A Helping Paw: Service Dog Fundraiser

It’s been three years since my service dog, Ellie, passed away and I’m finally feeling like it is time for another. I’m trying to raise money to help pay for his training and build up a buffer for things like pet insurance and supplies.

Since losing Ellie it’s been apparent just how much of a positive impact she had on my health and well being. I’ve felt entirely dysregulated without the support she gave me. Originally I thought I would adapt but I’ve never been able to bridge the gap she filled, especially as my condition has gotten worse over time. It’s become very clear that I still need a helping paw.

My service dog would help me manage my narcolepsy, migraines, AS, and PTSD. His job would be to help me stay awake, keep me safe during sleep attacks, alert me to my migraines, help my mobility, and help me manage my PTSD symptoms. Living with my grab bag of conditions means I am constantly dealing with fatigue and heavy amounts of chronic pain.

Waking up in the morning is a challenge in and of itself, and the physical pain of getting out of bed is another. Once I’m awake, staying awake is another thing entirely. I have sleep attacks frequently which range from falling asleep for a few minutes, to a five hour “nap”. If I’m not in bed sleeping, it’s likely my migraines will put me there. Because I have migraines typically for two to three weeks of the month I’ve learned to push through the pain but it is immensely difficult to live this way.

I’m working with a trainer that has helped me find a dog through their network of shelters that do temperament testing and vetting. He is a fifteen month old collie that should be a great candidate. Other dogs his breeder has raised have gone on to do service work and search and rescue. He’ll be heading up to Seattle from Texas on June 20th after recovering from his neuter.

The larger expenses are:

• Training- $8,000

• Adoption fee- $500

• Pet Insurance- ~$700

• Food- $360

I’m planning on taking out a loan to pay the training fees upfront. I have been saving so I can pay installments, but the more I can pay upfront the less interest I have to deal with. It would also give me well appreciated breathing room since right now my income comes from disability payments.