Stephanie's Service Dog Replacement
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Stephanie Miner and I have lived with my best buddy cerebral palsy my whole life. It has allowed me to gain a unique perspective on life. In order for me to achieve some independence I have had to learn ways to do things others may take for granted. A big part of this development has been made possible by my service dog, Astro. Astro assists me by picking things up off of the floor, opening doors, turning lights on and off, helping me get my socks and pants off, pulling back my bed covers, and sometimes provides bracing for me to transfer from my wheelchair or bed.
Astro is about 11½ years old and has been with me for approximately 7½ years. While he has been invaluable, he has recently let me know he is not as eager to serve. Quite often he would rather spend time in his bed, rather than with me. Prior to Astro, I had another service dog, Arnold, who went through the same thing. They just let you know when they are ready to retire. I was fortunate to get a replacement while Arnold was still here for a little while. The dogs are trained to do wonderful things, but they don’t just come to a new home and perform these tasks without a period of adjustment. Having an existing service dog helps teach and provide an incentive for the new dog to do well.
That brings me to the reason I am here today asking for your help. In the time since I got Astro the cost of obtaining a service dog has increased tremendously. Each service dog organization has a waiting list on which a potential recipient is placed. Then, upon dog availability, and after having the funding in place, the recipient is assigned to a training session at which the dogs and their recipient are matched.
Family members and friends suggested I should start a GoFundMe campaign. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Astro is about 11½ years old and has been with me for approximately 7½ years. While he has been invaluable, he has recently let me know he is not as eager to serve. Quite often he would rather spend time in his bed, rather than with me. Prior to Astro, I had another service dog, Arnold, who went through the same thing. They just let you know when they are ready to retire. I was fortunate to get a replacement while Arnold was still here for a little while. The dogs are trained to do wonderful things, but they don’t just come to a new home and perform these tasks without a period of adjustment. Having an existing service dog helps teach and provide an incentive for the new dog to do well.
That brings me to the reason I am here today asking for your help. In the time since I got Astro the cost of obtaining a service dog has increased tremendously. Each service dog organization has a waiting list on which a potential recipient is placed. Then, upon dog availability, and after having the funding in place, the recipient is assigned to a training session at which the dogs and their recipient are matched.
Family members and friends suggested I should start a GoFundMe campaign. Any assistance you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Organizer
Stephanie Miner
Organizer
Hartselle, AL
