
Support Michelle's Service Dog Journey
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Dear Friends and Family,
I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to share my personal story and the crucial need for a service dog as I navigate the challenges posed by late-stage Lyme Disease. I contracted this illness in 1989 at the age of 19, but unfortunately, I remained undiagnosed for 21 years. As a result, I’m fully disabled and face severe complications, that include Rheumatoid Arthritis which has caused balance and mobility problems, anxiety, and neurological issues just to name a few conditions.
Recently, I have located a suitable service dog and training facility, https://k-9companionsnashville.com/. However, the costs associated with training the dog to become a certified service animal are quite substantial. Due to my health challenges, I am reaching out to seek support through fundraising efforts to cover these expenses. Here how the cost of a service dog works. The process of training takes about 2 years when starting with a puppy. Costs of training vary from dog to dog depending on previous training but in general training a service dog requires on leash obedience, off leash obedience, CGC Testing, learning a minimum of 3 things the dog can do for the handler that he/she can not do for themselves, and Public Access Training (Learning to be in public without being a nuisance or a danger) the dog must be 2 years or older and pass all of these tests for certification. We must provide all of the training to certify a dog. We do not certify dogs that other trainers have trained unless the client is willing to put the dog back through our course. Since costs for training will total between $7000 and $12,000 it is important that the client has the right dog for the job and that it is 3 years old or younger in order to get the most value out of the training. These prices do not include equipment. They definitely do not include the purchase price of dog (if applicable), or veterinary care. Here’s the service dog information for K-9 Companions Nashville.
Your assistance would be immensely appreciated, and I want to emphasize that any donations made will be tax-deductible at the end of the year. Your generosity will not only contribute to my well-being but also assist me in regaining some independence.
Sharing with friends and family is another way you can support me in my journey.
Thank you very much for considering my request. I greatly value your support during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Michelle & Friday
Organizer
Michelle Matthews
Organizer
Cookeville, TN