Paws-ability for Bethany

My name is Bethany Spencer and I am a graduate student studying Clinical Psychology. In addition to going to school, I also work a part time job, conduct research, volunteer for a local Tourette Syndrome support group, volunteer at a camp for children with Tourette Syndrome, and am an avid crafter.  So far, my life sounds like most other graduate students' lives... but lets add it what else I do: I twitch, jerk, make sudden sounds, say random things (sometimes inappropriate things), frequently become overwhelmed by my environment, sleep, sleep, sleep some more, spend days in bed with all of the lights off while being careful not to move, lest I make myself ill, cry from the pain, and rely on those closest to me to ensure that my day-to-day life continues on as smooth as possible. Why, you might ask. I have Tourette Syndrome, chronic migraines, and hypersomnolence. The combination of these disorders/illnesses are difficult on their own yet there is more. They are accompanied by a plethora of co-morbids which turn speed bumps into road blocks.  While I can currently do a lot, I couldn't do it all without the support of my family, friends, coworkers, and professors. However, I am now moving out on my own and pursuing my adult life, and that means that I won't have the same kind of support available. For this reason, I have decided to pursue a partnership with a service dog. 

Over the past few years, I have spent countless hours researching this  big step and finally decided that this was the best step for me. A few months ago, I began the application process for Eyes Ears Nose and Paws, a service dog training organization in North Carolina. A few weeks ago, I received my official acceptance as a client and now I am beginning the process of fundraising for my four-legged future. 

A service dog will change my life in ways I can only begin to imagine. A service dog would be by my side to provide continuous support, support I need on a daily basis. A service dog will know where and when to apply pressure to my body, to help alleviate my tics and sensory overload. He or she will help by retrieving items I drop or have thrown due to my tics and provide mobility support when I'm unable to walk. They'll potentially alert to migraines, giving me time to treat them before they occur which would shorten them dramatically and help keep me awake and alert and seek help if necessary. This is just a small example of what a service dog will help me with.

However, as a college student, I am not able to pay for the cost of one of these amazing dogs. For this reason, I am choosing to fundraise. At a minimum, I must raise $5,000 to receive my dog, but the full cost is $20,000 and any amount truly helps me and Eyes Ears Nose and Paws. All of the money raised will be donated to Eyes Ears Nose and Paws, even if the goal is surpassed or I do not receive a dog. This money will go toward helping this amazing organization train both my future service dog and many other service dogs for others in need. 

I appreciate your time. Please consider donating and sharing my fundraiser and Facebook page. 

If you would like to learn more about Eyes Ears Nose and Paws, please check out their website here https://eenp.org/?fbclid=IwAR3eUOOd3XrfkCAErEmZP-k5khe2PpcrL_wjjzAaQHyoHjSBHU_ZfnKoHJU.

If you would like to learn more about Tourette Syndrome please check out the Tourette Association of America website here https://tourette.org/.

If you would like to see some amazing service dogs in action, please check out Eyes Ears Nose and Paws YouTube channel here https://www.youtube.com/user/eyesearsnoseandpaws or check out this amazing segment of Barkfest here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUbwnzNY54w&t=12s.