Hannah's Service Dog Training

When I first took my 10 year old daughter to the doctor for back pain, there was nothing could have prepared me for the doctor's diagnosis. When he showed me the x-rays, I thought they were of someone else. My sweet Hannah's spine had a curve at 90 degrees (at the top) and 52 degrees (at the bottom). Surgery needed to be scheduled right away. 73 days later, Hannah went under an 11 hour surgery at Shriner's Hospital, where they fused her entire spine. They implanted 28 screws and 6 titanium rods into her back. Since the surgery Hannah has struggled with chronic pain and PTSD. The support of family and friends along with Hannah’s superior warrior courage keep her moving forward. 


Some days are still very tough. Movements many people take for granted, like getting out of bed and getting dressed are no small task for Hannah. Picking up items out of reach or off the floor, opening the refrigerator to grab a snack or even getting the remote control are impossible motions for her. Hannah has a hard time keeping balanced while walking. So, she uses a wheelchair every day at school and when we are out of the house. A trained service dog will help Hannah with all of these things and more. Hannah suffers from PTSD from the excruciating surgery and recovery. She has a sensory hypersensitivity, meaning, things we may find soft and smooth, can feel like sandpaper to Hannah. Her pain is constant, it’s just degrees of how much she can take at the moment. When Hannah has to stay home from school, she misses seeing other people, and is very lonely. Going to school more than two days in a row is not possible. A service dog would not only be helpful for her physically, but emotionally as well. When I cannot be with her, she is at the mercy of others.

The cost of training a service animal is $10,000 dollars. My only goal is to give Hannah as much love, support, independence and confidence as I can. Your gift towards a service dog will still be helping Hannah and our family a decade from now. And we could not be more grateful. 


THANK YOU FOR READING OUR STORY!  
Getting this service dog will enable Hannah to be more independent safely, reduce her stress, increase her confidence, and encourage her to reach all of her dreams. This is nothing short of life changing for her! 


Hannah is ALL about rainbows, unicorns, and “My Little Pony”. She wants to make friends, and loves to make people smile. She is incredibly kind and soft hearted. Hannah never complains. Her smile is one of kindness and love. To know Hannah is a blessing.


Thank you so much! Every little bit helps. Without your donation this would not be a possibility.