Gettin' Gordie

Thank you for reading this:  We are trying to raise enough money to be able to adopt my daughter a service dog. As some of you know, and others may not; my daughter Lael (12) was diagnosed with a few
disorders over this past year. She was diagnosed with a mood disorder and a sensory disorder.

Over the past year, going through the IEP and Special Education process I have learned a great deal; not only about my daughters specific struggles but those of all children who struggle with these difficulties in adolescence and their teenage years. 1 in 5 children are diagnosed or suffer with a mental illness or mental health issues.  For the bulk of these kids, the onset of adolescence and puberty is often a trigger. 

Her mood disorder is categorized as a childhood mood disorder; which means that as she grows into adulthood there is a more then 50% chance she will grow out of it. Typically this happens with children between the ages of 18 and 25.  

Her sensory disorder or sensory processing disorder or sensory issues; whatever it may be called, is something that is neurologically based.  It is when a kiddo has hypersensitive senses and their nervous system is a bit on overdrive. This effects daily life with your sight, smell, skin and touch, hearing and noise, and taste.  As you can imagine this would be tough for anyone, to have to navigate those daily irritants. Lael is an awesome, amazing kid as those of you know her, know. She is learning to navigate these challenges daily, in the best way she can.  

More and more often these days service dogs are used as a way for children to cope with the world around them.  It can help them navigate so many more things on their own. The service dog we are looking at to adopt does some of the same services that may be associated with a childhood autism service dog. They are similar but not in all ways. The service dog would provide grounding and deep pressure therapy as well as behavior disruption distractions. Service dogs for kids provide things that can help socially, behaviorally and medically.  Things such as; having a best friend, sleeping better, gaining independence, being a social bridge, giving them responsibility, communicating better and even assisting with daily transitions. They give calming and comforting support. 

We recently fostered Gordie (the service dog) and had a great experience. He and Lael really loved each other and got along so well. He slept with her every night, it was very sweet.  He is such a wonderful, loving, mellow, well-behaved best friend for her. He is a pointer/boxer mix and was rescued from a shelter in NM. Most likely being a rez dog. I know that if we are able to adopt him, he will make a huge difference in her life for years to come. Please stay tuned for updates. 

We are hoping to raise the funds for Gordie over the next few weeks. The funds will go towards Gordie, training and a few things for him. Thank you so very much for taking the time to read this; as well as for any donation that you may give.  Lael and I appreciate your support from the bottom of our hearts.  Thank you.