Donation protected
Can you please help me to stay independent by supporting me in purchasing, training, testing, and equipment for my next service dog?
Why I Need Your Help
Over 14 years ago I fell through a trapdoor and suffered severe, long lasting injuries that resulted in significant challenges, especially on my bad days. However, it was a blessing in disguise, because many wonderful things have come from it and I am now almost finished with my PhD and working to help make the world a better place. Yet it can get very hard, and I humbly realizing that I cannot do it alone!
Ten years ago I got my first service dog. After coordinating with a trainer and a lot of research on breeds and my specific needs, we decided on a Newfoundland dog-- she has been a perfect fit!
As a service dog, Bellatrix helped me by:
• acting as a cane when I need support (to get to my cane, as a second cane, or help up stairs)
• helping me get up when I fall by lifting my body and helping me to stand
• taking out the trash
• carrying laundry
• carrying supplies
• warning me when I was going into my most severe seizure-like muscle spasms by nudging the area
• stays close by my side to warn me of the onset of severe pain
• helps me manage the pain through comfort, love, and distraction
• and other tasks
Though she would still love to help with other tasks, Bellatrix is now retired from her service work other than the warnings and pain support. She's at least 11 years old (a bit of a miracle), and our remaining time together in this world is limited.
I've tried to go without a service dog for over 2 years, and I am really struggling and suffering without the help. Everyday tasks like garbage, laundry, etc. can limit my ability to participate in life and cause severe spasms and pain.
Bella helping with stairs-- she will wrap her body around me for additional support
Bella helping with the garbage (we later got a sled that works much better than the box!)
The New Service Dog
I did the majority of training for Bellatrix and will for the new pup, too. It will be about 12 months until the pup is strong enough to safely perform heavy physical tasks, but we can get general training started right away, and maybe she'll even learn the spasm warnings from Bellatrix.
I need help covering:
• remaining cost of the dog
• a trainer for some new tasks I failed at teaching before
• covering the OFA health testing (to assure dog is strong enough to work)
• a stronger hauling & support harness
• Canine Good Citizen testing (not required, but helpful)
• some assistance with medical care for first 1-2 years while I finish my PhD
For many reasons, other breeds don’t work for my needs. I've put a down payment on a pup, another Newfoundland dog from a reputable breeder with healthy family line, a two year health guarantee, and a history of dogs going on to service work. Normally I would get a rescue, but this route is for both my and the dog's safety.
I have even reached out numerous agencies to find help getting a mobility service dog, but did not succeed. I have a lot of medical expenses to keep myself working and as healthy as possible, and with time this dog will help me to avoid some of those costs and allow me to do more to achieve my goal of helping to make the world a better place for people with health issues and disabilities.
Can you please help me raise funds for a service dog to allow me to keep working, finish my degree, and stay safe & healthy? Many non-profits estimate costs of service dogs at approximately $25-30,000. I am hoping to raise around $7,500-10,000 to be properly equipped for the first two years, but any amount will help.
Why I Need Your Help
Over 14 years ago I fell through a trapdoor and suffered severe, long lasting injuries that resulted in significant challenges, especially on my bad days. However, it was a blessing in disguise, because many wonderful things have come from it and I am now almost finished with my PhD and working to help make the world a better place. Yet it can get very hard, and I humbly realizing that I cannot do it alone!
Ten years ago I got my first service dog. After coordinating with a trainer and a lot of research on breeds and my specific needs, we decided on a Newfoundland dog-- she has been a perfect fit!
As a service dog, Bellatrix helped me by:
• acting as a cane when I need support (to get to my cane, as a second cane, or help up stairs)
• helping me get up when I fall by lifting my body and helping me to stand
• taking out the trash
• carrying laundry
• carrying supplies
• warning me when I was going into my most severe seizure-like muscle spasms by nudging the area
• stays close by my side to warn me of the onset of severe pain
• helps me manage the pain through comfort, love, and distraction
• and other tasks
Though she would still love to help with other tasks, Bellatrix is now retired from her service work other than the warnings and pain support. She's at least 11 years old (a bit of a miracle), and our remaining time together in this world is limited.
I've tried to go without a service dog for over 2 years, and I am really struggling and suffering without the help. Everyday tasks like garbage, laundry, etc. can limit my ability to participate in life and cause severe spasms and pain.
Bella helping with stairs-- she will wrap her body around me for additional supportBella helping with the garbage (we later got a sled that works much better than the box!)The New Service Dog
I did the majority of training for Bellatrix and will for the new pup, too. It will be about 12 months until the pup is strong enough to safely perform heavy physical tasks, but we can get general training started right away, and maybe she'll even learn the spasm warnings from Bellatrix.
I need help covering:
• remaining cost of the dog
• a trainer for some new tasks I failed at teaching before
• covering the OFA health testing (to assure dog is strong enough to work)
• a stronger hauling & support harness
• Canine Good Citizen testing (not required, but helpful)
• some assistance with medical care for first 1-2 years while I finish my PhD
For many reasons, other breeds don’t work for my needs. I've put a down payment on a pup, another Newfoundland dog from a reputable breeder with healthy family line, a two year health guarantee, and a history of dogs going on to service work. Normally I would get a rescue, but this route is for both my and the dog's safety.
I have even reached out numerous agencies to find help getting a mobility service dog, but did not succeed. I have a lot of medical expenses to keep myself working and as healthy as possible, and with time this dog will help me to avoid some of those costs and allow me to do more to achieve my goal of helping to make the world a better place for people with health issues and disabilities.
Can you please help me raise funds for a service dog to allow me to keep working, finish my degree, and stay safe & healthy? Many non-profits estimate costs of service dogs at approximately $25-30,000. I am hoping to raise around $7,500-10,000 to be properly equipped for the first two years, but any amount will help.
Organizer
Sarah Shick
Organizer
Cleveland, OH