Service Dog For Destiny: Exploration Service Dogs

Medical equipment is and always has been throughout history, an important tool to either mitigating or curing various illnesses and disabilities. We see a wide range of these tools when we peer into the public around us from oxygen tanks to wheelchairs to walkers and so much more.

While technology has come a long way in being able to better these devices, some individuals still struggle with their disabilities on a day to day basis because this technology lacks the ability to mitigate their disabilities to the fullest extent. Some examples would include a guide cane being unable to tell an individual when a vehicle is approaching or someone with chronic migraines when a migraine is coming on and to take medication. Thankfully, man’s best friend can be there to fill the voids.

The elite 10% of dogs who have the perfect temperament for service work have the ability to have an amazing career and partnership. These dogs are treated like royalty within their roles of lifesavers. Not only are they life savers, but Exploration Service Dogs utilizes dogs within the shelter system and at risk to entering the shelter system. By giving these dogs a second chance at life, they then can have independence along with their future partner.

Service dogs go through 1-3 years with hundreds of hours of rigorous training through positive reinforcement or balanced training methods. These dogs are trained in ways that allow them to love the job they perform. As stated by the ADA, or the Americans With Disabilities Act, a service dog is trained to perform tasks to help with an individual’s disability. Some tasks would include the following:

Destiny has lived her life with various disabilities and has tried multiple routes in trying to mitigate these disabilities with varying degrees of success. As she ages, and wishes to take on a more independent way of living, she has come across the possibility of utilizing a service dog.

After many discussions with her family, Destiny reached out to Exploration Service Dogs for the newest part of her life journey. She filled out an application, talked extensively through emails, and attended interviews in order to be approved and matched with a dog within the program.

During her wait for her new partner, Destiny has a donation fundraising goal to help cover the costs of food, veterinary care, treats, training, program harness, and more. Prior to her matched dog’s graduation in approximately two years, Destiny will need to reach a donation fundraising goal of $7,750. Within 18 months after graduation, Destiny will need reach a donation fundraising goal of $2,000. Reaching out to friends, family, and the general public will help ease some of the stress and allow for more time to prepare for their “furever pawtner”. Any part that reaches over the fundraising goal will be put towards setting this team up with success with starter food, toys, treats, and more.

Updates to the dog’s training, fundraising goals, and more will be posted on a weekly or biweekly aspect for all those wanting to follow the journey. Updates can also be found on the program’s social media accounts, which would include pictures and videos.

Please share Destiny’s fundraiser as way to show support! This deserving young individual and Exploration Service Dogs are forever grateful for your contributions, shares, and story follows. Thank you for being you and doing what you can as this future team unfolds into a magical time of independence and stability.