Laura's Service Dog

Hi, my name is Laura Seibert Hierholzer. I was a perfectly healthy woman until three years ago. I had a bad flu like virus that was only getting worse. It turns out the virus attacked my nervous system, specifically my autonomic nervous system which is responsible for all my automatic processes. These processes include proper cognitive functioning, vision, swallowing, digestion, blood circulation, heartbeat, temperature control, metabolism, and elimination. Then one morning, I lost my sight. It came back but my vision was never the same again. That started a year long search for what was happening to me.

I was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and Ehlers Danlos, along with autonomic neuropathy, small fiber neuropathy, mitral valve prolapse.

POTS is characterized by a jump in heart rate of 30 beats or more when standing. It’s like my heart is running a marathon just to stand up. My blood does not circulate up so it pools in my legs. If I don’t lie down regularly, I would have cerebral profusion (the blood leaves my brain) which causes vision loss prior to losing consciousness. There is also a drop in blood pressure which makes fainting a danger every time I stand up. I also have a rarer type that is called noradrenergic POTS, meaning too much adrenaline. This causes attacks that look like seizures but aren’t epileptic. Other symptoms of POTS include fatigue, migraines, light headedness, heart palpitations, nausea, diminished cognitive functioning (brain fog), exercise intolerance, convulsions (shaking), syncope (fainting), pain in the extremities, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

Ehler Danlos is genetic and the virus lowered the genes ability to function causing me to become sick. Autonomic neuropathy continues to cause nerve endings in my internal organs to dysfunction or die. As a result of the autonomic neuropathy, I had a pacemaker installed this past summer. The pacemaker improved the response in one specific area but unfortunately it doesn’t improve any of my symptoms. This is a progressive disease, but no doctor can predict the progression.
 
It takes 15 medications and help from someone each day in order to have 6-7 hours where I can function “normally.” However, my new normal is feeling as if I have the flu while running a marathon with my brain in a fog as well as the looming possibility of fainting or a seizure. There is no cure for these chronic illnesses.

The worst daily symptoms for me are fatigue, dizziness, brain fog, and possibility of fainting or falling. Last year, I fainted at Tampa International Airport and fell down a 3-story escalator. This is just one of many other occurrences. 
Mornings are the worst. I can’t work full time because it takes hours for my body to stabilize enough to stand. I have even hired a personal assistant who helps me part time. They have to be with me and give me my medicine in the morning because I am in too much of a fog and cannot move much. Then they must interact with me to help my cognitive functions get going, then make sure I don’t faint when I do finally attempt to stand up. Because they are only part time and no one can be with me 24/7, a service dog would be the best solution.
 
I am a part time psychotherapist specializing in working with combat veterans who have PTSD. I had a therapy dog named Max. He was my constant companion since I became ill. Sadly, he was tragically killed by a wild animal in January. I was devastated. He had been my partner at work and at home for 12 years. I attended a work conference on PTSD and met a woman with a service dog. When she became aware of my medical condition, she was shocked I didn’t have a service dog. She strongly suggested I get one and helped me through all the paperwork including the Americans with Disability Act section on Service Dogs. I then went to my physician who agreed of my need and wrote my letter of disability.

I now have a new puppy named Ava!A female, black and silver, miniature schnauzer. Ava will be trained by Off Leash K9  to become a service dog. After that, she and I will travel to Texas for the cardiac alert training. Cardiac alert dogs are service dogs that warn their partners of abrupt and serious changes in blood pressure levels, also known as cardiac syncope. Being forewarned by Ava of upcoming dangerous blood pressure levels allows me to take precautions such as taking essential medication, lying down, resting and elevating my legs to prevent fainting or falling. She will have a K9 phone to call my husband in case I do fall. Ava would also sleep by my side, alerting me to any change in vitals that are dangerous.I wish I could afford to pay for all the training but only working part time, medical bills, and having to pay an assistant doesn’t make that possible. It would be such a blessing to me and my family to receive your donation. All donations are strictly for training and travel for training. Buying a service dog already trained from an organization can cost up to $40,000 and the organization owns the dog and can take him or her back at any time. Having my own puppy trained is the most cost effective option and also recommended by the Americans with Disability Act.

If I exceed my goal of $15,000, all additional donations will be given to Paws for Patriots , who serve active duty soldiers and retired servicemen and women with the respect and dignity they deserve by offering programs such as guide dogs, service dogs, facility therapy dogs, and emotional support dogs.

Your generosity is greatly appreciated. Please share this on social media for us. I thank you in advance for your kindness in helping me improve my quality of life. God Bless You.