Service Dog for the Murray Tribe

What do you write when your friends talk you into creating a gofundme and you have not had any social media for several years? I find myself wanting to insert the perfect Bitmoji that encompasses all that I need to communicate but I realize I should use words when asking a sea of loved ones and strangers for help.

My name is Clarissa Murray, and while I was 34weeks pregnant this summer with my third daughter, I had my first grand mal (tonic-clonic) seizure at the dinner table with my husband, my 5yr old and my 2yr old. If you’re wondering what that is, feel free to YouTube it. I’ve never witnessed a seizure nor do I have any memory of the three that I have had, but I hear it scares the crap out of those in the room especially if they have no idea what is happening and think their mama is dying.

Spoiler alert: I survived and the baby was born at sunrise on her due date in perfect health.

Here’s the thing though. I have no warning signs prior to an episode. (Apparently) I look up over my left shoulder, go rigid, hit the ground and my entire body starts convulsing for about 3minutes. Often this involves me repeatedly bashing my head into the floor. This has happened twice while pregnant and once 3months after she was born. We hope it will never happen again, but since the Neurologists are unable to know the cause, and there is no cure, it is a matter of always being prepared and avoiding known triggers.

This makes homeschooling and daily life feel a lot more daunting and we spend much time indoors. I have been very fortunate that my husband was present at all three episodes, (one of them occurring while we went jogging together) but this may not always be the case, especially with the nature of his work and travel.

Prior to my new condition, our weekly routine included taking my kids on the train to various places like fun coffee shops or parks and going to places where we can have memberships like the Zoo and Museum. Currently, I am unable to drive until March 2019, and so that eliminates much of these adventures.
I was also advised not to stand nor walk while holding my baby. And to wear her in a wrap or carrier is definitely out of the question. That is an ache that does not have a sufficient corresponding Bitmoji. So baby X spends much of her time on the floor or in the stroller.

This is where we have been advised about getting a Service Dog. Having a large dog by my side to accompany me and my three girls would be a tremendous comfort when we are out and about. In the event that I was to have a seizure in public, the dog can 1) stay with my kids and make sure that they are safe until my brain has successfully rebooted 2) go get help if I injured myself in the process 3) provide comfort. After each episode, it takes me at least 15minutes to figure out where I am and what had happened. Thankfully I have never had to do this on my own, but the idea is terrifying.

Getting a dog seems like a simple solution to a complicated neurological problem, but they are actually extremely costly if you do not go through a Non-profit that has a waiting list of 5years. So friends, family and kind strangers, will you please consider donating to our cause?

We are currently looking at two large breeds and would love to hear your vote and if you have a connection to a legitimate breeder.
A) Doberman Pinscher or
B) Belgium Malinois.

We will hopefully be able to make the purchase at the start of the year as we start to find our new normal. Thank you for reading this long post and if you have a dog or fur baby of your own, be sure to give them extra cuddles today. They are very special creatures of love.

Doberman Pinschers:



Or Belgian Malinois: