Hi, my name is Abby, and I’m 16 years old.
I’m raising funds for a service dog who will help me manage my daily life with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) and Anxiety. These conditions make even simple tasks—like walking, standing, or being in public—physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming.
When I was younger, I struggled with severe anxiety. I tried several medications, but nothing helped me the way my best friend Cooper did. He was a Great Pyrenees/Lab mix and truly my guardian angel. Cooper made me feel safe in ways no one else could. Because of my anxiety, I was terrified of the dark—I couldn’t go into a dark bathroom or even shut the chicken coop door at night. I was so scared, I’d collapse on the ground, convinced I’d be taken or harmed. I used to run zig-zag patterns outside at night, thinking it would keep me from getting shot—something my brain told me was a real danger. Cooper would go out ahead of me, checking the area, and that gave me enough confidence to face those fears. He helped me take back control of my life.
Now that I’m older, I still struggle. The world can feel scary and overwhelming, especially as a young girl with chronic health conditions-knowing I wouldn’t be able to out run someone. I’ve grown stronger, but I know I need the support of a service dog to help me live with more safety and independence. Especially with the big change of teenager to adult.
My symptoms of POTS began after I had COVID-19, and over the years, they’ve gotten worse. I get out of breath and a rapid heart rate from jogging a few steps. I lose my breath just brushing my hair, and I constantly feel exhausted, no matter how much sleep I get. I used to be a super active kid—running, jumping, carrying water buckets for fun. Now, I struggle just to get out of bed.
A service dog would be life-changing. It would be trained to alert me when my heart rate spikes, help stabilize me when I’m dizzy, and provide grounding during anxiety episodes. This dog wouldn’t just be a helper—it would be my partner in regaining independence, confidence, and joy.
Service dogs are incredibly expensive to train and care for, and I’m asking for help to make this possible. Any support—whether it’s a donation or simply sharing my story—means the world to me.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for supporting me on this journey.
– Abby
