The Canine Comeback: A Girls Service Dog Story

My name is Jordyn and I’m 24 years old. If you live near me, you’ve probably seen me taking a walk and waving hello. My biggest passions in life are animals, dancing, and being outside. I’ve personally had pet turtles, rats, dogs, fish, and eels. Maybe someday I'll have a small zoo. Nothing is better than sitting outside with your furry (or scaly) friend. I love random facts too. Here's a fun fact: did you know a service animal can cost anywhere from $50,000-70,000?

During my 24 years, I spent most of my time dancing. I was a competition dancer from 6-18. At 22, I began learning pole fitness and Lyra. I practice as much as I can; maybe one day I’ll make it to the circus. My career/profession is ABA therapy. I get to teach life skills to children aged 2-11 with ASD. Every daily task you can think of. I love my clients and try to give them the best of the best.

Right now, I’m embarrassed to say I’m the one asking for help.

It’s not easy to ask when you’re always giving.

My soul dog Koda sadly passed away in May of 2021. I did all that I could to save him. I emptied my bank account completely, and it still wasn’t enough. If I had enough money, he could still be here. That statement haunts me every day. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of my little Rockstar. I lost my best friend, and I told him I’d never replace him. Ever. His collar sits empty. I couldn’t bear to get rid of his toys. He was my soulmate and can never be replaced.

But I need to give another dog a chance for a good life.

In July of 2024, I suffered a massive asthma attack that nearly killed me. My airways completely shut. I was without oxygen for 14 minutes and almost went into cardiac arrest. I was intubated and in a coma for 3 days. I spent 3 more months recovering and learning how to walk again.

Since then, I’ve only ever received bad medical news.

My asthma is diagnosed as considered severe/persistent. I will be on asthma medications my whole life. It won’t go away.

I’ve been diagnosed with hypotension; it causes me to randomly pass out. I’ve passed out alone while driving, in the mall, at Disney World, in my kitchen, even while just lying in bed. It’s really scary to pass out, especially alone in a public place. I’ll forever be on blood pressure medication.

I’ve been diagnosed with PTSD and a panic disorder. I can’t help it. I’ll wake up from slumber nearly screaming and feeling as though I’m going to die. There’s nothing I can do but sit, cry, and wait for it to pass.

I was diagnosed with severe allergies to trees, grass, pollen, dust, dogs, cats, rats, roaches, mushrooms, weeds, tree nuts, raw fruits and veggies, and spiders. I can no longer spend time outside.

I was recently diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder. I am very anxious and stressed, and it has caused me to develop a tic disorder. Sounds overstimulate me and cause more tics. Now when I’m in public, I have to wear noise-canceling earphones.

Everything I love has been taken away from me within a year. I've dedicated my entire life and career to helping others. Now, I'm ashamed to ask for help, but I have learned that I can’t help others if I don't help myself. I’m not healthy.

I want to dance, I want to go outside, I want to go on vacations with my family. But I'm too scared to try alone.

A service dog will help me tremendously. A furry friend who can also be my nurse. My service dog will need intense training.

Everything I can’t do by myself.

It has affected my life to no end. I’m 24 and I can’t live alone due to my medical reasons. I can’t travel or go on family vacations because of anxiety. I can’t travel more than 45 minutes in a car without having a panic attack. I can't go to places alone in case I pass out.

All I want is to be able to be independent. Have my own apartment. Drive around. Spend vacations with my family. But I can’t.

Each doctor I’ve talked to has recommended a service dog, and I’ve finally had enough allergy injections to be able to live with a short-haired or hypoallergenic dog.

I’m here to ask you:

Can you please help me so I can keep helping others?

Can you help me bond with my family?

Please help me be independent.