It's Service Dog Time!

The National Organization for Rare Diseases defines the Ehlers Danlos Syndromes as "a group of related disorders caused by different genetic defects in collagen." I have the most common type, known as Hypermobility Type (formally type 3). I am reliant on a wheelchair for distances due to my joints dislocating and fainting due to a fast heart rate when I stand. I have a feeding tube and a PICC line for nutrition as my stomach is paralyzed and can no longer move food into my intestines efficiently or without pain.  I was born with EDS. My mother has it as well, though it affects her in a much less severe way. This disease affects people along a spectrum. Some people never know they have it, whereas others like me are permanently disabled due to it.  Getting a service dog to assist with my mobility, fluctuating blood sugars and the resulting depression and anxiety has come up many times over the years, and all of my doctors are on board with the idea. I am finally at the point where I can devote the time to train a dog appropriately to be able to help me for years to come. I have chosen a breeder (the trainer and I think a Poodle would be the best fit, but my budget thinks a Golden Retriever would be), and I have hit the top of a waitlist for working with an amazing trainer in my area! I just got off of the phone with the breeder, and she has 1 potential puppy that has the appropriate temperament for what I need. This bloodline is almost purely working dogs of some flavor, and both mom and dad have the appropriate genes to create wonderful service dogs! The total cost of one of these puppies is $1100. I need this amount by February 15th, 2020. $200 of that is a deposit that will be needed as soon as possible to secure the puppy. I have put years of thought into this decision, and it is not one I make lightly. My diseases will affect me for the rest of my life as there is no cure, and I desperately want to take advantage of this trainer!  There is no better time than now!