TL:DR- financial need and breakdown are at the bottom



Depression and anxiety have been a lifelong battle for me, PTSD and misophonia are additional struggles I am trying to solve, but it has made survival that much more difficult for me. This year I have really been focusing on doing all I can to find long term solutions for my health and safety. I have expended all my resources within my insurance, and none of the services have improved my quality of life or functionality. Because I am self employed and single, I do not qualify for much needed financial assistance. This year has been the slowest for me work wise than any other year, my finances are very tight. I've basically been told "good luck with that", I now need to ask for help.







I am applying for a PSYCHIATRIC SERVICE DOG or PSD (not emotional support animal or therapy dog). It would be trained to warn me of oncoming anxiety attacks, panic attacks or depressive episodes. It would provide an emotional barrier in public settings that trigger anxiety. It would provide Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) which involves a dog using its weight and sometimes warmth to mitigate a psychiatric symptom, often either as a calming strategy or to minimize disengagement from the world. Most episodes occur when I'm alone at home, having a constant guardian will help keep me from dissociation and also help prevent over stimulus that lead to episodes later.



Mental disability is sometimes hard to fully understand, many people who have not experienced it, or only experience it a couple of times in their life, don't imagine it as a real disability. But dealing with it constantly, means poor sleep, less focus on survival like work and productivity, immobility and poorer health.





The past two years have been particularly difficult for me. There have been many Suicidal Crisis moments, where I have emotionally disengaged from the world and have nearly taken my life. The most my loved ones can really do is offer an ear, but talking doesn't usually help me in a deep depressive episode. Once a spiral starts, I'm usually past the point of mentally or emotionally connecting to a phone call. In those moments I need touch, I need eye contact. And I need to not have to go to lengths to get it. A serious panic attack (had one this week) can cause 2-3 days of recovery, which is detrimental to my productivity. As much as I love Katsu (my cat) and as cuddly as he is, when I'm having an episode, he's not too great at coming to the rescue. He mostly gets annoyed if I'm crying. Having a service dog could be lifesaving for me, and may even get me to the point where I can get to a better financial place.



So, why is it $43,500???



A pre-trained and certified service dog, depending on the amount of tasks its trained to perform, range from $10,000-$30,000. The PSD I am applying for is $30,000 and I will be receiving $15,000 in financial aid from the training program. To secure my PSD I need to pay $15,000.



The additional $28,000 will be covering the LIFELONG expenses of owning a lab over the course of 12 years. This will include annual shots, heart worm meds, supplies, health insurance with Truepanion, expected vet visits and savings for medical needs.



THIS YEAR'S GOAL IS $20,200 in order to secure my service animal and cover the first 2 years of expenses. I will be conducting annual fundraisers (with art and services for sale) until I've raised the remainder of it's lifelong expenses. Alternatively, pet store gift cards will be welcome, but please only choose this option once I have raised enough to secure my Service animal.

If you would like me to get the full donated amount, there is a 33 cent per transaction fee and 2.6% to gofundme, if you add this tax to the donated amount I'll receive the full amount.



If I go over the goal, I will be using those funds for an effectual therapist (none in my insurance or low income resources were of any help) and ongoing medications for myself. 100% of these funds will be used for supplies and services to aid in improving my mental health.



Please share within your circles, it may be cliche, but every little bit helps and you never know who will be willing to contribute more.



Thank you for sticking with me this far, I wouldn't be here if not for all the wonderful, loving, supportive people in my life, you mean the world to me-



Much love and hope,



Rae



