We are seeking help in obtaining a service dog for our daughter, Sabrina Medellin.  This service dog would provide sensory therapy and behavior disruption. 

And while she doesn’t understand the rules that apply to the game, she does know what she has to do when she’s got the ball. But life has always been about more than laughter and playing ball for Sabrina.

We discovered prior to age 2, when Sabrina was not crawling, turning over/walking, etc., that she had hypotonia, which she then had throughout her toddler years. She underwent physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Currently, she still has very limited speech and currently knows approximately 30-35 words, however, she cannot put words together to make sentences. She has a rare unbalanced chromosome deletion. She has a partial deletion of her #22 and a duplication of her #2 chromosomes.  

Sabrina walks with an unusual gait, and is currently wearing DAFOs (Dynamic Foot Ankle Orthosis) for corrective support for both feet.

The challenges my husband and I have faced are primarily sadness and frustration, simply because there is basically no cure for her condition, and not many cases with her condition that we can relate to or compare.

Sabrina has always been a happy, but the older she has gotten, the more challenges arise.  Her inability to express herself has caused her more frustration.  We have had a difficult time going to stores/restaurants without some sort of episode or meltdown. 

She is unaware of potentially dangerous situations, i.e. crossing the street, going with a stranger, etc.

She’s got a great personality. She has always been a happy child and is still happy, but more frustrated at times. For having such limited speech, Sabrina is what I like to call a social butterfly! She is very interactive and will initiate conversation (i.e. saying, “Hi!”) with anyone. 

Sabrina is in a self-contained classroom, but her class is mainstreamed throughout the day.  Her favorite class is gym and she just loves to stay active! She absolutely loves school and is very popular with her peers. A lot of the kids, both in mainstream and special education just love her and will protect her while she’s at school.

While I am aware that she is the one that is facing such great challenges, it is not only hard for us parents to boost her spirits, but physically draining.

I know that Sabrina can feel alone at times, but I am certain that a behavior disruption and sensory therapy service dog would provide her with not only physical, but also emotional support. I am hoping this dog will also help to ease her daily frustrations and provide comfort to minimize with her emotional meltdowns.

My husband and I feel truly blessed to have Sabrina in our lives, and have always wanted to give her something that will make a difference in her life. She doesn’t seem to be phased by material things, nor has she ever. I believe that this dog will make a huge impact and difference in her little world and we cannot wait for the opportunity!  W

We are currently going through a non-profit organization, 4 Paws for Ability.  We are committed to raising $13,000 and have currently raised approximately $3,100.00. If you would like to see her story on the 4 Paws for Ability website, it is as follows:

http://4pawsforability.org/make-a-dream-come-true/#SabrinaMedellin

We are certain we will accomplish this for Sabrina!