My name is Daniel, and I'm asking for help with one very specific, unexpected expense.

I'm traveling to Germany with my trained psychiatric service dog to visit my 83-year-old terminally ill mother. My mother has never had the chance to meet Ringo, and I hope he'll bring her some comfort and a few smiles during this visit.

Ringo is my rescue-turned-service dog. He isn't just a pet—he assists me with my disability and has become an essential part of my daily life.

After the USDA waived its endorsement fee for service animals and after contacting more than 40 veterinary clinics to find the lowest available cost, the remaining veterinary examination, international health certificate, and USDA-mandatory overnight return shipping will cost approximately $375.

Although Ringo is perfectly healthy, European regulations require every dog entering the European Union to have an international veterinary health certificate completed by a USDA-accredited veterinarian.

I'm currently experiencing significant financial hardship, and covering this unexpected expense is a challenge.

Over the past week, I have researched and contacted dozens of local and national organizations that provide veterinary financial assistance. Unfortunately, virtually all of them are limited to pets that are sick, injured, or in need of emergency care. Because Ringo is healthy, he doesn't qualify for virtually any existing assistance program.

If you're able to contribute, your donation will go directly toward covering the required veterinary examination and international health certificate that will allow Ringo to legally travel with me.

If you aren't able to donate, sharing this campaign would also mean a great deal.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for helping make it possible for Ringo to accompany me during this important trip to see my mother.

With gratitude,

Daniel & Ringo