Help Karolyn Gain Independence with a Service Dog

Hello dear friends! My name is Karolyn, and I am an artist residing in the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains. I face daily challenges of living with multiple chronic physical and mental health conditions that greatly impact my quality of life. Your generous contribution would truly make a difference in helping me acquire a multi-purpose service dog (Psychiatric/Mobility) that will provide me with invaluable support in various facets of my life.

I have carried the weight of anxiety with me for as long as I can remember, struggling in social settings and feeling vulnerable when out in public alone. The thought of being in a crowd fills me with dread, social interactions leave me feeling overwhelmed, and even the idea of stepping out of my comfort zone on my own is enough to send my anxiety into overdrive. Fortunately, I have a supportive and understanding spouse who accompanies me whenever I need to venture out, offering me the comfort and reassurance that I so desperately crave. However, I recognize that relying solely on them for my independence is a lot to ask. The ability to live more independently would be a dream come true for me, allowing me to navigate the world on my own terms and alleviating some of the burden on my loved ones.

On top of my mental health struggles, last year, my world was turned upside down when I received the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. This chronic nervous system disorder has brought widespread pain, fatigue, insomnia, cognitive difficulties (Fibro Fog), dizziness, and mobility issues into my life. It has completely changed the way I go about my daily routines. Every little thing - whether it's physical activity, stress, or even a minor injury - has the potential to trigger a painful flare-up that can last for days or even months. Working from home in solitude, I often find myself struggling to cope with the challenges that my condition presents. Having a companion to lean on during these difficult times would truly change my life and bring comfort to my loved ones.

After years of consideration and months of heavy research, I have decided that a service dog could be a beneficial companion to help me with my various disabilities. A service dog could be trained to:

Training a service dog to assist with these tasks is an incredibly demanding and financially burdensome process. The cost of training a service dog can be exorbitant, an amount that far exceeds my current financial capabilities. That is why I am reaching out to the kindness and generosity of my loved ones, friends, family, and even kind-hearted strangers.

I am incredibly fortunate to have connected with a non-profit organization based in Central Florida called Rescue Me Rescue U INC. who takes dogs from overflow shelters and houses them until they are able to complete service dog or therapy dog training.

Not only are the dogs thoroughly health-tested to ensure they are fit for the important work ahead of them, but any dogs who end up not being suitable for service or therapy work are rehabilitated and adopted out as a pet with advanced training.

This incredible opportunity not only saves me from the high costs associated with buying a dog from a breeder, but also fills my heart with joy knowing that I am able to help a dog in need, who will in turn help me with my own needs.

Learn more about them here:

https://rescuemerescueu.squarespace.com/

Your donation will directly contribute to:

This will kick off the whole process! The organization will begin the work of matching me with a rescue dog that has traits suited for the kind of work that fits my needs best.

Once a match is made, the work between the trainers and pup begins! They will work together for 6 months on obedience and some tasks.

Once the dog is ready, we need to bring him/her home! The trainer is located in Central Florida, which means we’ll either have to travel from California to bring the dog home or we’ll have to hire a transportation service.

After the dog comes home training will continue with me. I plan to have the help of a trainer to guide me through the process. It’s a long, but important process and I plan to share updates every step of the way so we can watch the dog learn and grow together!

Before the dog comes home, we’ll need to be prepared! Items such as a service dog vest, leashes, and specialized equipment will be purchased for our daily routines and the pup’s health and wellbeing.

Each and every contribution, no matter how small, means the world to me as it brings me closer to a life of independence and security. Your support will not only assist me in managing my conditions, but will also gift me with a faithful companion who will stand by me through every obstacle and triumph.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story. Your generosity and support mean more to me than words can express. Together, I truly believe that we have the power to make a profound difference in my life.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Karolyn