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Melissa Knopf hasn't added a story.
Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. My name is Melissa and I have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, PTSD, Depression and other medical conditions. I suddenly developed RA in June 1998. I literally could not move. Over the years we have found medications that work well enough to keep me mostly mobile, but with restrictions. After 19+ years of having this disease I have made the choice to get a service dog. Having a service dog would make my life more manageable, have less pain, and I'd be a lot happier!
I'd like to introduce you to Miss River. River is a German Shorthaired Pointer born March 15, 2017 and has the right temperament for service dog work. We signed up with a service dog training program in June and River is doing GREAT! She is learning to press buttons, take off socks, picking up things off the ground, bring the tv remote, do DPT (deep pressure therapy), alert to anxiety, blocking, and more. Eventually she will have a harness with saddle bags to carry items for me, as I get extremely sore. River will also have a handle on her vest that will be used for mobility. What does that mean? She will help with forward momentum, balance, and stability. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten stuck on the ground or I've sat low to the ground and not been able to get up. I'm sure she will learn other tasks too, but for right now these are on the top of the training list.
Service dog training is so expensive! I've been told it can cost
upwards of $30,000 to raise/train a service dog. Wow! We are hoping to
raise $10,000 with this campaign. All money raised will go towards
Rivers extensive training, adaptive gear and vest, quality food, vet
checks, vet insurance (required), and other costs associated with
having a service dog. Hopefully we can raise enough to put some away
in case of emergency.
As much as I HATE to ask for help, I am on disability assistance
and this is going to be next to impossible on my own. Unfortunately
I've missed out on a grant through the training facility, but I know
that with help from the community and sponsors we can do this! My
friends have urged me for months to get this going, so, here it is!
Please donate. I promise you EVERY dollar will go towards Rivers
training and care. I know she can do this! I know WE can do this!
Having her as my service dog will make my life so much better!
Thank you so much! Please follow our journey on Facebook fb.me/RiverTheGSP
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