Help Murphy Become Carrie Beth's Service Animal

I am a strong woman. A lot of difficult situations have been thrown at me in life, but one of the hardest was when I turned to my husband one morning and said "I need to go to the E.R.," knowing something was seriously wrong with me. My symptoms were so severe, I was diagnosed that very night (a rarity for my condition) and told it'd be best to take an ambulance to the Heart Institute. THE hardest thing was realizing this is a permanent condition with no cure. Every day my life is affected. I was diagnosed with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). I've lost my ability to drive, my independence, and day to day I never know what my mobility will be or what will trigger me to lose consciousness.

I am a strong woman. A lot of difficult situations have been thrown at me in life, but I always overcome. My autonomic system is destroyed. Basic systems now malfunction. My central nervous system on constant overdrive and disarray, so my pre-existing panic disorder and PTSD are horrifically amplified.

There is no cure, but I am a strong woman, and I've found the best solution to fit me and my needs. Some people choose wheelchairs, some choose lifelong medications. I have chosen my rescue dog, who we adopted just months before my diagnosis, to become my medical service dog.

Murphy will be trained to detect a drop in blood pressure or a rapid heart rate and tell me when to sit for safety to avoid fainting spells. He will be trained to protect me. He will know how to be my buffer if I black out. He will keep me safe in public and assist with panic attacks to keep my heart rate down. He will know when to seek help for emergency assistance. He will even be trained to pick up items off the ground since I can't bend without getting dangerously lightheaded.

Murphy as my service dog would be such a blessing and true kismet. I am a strong woman, but I am not a rich one. Insurance does not cover the cost of service animals. The full cost of Murphy's training and certification is $6,500. I will pull from everything I can, but I need help getting there. I ask for thoughts, prayers, and if you feel compelled, a chance to have a service dog, whom I already love so much, to be my guide in this new life of mine.