Mission Impawsible: A Furry Friend For Madelynn

Hello! Madelynn's dream is to have service dog to be a friend, support, and companion.

In her own words:

"Animal---can help with my anxiety

Help me sleep

Help me get through rough days

And when I feel scared

When I'm feeling nervous

When I get my blood drawn

Going shopping!"

Madelynn was born with William's Syndrome, which brings challenges with anxiety, sleeping, eating, making friends, and effective coping mechanisms. Service dogs are trained to help individuals like Madelynn with their specific challenges. Now that Madelynn is 19 and graduated from high school, she spends more time alone. A service dog would accompany Madelynn wherever she experiences intense anxiety, like doctors appointments, blood draws, and environments with loud noises. Having a trusted companion would bring comfort as she encounters new experiences, such as SSI testing, starting new programs, and staying home alone.

As the dog's primary caregiver, Madelynn will also increase her self-confidence and life skills. She will feed and clean up after the dog. She will budget for food and vet appointments. She will learn time management and how to keep a schedule.