Ronald's Mission: A Support Dog for Clayton

Hi, for those of you who do not know me, my name is Ronald Albert Crooks Smart reaching out from Los Angeles. I find it difficult to ask for help in general, but right now I could use your help. Not for myself, but for my brother, Clayton Alexander Crooks.

Growing up, I always looked up to my big brother. He kept me safe and always had my back no matter what. When I was sad, he would sit outside my room door and wait till I came out of the room to give me a hug and wouldn't leave my side till I felt better. When I got into trouble, he would try to find a way to take the blame for me so my parents wouldn't be mad at me. If I didn't know how to do something, he'd always help me figure it out. I'm trying to figure out how to help him now.

If you don't know my brother, he was born on October 7th, 1981, in Illinois. As a military child he moved around a lot but most of his teen years were spent in San Antonio,Texas. In highschool he met Michelle, his now wife. When Clayton found out he was having his son during college he needed to figure out some security for his family dropped everything and started a military career in his early 20s and is still serving now over 20 years later. With that said, because of his service, he has been through a lot, seen a lot, lost close friends in the line of duty beside him, was shot in battle and almost lost his own life from sniper fire during combat, and through all this he continues to serve so we can rest sound at night. My brother loves serving his country, but it has taken a toll on him. More than ever now, I get glimpses of it. He hides it and stays strong for the people that rely on him, but he could use some help now.

I remember growing up, my brother always loved big dogs. His career and priorities never really allowed him to own one though. Recently, without putting to much of his personal or medical details out there, he has been looking into a emotional support dog to help his quality of life. He really feels it's what he needs. If youve own a dog, you understand how much unconditional joy they bring into your life that you can get no where else and what life would be like without your fur buddy. He needs that, he wants that.

I understand that any dog would be great, I'm sure he would love them all the same but he deserves a win. I know the dog he has always loved most but was never able to afford or have due to military restrictions. Now he can and he really loves Boerboels. They are sturdy, compassionate, protective and faithfully loyal. I would like to try and get him this breed puppy as his emotional support companion as it has all the qualities I see in him. He's always there when you need him and never asks for help. He could use some right now. If you know of anyone with this breed puppies, please reach out. I've searched high and low, and they are rare and usually not up for adoption and when they are it's because they were too much headache from not being raised properly. He does not need that. For this reason, I'm asking for donations. I've contacted a breeder fairly close to me, and will contact others. If all works out, I'd drive his new best friend out to him in Colorado from California.

My brother needs a great temperament Boerboel which can only be guaranteed by a reputable breeder. He is not aware of any of this nore would never ask for this sort of thing so I'd like this to be a surprise for his family so please refrain from informing him. Between family, kid in college, and other expenses, it's not something he would selfishly spend money on given thier cost. He's done so much for friends, family, strangers and country for the better part of his life. He, like many other service members sometimes have to sacrifice their peace, for ours, in ways we will never know, through experiences no person with a heart like his should physically or mentally. It's a life long loss for most who struggle to cope with and he could use a big win. If you would like an opportunity to help him try and find some of that peace again, here it is, anything is greatly appreciated. If you cannot donate please just share wherever you can as I do not have social media anymore to share. It would mean just as much to show you cared enough to do that for him.

I know what I'm asking for is a lot, and I could honestly say I'd be hard pressed to spend this sort of money on a puppy for myself but its for someone I feel is truly deserving. Truth be told what I'm asking for may not be enough depending what puppies are available at the time if we hit the goal but it will greatly alleviate on the costs I will need to cover like (food, travel supplies for dog, lodging, gas, ECT) when the time comes. I will make sure to keep this updated and transparent as that time comes closer.

All donations will be used towards the cost of his support companion. (Note: GoFundMe by default has a tip setting placed on donations. It helps them operate but this is optional and can be adjusted)

Thank you for reading,

❤️Rony

Update:

4-16-2025

I received a reply from the initial breeder I reached out to who happens to be the closest about 2 and 1/2 hours away. The owner of https://socalboerboels.com/ informed me a puppy would be $3,500 (the most reasonable price so far) but has no puppies at the moment. Estimated availability would be 4 months from todays day.

4-17-2025

Contacted US Service Animals. They have offered to provide free support/service animal training for his medical needs when the time comes.