Help Piper on her Psychiatric Service Dog Journey

Hi, I'm Elizabeth, Piper's mom! We are fundraising to pay for, train, and care for a Psychiatric Service Dog PSD) for Piper to help her gain independence and reduce panic attacks.

Piper joined our family as our foster daughter when she was only 4 years old. Before coming into our home, Piper experienced multiple forms of abuse from her biological family. As we all know, trauma leaves invisible scars that can impact so many different aspects of life. Due to her extensive trauma, Piper lives with extreme anxiety that make even the simplest tasks a battle. Piper has been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety.

Piper was adopted into our family in December of 2021 after 2 years in foster care, making what we've felt in our hearts from day one a reality. She is our daughter. Since joining our family, Piper has worked with a therapist, her DHS treatment team, and even attended a specialized preschool to help her overcome the tragedies she faced. Due to her anxiety, trauma, and difficulty with daily life, a PSD was recommended by her treatment team to help her gain more independence.

We found Molly earlier this month and she has quickly become Piper's best friend. Piper currently suffers from debilitating panic attacks in social situations, traumatic flashbacks during bath time/swimming, and sensory overload during any changes in her routine. This panic and constant reminding of trauma has significantly limited Piper's ability to be a "normal" kid.

Of course with any type of service animal, there are significant costs involved. These funds will help complete Molly's training as a PSD so she is prepared to support Piper at doctor's appointments, school, in public (like the grocery store), with daily independence, and even at home when life becomes overwhelming. Molly will be able to:

recognize the signs of an oncoming panic attack

Distract Piper to calm her down

Apply deep pressure and comforting "hugs"

Interrupt nightmares or trauma flashbacks to bring Piper back to reality

Help create physical space in social situations

Here are some links if you want to do more reading on exactly how a PSD can help someone with mental illness!

https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/what-are-psychiatric-service-dogs

https://www.verywellhealth.com/psychiatric-service-dog-benefits-laws-training-5206941