Please help to train my service dog!

I never pictured writing one of these for myself, but I’ve also not imagined my life taking the twists and turns that it has over the last five years. As many of you know, at least at the surface level within the past six or seven years, my health began to decline. What started out as, “normal Lupus” (as I fondly refer to it) turned into the monster that it is. Those who saw me daily unfortunately saw the decline in my health - at first we could mask it with Purple Fridays at work where the support shown gave me what I needed to push through. Soon it became hard to smile even through the sea of purple. Food didn’t want to stay down, blood didn’t want to keep swimming in my body, my head didn’t want to make sense, and even though it had a few issues, my heart was still all in to continue the passion of teaching, leading and making life long impacts on the kids that need us the most. I finally listened after doctors, friends, and family helped me to make the decision to stop working. I pictured it as temporary at first but per usual my body had other plans.

The impact on my body is most likely permanent with a few curve balls thrown in to keep it interesting. I know I still have so much to give but just like I spent years giving kids the tools they need to learn, I need to find tools for myself.

Enter a big (very big), smart (very smart) goofball named Remy. Remy is a full size Bernedoodle, and full size he will be . Remy is currently 13 weeks old and we are beginning our journey toward independence, together. Remy is going to learn several tasks to help me . One thing he will do is monitor changes to my body before I do. This will help me to reduce the number of rescue medications that I need to take that make a more significant impact on my body. Remy is going to be a big guy, which will help me when my body doesn’t always cooperate in being upright. After years of hospitalizations that still do happen, the environment can be very stressful. Remy will be able to come and spend time with me while inpatient and provide strategies to help keep me calm and provide as much comfort as possible. The impacts of my illness do not stop at the hospital doors so he will be able to provide the same strategies at home to make dealing with multiple chronic illnesses more manageable.

My dream is to be back in the schools in some capacity but I need a little help and that is where Remy will step in. Remy will be a medical alert dog and will help to keep me safe while letting me regain some of the independence I lost.

Countless hours go into training Remy and myself. We will be training under Paws for Life USA. The organization has been absolutely amazing so far and they have our best interest at heart. Training Remy does come at a cost, and that is where I am asking for your help. Any little bit will help, including a prayer or a share. If you are able, Remy and I will be forever grateful. We plan to keep everyone updated along the way, so please join us on our adventure, anything can help us get to where we need to be. Thank you!!

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Paws For Life USA, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Paws For Life USA: We train service dogs for those with disabilities. We rescue dogs and train them for therapy and facility. We provide humane and disaster relief education.