Medical Service Training for Vicki's Dog Brodi

Victoria Gingerich, 22, was born with Caudal Regression Syndrome, a rare birth disorder with no cure. She has also been

diagnosed with syringomyelia (fluid on her spinal cord that may shift or enlarge at any time causing weakness, loss of

balance or paralysis), PAC’s (extra heartbeats that disrupt her regular heart rhythm and cause palpitations), and POTS (a

disorder of the autonomic nervous system in which she deals with symptoms of lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting,

headaches and tremors). Victoria has four specialists and a primary care physician; they agree it is a miracle that she is

able to walk. She is so thankful for family and friends who have donated Brodie, a goldendoodle, and funds for his

obedience training. Brodie has completed substantial obedience training and is now ready to start the service training.

Brodie will be professionally trained to assist her with standing, counterbalancing when walking, picking up dropped

items, opening doors, etc. At the moment Victoria is working part-time and enjoys it when she feels well enough to go.

She is being scheduled for another surgery this spring which will be a follow-up to a previous surgery. The monies from

this fundraiser will be used for a complete set of x-rays to make sure Brodie’s growth plates have closed to support her

weight, a support harness, and extensive training where he will live with the trainer for 2-4 weeks at a time during the

next year. According to the National Service Animal Registry, the average cost of a service dog is around $15,000-

$30,000 upfront. Some can even cost upwards of $50,000 depending on their specific tasks and responsibilities.

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