I am a teacher and a single mother who fostered, then adopted, my wonderful kids. Recently, we experienced a heartbreaking loss—our beloved Yorkie, who had been with me since before I even started fostering, passed away. My kids, who have several diagnoses including PTSD and anxiety, have struggled deeply with this loss. They require a lot of time, patience, love, and various therapies, many of which are necessary but also very expensive. Losing our dog has been especially hard on them, and I’ve seen how much they miss the comfort and stability he brought to our home.

I am now looking to bring a new dog into our family—one that can be professionally trained not only for obedience but also as an emotional support animal. The training we’re seeking includes specialized scent work, where the dog learns to respond to a family member who might be experiencing high stress, helping them feel safe and regulated. This is a significant investment of time, commitment, and finances, but I know it will make a world of difference for my kids’ emotional well-being and our family’s healing journey.

The funds raised will help us purchase a puppy from a breeder who understands the needs of families like ours, and provide the specialized training and care needed to prepare the puppy for its important role. It is not easy for me to ask for help, but I need to for my kids’ sake. Any support you can give will make a real difference for our family as we work to heal and move forward.