Hi, my name is Meredith, and I’m 25 years old. Recently, I had to retire my incredible service dog, Smash, after nearly four amazing years together due to his battle with cancer. Smash wasn’t just my service dog though, he was my best friend, my helper, and truly my lifesaver.

Because of Smash, I was able to live independently despite my many chronic illnesses and disabilities, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Gastroparesis, Autism, Asthma, Vasovagal Syncope, blood pressure issues, mental health conditions, and hearing loss (I wear hearing aids).

Together, Smash and I were passionate service dog and disability advocates, working both online and in our local communities to educate others about accessibility, inclusion, and what service dogs can do for people with disabilities. Through social media and community outreach, we’ve helped countless people learn about disability rights and the power of trained service animals. Which is something I hope to continue with my next service dog.

Smash was trained to:

●Alert me before I faint or when my blood pressure spikes

●Provide Deep Pressure Therapy and behavior interruption

●Help me if I fell or lost balance

●Find exits and follow people on command

●And much more!

Thanks to him, I gained my independence, confidence, and safety. Which are things I never thought possible until he came along. I truly believe I’m alive today because of Smash’s incredible work.

Now, it’s time to begin the next chapter with my new service dog prospect. Who will hopefully be coming home soon!

With your help, I can give him the same life-changing training Smash had and more. My next service dog will learn everything Smash knew, plus:

✨ Object retrieval

✨ Hearing alerts

✨ More Mobility support

✨ Medication reminders

✨️Allergen detection and more!

However, training a service dog is very expensive, and I can’t do it alone. Every dollar raised will go directly toward his training and the equipment he’ll need to succeed.

Costs:

Service Dog Training: $4,000

Basic Obedience Training: up to $575

Evaluation: $45

Training gear, patches, and accessories if needed

Your donation will help me regain my independence, continue my advocacy work, and keep spreading awareness about service dogs and disability rights. Smash gave me my life back and now, with your support, my next service dog will carry on his legacy.

Even if you can’t donate, sharing my story means the world to me.

Thank you so much for your kindness and support.

— Meredith & Smash