Help Maddie Get A Service Dog For Autism

Hi everyone!

My name is Maddie Cantwell. I'm a senior at Flagler College in St. Augustine, FL, majoring in psychology. I'll have my Bachelors degree this December! I still can't believe I'm almost done with undergrad. Still not prepared for the journey of graduate school, but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it ;).

I've found through my various difficulties in every day life that a service dog's assistance would be beneficial to me. I am on the Autism spectrum as well as being diagnosed with severe mental illnesses that inhibit my daily functioning. After looking into tasks that dogs can perform and researching extensively, I think they are a good fit. I would like to have a service dog in my life to mitigate my disability by blocking harmful behavior, leading to the exit in anxiety-filled situations, and providing grounding through tactile stimulation and/or deep pressure therapy (and others-but these are some highlighted tasks).

Due to allergies in my home, I would like to get a poodle as a service animal, regarded as a highly intelligent working dog breed with great temperament to handle the job. I have been extremely fortunate to find a trainer to work with personally.

The money from this GoFundMe will be used for the cost of the animal, training sessions, any supplies, vet visits, and general doggy needs (food, toys, etc.). Due to being a full-time student, living in an apartment and dealing with expenses, only being able to work part-time, and living with psychiatric disabilities, it has proven difficult to gather the necessary funds and resources for the service animal. I am ready to provide any level of transparency necessary in regards to the funds utilized from this GoFundMe.

I want it to be known that this is not something I am rushing into by any means. I have been considering the use of a service dog in my life for several years. I am fully prepared to handle a service dog, and understand that the animal is my responsibility in every capacity. I understand that the process is long and not always glamorous, but the assistance that I will receive and easier access to a more normative everyday life would be worth it every step of the way.

Thank you so much for taking the time to look into my story and for reading this far. Even if you are not able to help monetarily, any spreading of my situation would be appreciated immensely. I am looking forward to the possibility of a service animal being brought into my life.