or staying with her until help arrives.

Thank you for supporting my friend!