Rachelle B.

Hi, my name is Rachelle, and I am the proud mom of a bright, loving, autistic daughter who works hard every single day to navigate a world that often feels overwhelming to her. I am starting this fundraiser to help our family cover the cost of a specially trained service dog that will give her safety, comfort, and independence. My daughter struggles with sensory overload, anxiety, and sudden meltdowns that can make errands, household chores, outdoor activities, and everyday activities extremely difficult. Crowded places, loud noises, and unexpected changes can send her into fight-or-flight mode, and despite all our strategies as a family, there are still many moments when she feels scared and alone. Recently, we were scammed while trying to get her a service dog, which has broken both her heart and mine, and cost us a lot of time and money. What should have been an exciting time to get a puppy to start training and to be a companion has turned into a nightmare. Despite this setback, I am determined to keep trying for her, because I know how much a service dog could help her. A service dog would be trained to recognize her signs of distress, interrupt self-harming or unsafe behaviors, provide deep-pressure comfort, and help guide her out of overwhelming situations. This kind of support could mean fewer meltdowns, safer outings, and a real chance for her to experience more of the world with confidence and joy. I believe that having a service dog by her side will make a world of difference in her daily life and future. Every dollar, no matter the size, brings us one step closer to giving my daughter the support partner she needs. If you are unable to donate, sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, workplace, or community groups would help us more than you know. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to read our story, for caring about my daughter’s future, and for helping us give her a service dog who can stand by her side through the hardest moments and the happiest ones.

We have an important update to share. Jan has been accepted into transitional housing, which is a huge step forward and gives her a real path toward stability and permanent housing. We’re incredibly grateful she has a safe place to stay. However, there is an urgent challenge: this program does not allow pets, which means Jan cannot have her puppy, Lucy, with her right now. This separation is heartbreaking, and it’s also creating a serious safety concern. **Jan fell twice last week**, and it’s become clear how much she needs Lucy’s support for **balance and stability**—especially as she continues working toward better health and a more secure life. Lucy isn’t “just a pet” to Jan; she’s a source of comfort, grounding, and physical support. **What we urgently need right now** 1) A temporary foster home for Lucy Jan is actively searching for someone who can foster Lucy until Jan is able to move into permanent housing and reunite with her. 2) Help covering Lucy’s care while she’s being fostered While Lucy is in foster care, Jan needs help with: - Food - Basic supplies - Vet care as needed - Other daily care costs Anything donated will help ensure Lucy is safe, healthy, and cared for during this transition. 3) Support for service dog training Jan is also requesting help to get Lucy trained as her service dog, because the cost can be overwhelming. This includes professional training time and the expenses that come with preparing a dog to provide reliable assistance and stability support. Having Lucy properly trained would make a life-changing difference for Jan’s independence and safety. Why this matters Jan is doing everything she can to move forward—and this housing placement is a major step in the right direction. **But she shouldn’t have to choose between having a safe place to sleep and having the support she needs to stay steady and safe. Our goal is to keep Jan progressing while ensuring Lucy is cared for and ready to come home to her as soon as possible. Thank you for standing with Jan and Lucy. Every donation and every share helps—especially right now. If you can help foster Lucy or support her care and training, it truly makes a direct impact.