Service Dog For Sam
Donation protected
My name is Samantha Murphy. I like to be called Sam. I have autism. I am 19 years old, and just found out that, because of my diagnosis, I am eligible for a service dog.
Living with autism is extremely challenging, every second of every day. Every interaction I have with another person, whether it is face-to-face, over the phone, or through email or text, requires me to be constantly trying to decipher the meaning of each word spoken. It can get very overwhelming not knowing what someone means when they say something. I can come off as rude sometimes, too, because I don't realize what I am saying is not socially acceptable.
I also have sensory issues. An example of this is when someone might be talking in what they think is a quiet voice, but to me is sounds like they are shouting. I also cannot tolerate people I don't know touching me, and no one, not even my mom, can touch my head. It feels like my nerve endings are having a fireworks show when that happens.
This is just a small summary of my everyday life with autism. Not only is it my struggle, but my family has to treat me differently than someone who is an "average" 19-year-old girl. It can be exhausting.
A service dog would help me when I am feeling overwhelmed. He or she would be the one friend whose actions I would not have to decipher every time we interacted. He or she would also help me to initiate conversations with others, using him or her as a topic. Also, when I talk to new people, I get extremely anxious and uncomfortable if I am alone; even asking for more napkins in a fast-food restaurant is a challenge. I have to have someone go up to the counter with me, even if they don't say anything. A service dog would be able to do that and allow my family to continue their meal without interruptions. There are many other instances where a service dog would be beneficial to not only me, but those around me.
The training of a service dog can take over a year, and every case is different, so someone cannot simply do a generalized training and send people a dog. The training and upkeep of the dog during this time can get expensive, which is why I am asking for your help. My family does not have enough money to pay for a service dog for me alone. We are asking if you could please donate any amount you can to support my cause. Even if you have no money to spare, we understand, because we have struggled financially, too. Just sharing this will help.
In order to secure a service dog and for the training process to even begin, we need a deposit of $2,200 USD, which is included in the total cost of $13,350. Please consider donating. Thank you, and God bless (if you're religious).
Living with autism is extremely challenging, every second of every day. Every interaction I have with another person, whether it is face-to-face, over the phone, or through email or text, requires me to be constantly trying to decipher the meaning of each word spoken. It can get very overwhelming not knowing what someone means when they say something. I can come off as rude sometimes, too, because I don't realize what I am saying is not socially acceptable.
I also have sensory issues. An example of this is when someone might be talking in what they think is a quiet voice, but to me is sounds like they are shouting. I also cannot tolerate people I don't know touching me, and no one, not even my mom, can touch my head. It feels like my nerve endings are having a fireworks show when that happens.
This is just a small summary of my everyday life with autism. Not only is it my struggle, but my family has to treat me differently than someone who is an "average" 19-year-old girl. It can be exhausting.
A service dog would help me when I am feeling overwhelmed. He or she would be the one friend whose actions I would not have to decipher every time we interacted. He or she would also help me to initiate conversations with others, using him or her as a topic. Also, when I talk to new people, I get extremely anxious and uncomfortable if I am alone; even asking for more napkins in a fast-food restaurant is a challenge. I have to have someone go up to the counter with me, even if they don't say anything. A service dog would be able to do that and allow my family to continue their meal without interruptions. There are many other instances where a service dog would be beneficial to not only me, but those around me.
The training of a service dog can take over a year, and every case is different, so someone cannot simply do a generalized training and send people a dog. The training and upkeep of the dog during this time can get expensive, which is why I am asking for your help. My family does not have enough money to pay for a service dog for me alone. We are asking if you could please donate any amount you can to support my cause. Even if you have no money to spare, we understand, because we have struggled financially, too. Just sharing this will help.
In order to secure a service dog and for the training process to even begin, we need a deposit of $2,200 USD, which is included in the total cost of $13,350. Please consider donating. Thank you, and God bless (if you're religious).
Organizer
Samantha Murphy
Organizer
Westport, MA
