Help Nikka Get An Emotional Support Dog!

Hello, My name is Christina, and I have known Nikka since we were in high school. I've always known Nikka as an energetic, caring, outgoing, physically active individual. She even played on the MN Gopher Women's Hockey team when we were in High School (I know, pretty cool, huh?!) As an adult, she continued to enjoy all kinds of sports and outdoor activities with family and friends. Unfortunately, Nikka's health has changed. She has brought joy, laughter and support to so many people, and now it's our turn to support her. Let me tell you Nikka's story:

In 2013, Nikka was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. A year later, she couldn't work any longer and was designated as being disabled. Along with heart failure, depression is very common, and Nikka has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder. She has managed things pretty well so far, but her doctor tells her an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) would help greatly with her treatment plan. Unlike Service Dogs, Emotionals Support Animals do not have a funding program. Nikka is on a fixed income, due to disability social security. She has tried a multitude of ways to raise some money for an ESA dog, but has not been very successful.

In addition to taking care of her own physical and mental health needs, Nikka has been full-time caregiver for her mom who was diagnosed with cancer in 2016. She is doing ok, but the cancer is still there, chemo continues, and she must have support 24/7.

Nikka has always reached out and shown support for others in anyway that she can, even when her resources are limited. She deserves to receive some support and care herself. Let's help Nikka raise $2,000 to get the Emotional Support Animal she needs. This amount would help her adopt/purchase a Shihchon (Shihtzu/Bichon), or similar breed, as well as help cover some expenses related to the early stages of taking care of a dog; possible vet bills, food and supplies. The sooner Nikka can get her Emotional Support Animal, the sooner she can get some more help managing her depression.

Thank you, in advance, for your show of support and kindness!