I have struggled for much of my life with disabling conditions. Some of these include PTSD, OCD, Tourette Syndrome, Anxiety, and Depression. I also have ADHD and am Autistic. After years of therapy and trialing many different medications to try to alleviate the burden of my symptoms and struggling with horrible side-effects, I presented the idea of a service dog to my care provider. I had been looking into it for years and it felt like an unrealistic dream. He was immediately on board and encouraged me to pursue this as a way to help me improve my quality of life.

The dog will help provide structure and routine because in needing to care for the dog, I will also need to care for myself. Companionship will also be beneficial to my mental health. Some specific tasks that the dog can be trained to perform are deep-pressure therapy and behavior interruptions that would help me to redirect during stressful, anxious situations.

These funds will help with the purchase of the dog, obedience training as a foundation, and then specific task training. Any additional funds will go towards the care of the animal and ensuring that we have what we need to be successful in creating an environment where the dog can support me in the ways that I need. If the fundraiser amount is not reached, funds will still go to the purchase and training of a dog, but the route for doing that will need to be altered to fit within the available funds.

This is something that has been a dream for many years and it has always felt impossible. Without a community around me supporting this, it will not be possible. I need help financially due to the expense of supplies and training, but I also need other tangible supports as well as prayer and willingness to share this fundraiser with others who may be able to help financially.

Thank you for your support!

UPDATE: Some people have asked about the amount needed. This is an estimate based on research. I believe this goal, though high, is reasonable considering the cost. On average a service dog costs between $15,000-$50,000 for initial cost of the dog and the full training (which generally takes about 2 years). In addition to the initial costs, estimates show that statistically service dog maintenence can be $500-$10,000 per year. On average, a service dog will work for 8-10 years before retirement.

So, for anyone who may be wondering why the amount is so high, I hope this makes it make more sense. That is why this dream will be impossible without help! This is more than just an expensive companion, the hope is that it is independence, it is regulation, and it is a better overall quality of life.

Thanks so much to everyone who has contributed, prayed, and/or shared so far!