Hi everyone!
I’m Rory, and I am a paleontology student who struggles with mobility challenges, as well as psychological ones. My mobility challenges are caused by fibromyalgia, chronic pain syndrome, cartilage deterioration, joint pain, and more. I also have PTSD, which causes me severe anxiety.
I am lucky enough to say that I have received word that I have been approved for a service dog from The Service Dog Connection, and am supposed to go out and meet them in mid-July! This dog would assist me with many tasks I currently struggle with, due to my use of my forearm crutches and pain. I cannot bend down to pick up dropped objects, hold things, open doors, and so much more. This service dog would be trained to help me with my daily life, breaking down barriers I currently face. I have been told they would be trained to pick up things, open doors, hold items, help me with my clothes, and even assist me during panic attacks and PTSD episodes. It would truly change my life in ways I did not think possible.
I love my career path, and have published an article on my experience as a researcher, presented a poster at The Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, and given a talk about my research at my university’s Earth Sciences Colloquium. This work is everything I love to do. I spend hours preparing fossils in the lab and researching. As an undergraduate student, I have worked hard to be where I am. There is nothing I love more than paleontology. A service dog would help me navigate this field as I continue my education, my research, and help me navigate my environment.
It has been hard to realize I need constant help in my daily life, as I struggle when my friends or my husband are not around to assist me with tasks. If no one is around, I often do not have the physical ability to do them. During flares, I sometimes cannot reach my medication and am forced to stay in bed until someone can bring it to me. With a service dog, I would not have to rely on my peers or my husband. I would be able to be independent. This would mean everything to me. I would be able to continue my career with a partner who can help with my needs, who I can love, who will be able to help calm me.
Being approved for a service dog has brought me so much joy. All I want is to get to go meet them and get my home prepared for a new companion in my daily life. This funding covers the cost of the dog as well as the flights and lodging required. While the price is high, these dogs are vital medical tools, which I have been told would be greatly useful to me in my life. My doctors, therapist, friends, and family all agree. A service dog would help me be independent, keep my confidence, and give me the ability to live my life in ways I haven’t been able to since I started my college career at university.
I have missed out on so much due to my chronic pain. I want to live a life where I feel like I can navigate my world without pain, without struggles no one else around me has to face.
20 dollars would go a long way to help me reach my goal. I truly thank you for your help in receiving this life-changing care. I don’t know how to thank you enough.
Best Wishes,
Rory
