Emily's Service Dog

On behalf of the Koesters’ family, I created this Go Fund Me page for Emily Koesters to receive a service dog. Emily has been approved for a dog that is fit for her needs. For those of you who don’t know Emily, she is a “Little Giant” and has Schimke immuno-osseous dysplasia (SIOD). This is a rare genetic multisystem disorder disease that affects the majority of Emily’s body: including kidneys, growth plates and cartilage, heart and arteries, lungs and her immune system.

Emily is in need of a service dog for various reasons. A service dog will help her get to and from places mobility wise and help calm Emily’s nerves as she deals with increased anxiety around crowds and of course doctor appointments. A service dog will also help to detect Emily’s medical needs of anxiousness, seizures, episodes and migraine pain. A service dog will allow for more independence as she spends time "away" from her parents as Emily recently turned 20 and wants to be a young adult. In instances where Emily is struggling, the dog can come and alert her parents to any needs she has and they can assist Emily with her challenges. A service dog will be a companion who understands Emily and her unique obstacles. It also is someone who Emily can share and confide in; especially on those harder days as Emily has already endured 63 surgeries and counting. A service dog will love her unconditionally, but will also help her medically, physically and emotionally.

Emily wants a service dog because in her words, "My seizures and episodes are scary and sometimes I don't know it is happening or what is going on afterwards and my dog can help me out. It will protect me if I fall and help me with my infusions and therapies. My dog will be there to guide me as my eyesight isn't very good either, especially at night and then I won't have to wake up my mom and dad and can have my dog take me back to bed."

ANY donation you can give will help The Koesters Family and essentially Emily receive the care she requires and deserves. These dogs are extremely expensive and the Koesters already pay out of pocket for a lot of Emily’s care. Please consider donating so that Emily can live HER version of a typical life. This dog will be tailored to fit Emily’s needs and her needs only.

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BELIEVE-

Josie Whitney on behalf of Emily Koesters and the entire Koesters family.