As of 03/18/2014 amount raised $3,480 out of &9,500. If everyone would donate as little as $5. I would reach my goal in no time. Without your help I will not be able to get Shaggy to make my life easier and more complete.
Thanks in advance,
Gretchen Emch
"The Shaggy Fund" is a fundraiser to help Gretchen Emch pay
for the training and care of her new service dog Shaggy. The training
and care cost for Shaggy is $9,500.00. Shaggy is being trained by
Rachel Miller owner of Northern Indiana Service Dogs.
My name is Gretchen and I am 32 years old. I was born with
Cerebral Palsy, and I am in a wheelchair. I am needing help to raise
money for a new service dog. I need a service dog to assist me with
the following tasks picking up things off the floor, opening doors,
turning on/off lights and getting me assistance if I fall.
The
first dog I had, Hank, was an exceptional service dog. He went to the
University of West Georgia with me and was with me for 10 years. When
he was ready for retirement, they advised me to start with a new dog.
I then received Bahama as my new service dog. There were many issues
with her following through on commands properly. When I took her back
for assessments, they suddenly decided I was not compatible with their
new style of training. They also informed me that she would not go
back with me, and retired her because of her highly anxious
temperament. This decision was made very quickly and I was not given a
choice. I was not able to say goodbye to her even though she had been
a part of my family for the last five years.
So, I decided to
take a new direction. I was then able to get with the trainer that
trained my first service dog. She has started her own program and said
she would train me a new service dog. This route will help me get a
properly trained service dog for my specific needs. However this route
will cost me $9,500. I need help to pay for this because I do not have
a job and the state of Georgia will not help me financially.