Support Alex and Mikey's Journey to Independence

Alex has struggled with health issues since birth. After a few years of reprieve, her health issues have gotten worse again. She has been in and out of the hospital with different infectious diseases since January. She now has some permanent lung damage, receives weekly white blood cell transfusions, and has had a huge increase in her seizure activity. After having a seizure alone in the bathroom at school and it taking a while for someone to find her, we knew we needed some extra help.

I began researching seizure alert dogs for her. I was told it would take anywhere between two and seven years before a dog would be available for her. For any of you that have tweens or teens, independence is a high priority. Right now, Alex cannot be left alone, she can't lock her door for privacy, and all she wants is to be a normal teenager. I filled out every application online and expected to have to wait several years before we got relief.

But a month ago, fate stepped in. While out running errands, we ran into a woman training a service animal at a local store. Turns out she is a private service animal trainer that lives in our same city. She told us the main difference between her and a company is that we would have to find our own dog and gave us numbers for private breeders. Little did we know, Alex's dog had already been planned out for her and was working his way to find her.

On May 1st, a German Shepherd mix puppy was brought into the animal shelter. He was extremely sick and not expected to live. This puppy had been living on the streets and running with a pack of wild dogs. They all contracted Parvo and most didn't make it, but this puppy decided to walk downtown and basically flagged down cars until someone stopped. He immediately jumped in their car and was taken into the humane society where Alex's dad was working. Alex went to visit him because she said she knows what it's like to be sick and she just wanted to give him company. While there, the other dogs started barking at her and this puppy got up, stood in front of her, and barked back at them. That's when Alex knew they were a bonded pair.

We were able to take him home last week and he is just the smartest, most gentle dog, who loves Alex so, so much. Please consider helping us raise funds to pay for the year-long training that will go into turning little Mikey from a sweet puppy to a service animal that Alex can take to school with her. These services usually cost around $10,000. Any little bit will help, we thank you.