Assistance Dog

(Hi! Thank you so much to the people who have already donated! I'd like to add that I will be putting in $1000 of my money too. A more detailed breakdown of where the money is going is further down the page)

Hey everyone! Thank you for taking the time to read this and support me, I appreciate all of you. My name is Claudia, and I'm a 21 year old who unfortunately has chronic anxiety. I feel very lucky to have had the support I do. In the past few months, my anxiety has become quite a hard hand to deal with, and I often find myself unable to do mundane tasks like get groceries, go for a walk or even shower sometimes without having a panic attack. In light of this, my psychiatrist has put me down the path of getting an assistance/emotional support animal.

Usually in this type of situation, an individual looking to get an assistant animal could potentially receive funding from the NDIS. Unfortunately because of my own personal situation I'm unable to receive such funding, and so the opportunity for me to have this life changing companion relies on me being able to afford it myself.

This is why I'm asking for your help. With this dog I'd be able to conquer more of my fears, and be more comfortable completing every-day activities. The dog would be taught how to identify my panic attacks, and use a trained skill to prevent, control or perhaps stop the attack all together, which at this point would chnage my whole world.

I'm really looking forward to being able to do things without stressing or dreading every step I take, and I have all my fingers crossed. Even if you don't support me through the gofund me page, it is amazing to know that I still have a support system who understands.

The money goes towards several things to ensure my puppy is ready to be an assistance animal. First off, purchasing the actual puppy itself, which I have been quoted for around $5000, and basic set up for him/her.  Afterwards, there are three stages of training the puppy must complete before becoming eligible to enter the Assistance Animal training course. These courses come in at around $300 each. After this training period, the puppy enters the Assistance Animal training, which I have been quoted at for about $2800. Once the training is completed the puppy must then sit a test called the Public Assistance Test (more info here: https://www.qld.gov.au/disability/out-and-about/ghad/certification-public-access-test ) which costs $590 to complete and two one off payments of $120 for a handler's card and certified vest.

Thank you x