Me and Cooper - My Service Dog

Like so many, I was devastated by the news of Robin Williams suicide. I suffer from Bipolar Disorder and ADHD.

I am seeking $5000 which is the cost of training for my new Psychiatric Service Dog - Cooper. Cooper will be medically trained and by federal law will be able to go anywhere with me. Service dogs are considered medical equipment. Cooper was always in overdrive hence was not right for service work. Cooper is now being trained to become a police k-9. I have a local trainer and a new Cooper soon. Some of the things Cooper will learn are to help me cope with my depression, anxiety, panic attacks, feelings of suicide, remind me to take medication, a barrier in public and Cooper will even search my empty home before I enter and he will turn the lights on. Plus much more.

As with any other service dog one must meet the criteria under the Americans Disabilites Act. The individual must have a life-time limiting disability and the dog must be individually trained to do work to mitigate that disability.

Most importantly, we all can be better informed about brain diseases and try to be proactive about our loved ones, and dedicated to finding better treatments.

If you would share this with as many of your friends I would be tremendously grateful. Thank you!!  Laurie.