Hi, my name is Maggi.

My beautiful service dog, Max, just passed away. We’ve been fighting for Max’s life for over 2 weeks now. Max is an American Golden Retriever. He was only 3 1/2 years old. They think he had cancer. To explain what Max did for me, I have to explain some things that have happened in my life.

I was diagnosed with Pediatric Onset Relapsing Progressive MS at the age of 15. I was paralyzed at the age of 18, and I came very close to dying. In fighting for the ability to walk, I did a lot of physical therapy. When we moved, I began with a new physical therapist. Long story short, I was assaulted and nearly drowned in a hospital. I was shortly thereafter diagnosed with PTSD. It’s something that I’ve struggled with ever since... until Max. The last 3 years, Max has enabled me to live, and to not live in fear! He also began predicting my seizures and noticing changes in my neurological status. Our Max has been an absolutely integral part of our family for my mom and me! We’re completely broken without our baby boy!

The last thing I want to do is open up right now and ask for help, but I know that we need another service dog!

I know that we will never have another Max, but I’m praying that God will guide us towards the right dog!

A fully trained service dog costs around $50,000. Obviously, I can’t afford that! We’re thinking that we want to go with a breeder that’s been very highly recommended to us for years now. She raises English Cream Goldens. The only reason I want to go with an English Cream is that there is less risk of cancer and other health problems. I can’t go through what we just went through again soon! It about broke me signing those papers and holding Max as he let go of this life...

I was able to train Max to be a truly amazing service dog! He was innate!

Max helped so, so many people besides just me! He gave of himself to the very end! I feel like I lost a huge part of me!

I’m attempting to raise the cost of a new puppy... ($3,500). I have a hard time doing this, as I’m a very private person! But I know that I need a dog walking beside my wheelchair... beside me... or I’m going to end up backsliding. I can’t lose the progress and the peace that Max brought into our lives!

I know that things are difficult out there for everyone, and I know it’s right after Christmas... but if anyone can help us get a new service dog... I can’t express what a difference you will be making in both of our lives! Multiple people told me that I needed to do a GoFundMe, so here goes... I’m choosing to trust...