As some of you may already know, due to my dysautonomia, I applied for a mobility and alert Service Dog from Canine Partners for Life about 3 years ago. I have been paired with a cardiac alert dog named John.
I got sick about 5 years ago. My dysautonomia causes fatigue, brain fog, GI symptoms, and, most problematic, fainting. Many of you have seen me learn how to cope with this illness the best I can, but I am always in danger of fainting and hurting myself. John will provide me with stability and support with walking and standing throughout the day. He will also be able to alert me to my syncope, giving me the ability to prevent a fainting spell or get myself to a safe place. I cannot begin to describe the reassurance and independence this new partnership will provide me.
Canine Partners for Life has 30 years of experience training service dogs. They have paired dozens of dogs with individuals with my exact condition and many have been able to prevent cardiac episodes all together because of their service dog's alerts. You can see NBC’s Brian Williams talk about them here.
With the gift of John, comes a lot of financial expenses. John and I will meet and train for three weeks together this July in Pennsylvania, where we will learn about each other and become partners. During those three weeks, I need to cover the cost of various training field trips, travel expenses, lodging, dog food, and a very long list of service dog supplies. Canine Partners asked for me to only pay for a fraction of the $30,000 it cost to train John over the last two years. This is where I would appreciate your help! My goal is to raise $5,000 to help cover these costs.
If you do not feel comfortable paying online, there is another way to donate. You can write a check payable to Canine Partners for Life (It is tax deductible for you) and send it to me: 188 Wicomico Drive, New Market, MD 21774. (Do not put my name on the check if you want it to be tax deductible!)
I would also be more than happy to answer any questions or provide more information about the organization if you'd like. I can send you pamphlets about their programs or more photos of John (he's quite the cutie). You can learn more about Canine Partners for Life here.
I got sick about 5 years ago. My dysautonomia causes fatigue, brain fog, GI symptoms, and, most problematic, fainting. Many of you have seen me learn how to cope with this illness the best I can, but I am always in danger of fainting and hurting myself. John will provide me with stability and support with walking and standing throughout the day. He will also be able to alert me to my syncope, giving me the ability to prevent a fainting spell or get myself to a safe place. I cannot begin to describe the reassurance and independence this new partnership will provide me.
Canine Partners for Life has 30 years of experience training service dogs. They have paired dozens of dogs with individuals with my exact condition and many have been able to prevent cardiac episodes all together because of their service dog's alerts. You can see NBC’s Brian Williams talk about them here.
With the gift of John, comes a lot of financial expenses. John and I will meet and train for three weeks together this July in Pennsylvania, where we will learn about each other and become partners. During those three weeks, I need to cover the cost of various training field trips, travel expenses, lodging, dog food, and a very long list of service dog supplies. Canine Partners asked for me to only pay for a fraction of the $30,000 it cost to train John over the last two years. This is where I would appreciate your help! My goal is to raise $5,000 to help cover these costs.
If you do not feel comfortable paying online, there is another way to donate. You can write a check payable to Canine Partners for Life (It is tax deductible for you) and send it to me: 188 Wicomico Drive, New Market, MD 21774. (Do not put my name on the check if you want it to be tax deductible!)
I would also be more than happy to answer any questions or provide more information about the organization if you'd like. I can send you pamphlets about their programs or more photos of John (he's quite the cutie). You can learn more about Canine Partners for Life here.
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