Help Lola become a service dog

Heath has literally relearned how to do everything that we take for granted. From brushing his teeth and using his phone, to now being a part-time homeschool teacher for our daughters two years later. His girls dote on him as much as he on them, and he is truly wrapped around their fingers. He is still improving cognitively and making strides in regaining many memories that were lost. He struggles with spasticity on his left side which affects his ability to walk. His balance is greatly affected and unfortunately we have accepted that falls are now simply a part of life sometimes. He lives in pain daily and we are working hard to make it bearable. He still gets physical and occupational therapy several times a week and will for as long as he is improving (hopefully). He suffers from anxiety and sometimes has difficulty controlling his emotions when his physical limitations get in the way of life. He has aphasia that makes it difficult to get across what he wants to sometimes, but make no mistake that this man still has very much to say. 

We have been considering and praying for a therapy/service dog for Heath for quite some time. Unfortunately, a service dog through an organization can cost upward of 15-20k and take 1-2 years to place. At the beginning of this year, we were given the opportunity to adopt a two year old dog named Lola from a friend. We discussed and prayed about it as a family, and decided that our family needed her. This meant accepting that he wasn't going to be able to have a "real" service dog and that she would just be a companion animal..

I truly believe Lola was meant to join our family. Lola is an American Bully. She is a ball ofspunk and love rolled up into 45lb. She looks like she would be mean, but within minutes of meeting her, she will steal your heart. "Lolabug" could not be loved more if we had raised her from a puppy. Since Heath has had her, she has made such a difference in his emotional well being. She knows just when he needs love, and when to be a protector. She loved to lay in his lap and provide comfort, as well as accompany him wherever he goes. 

Unfortunately, as with many family dogs, Lola has some bad habits that prevent her from being able to be a good therapy dog in public. One time, Lola ran out the door, and Heath, in a panic, set off down the driveway with his walker to go after her, so afraid that she would be hurt. He made it approximately 30 feet before he fell and was pinned, unable to get up. Thankfully I was on my way home, but lost years off of my life when I drove up and saw my husband face down in the driveway holding onto a very contrite looking Lola. That was when we decided basic training was in Lola's future. After talking with trainers, we believe that Lola has the potential to become a bonafide service dog for Heath. This means that she will undergo an intense board and train program to make her a good canine citizen, and then additional training to help her meet Heath's physical and emotional needs.

In addition to being well behaved and a good canine citizen in public, we have several specific service goals for Lola to be able to provide aside from just emotional support: 

- retrieve objects when Heath drops them (sometimes leaning can cause him to fall)

- protect and alert (if Heath falls, stay with him and bark until help arrives)

- physical calming (respond to a heightened emotional state in which Heath may self injure and provide a barrier and calming presence to him by climbing in his lap). 

We know that many people have helped along our journey and are so very thankful for each and every bit that has ever been done for us. We appreciate any that you can give to help Lola meet her full potential and Heath be able to be safer in many situations.