Hi, my name is Tori, also known as Hippie, and I’m raising funds to bring a service dog into my life.

Over the past few years, my health has changed dramatically. I live with long COVID and fibromyalgia, which leave me battling daily brain fog, fatigue, chronic pain, and shortness of breath. This profound life change has severely damaged my existing mental health issues.

A service dog could be life changing for me. My new partner will be trained as a psychiatric service dog able to alert me when I’m struggling, interrupt panic attacks and manic episodes, and provide grounding during flares. Beyond the practical tasks, a service dog means having a steady companion to help me regain independence, confidence, and connection to the world.

I know firsthand how powerful that partnership can be. I previously self trained my psychiatric service dog, Malcolm, who gave me years of life changing support. He helped me through some of my hardest moments, providing comfort, stability, and safety. On top of that, I bring over 25 years of experience in the pet care industry, which has given me a deep knowledge of animal behavior, training, and health. That experience, combined with what I learned training Malcolm, has prepared me to self train my next service dog with love, patience, and skill with the help and support of my family.

Still, the costs of getting and preparing for a new partner are significant, and I cannot afford them on my own. Here’s a breakdown of where your support will go:

• **Adoption fees for a rescue puppy: $500 FUNDED! My new partner, Floyd is home with us and beginning foundational training.

• **Veterinary care & vaccinations: $500–$800 FUNDED! The rescue we adopted Floyd from provided vaccinations, deworming, testing, and his microchip.

• **Spay/neuter (if needed): $250–$400 FUNDED! The rescue we adopted Floyd from provided neuter services in his adoption.

• Canine Good Citizen certification: $100

• Training tools & equipment (vest, harness, patches, leashes, boots, cooling vest, etc.): $600–$1,000

• Ongoing veterinary care (first year): $800–$1,200

• Food & supplements (first year): $600–$900

• Miscellaneous supplies (toys, bedding, pads): $200–$400

Estimated total first-year cost: $3,000

That’s why I’m asking for help, so I can move toward living a fuller, safer, and more independent life with the support of a trained service dog.

Every contribution, big or small, brings me closer to this goal. Even sharing my story means the world to me.

Thank you for supporting me on this journey.