Training for Jeter, the Medical Alert Service Dog

Hello!

My name is Josie and I have a beautiful Service Dog named Jeter. Jeter has been my partner for over 7 years. Recently, Jeter had a momentary sudden, unexpected change in behavior and temperament, causing the need for a professional evaluation and veterinary assessment. After preliminary consultations with multiple dog trainers, we have determined that Jeter does not need to retire at this time. He still absolutely loves working and is very healthy. However, after speaking with a behavior specialist, we have determined that Jeter would benefit from some behavior-specific training. In addition, I will be getting a full veterinary and canine physical therapy workup to confirm that Jeter is not experiencing any medical symptoms that could be causing him to lose confidence. As part of Jeter's training plan, we will also take several classes with local dog trainers. We will also have a full evaluation done by a trainer with both behavioral and Service Dog experience. As you can expect, these things will be quite pricey.

Although I had savings and other resources established for emergencies, my resources have been exhausted after my own hospitalization earlier this year. Jeter also has health insurance, but a trip to the emergency vet with Jeter due to an allergic reaction has put additional strain on my emergency savings. I have been doing everything I can to find the funds for these unexpected things, but my resources and savings have been exhausted. I am humbly asking for help to fund the training and medical testing that Jeter needs to continue helping me live a quality life. I have extensively researched the things we need and have included a budget outline below.

Jeter and I have been a team for 7 years. In that time, Jeter has learned to help with several of the disabilities I struggle with. He alerts to my blood glucose levels and my heart rate. I am a brittle Type I Diabetic with a nervous system dysfunction called dysautonomia and Connective Tissue Disease. This causes my blood glucose levels and my heart rate to fluctuate rapidly and dangerously. Jeter can alert as much as 30 minutes before my blood glucose level gets dangerous. He can also alert when my heart rate begins to fluctuate so that I can stabilize it and avoid fainting. Jeter has also learned many medical response tasks, such as item retrieval, picking up dropped items, retrieving juice and medications, and providing light mobility assistance. With Jeter by my side, I have been able to earn my Master's degree and start my PhD while working and living alone without any devastating medical episodes. I have regained a quality of life that I hadn't even realized was missing before welcoming Jeter into my life. That's why it's crucial for me to work to get Jeter back to the confident worker boy that helps me live each day.

Thank you so much.

With love,

Josie and Jeter

Budget:

$500 - veterinary exam and diagnostics

$350 - canine physical therapy evaluation

$600 - in-person classes for public access behavior and confidence with strangers

$100 - training supplies

$800 - evaluation by a behavior specialist with Service Dog experience

$500 - Jeter's outstanding emergency vet bill

$1000 - Josie's outstanding hospital bill

$1000 - Josie's medical supplies for 2 months, so Josie can focus on training with Jeter

$4850 - TOTAL