Hi everyone! My name is Nicole and I am 28 years old. I’ve recently been diagnosed with a heart defect and a few other things, which has completely changed how I live each day. I often deal with symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, and sudden drops in blood pressure or heart rate. These episodes can happen unexpectedly, making it hard to feel safe doing even simple things like walking around the house or going out in public alone.
A service dog could make a huge difference in my quality of life. With the right training, the dog would be able to:
•Detect changes in my heart rate or blood pressure
• Alert me or others if I’m about to faint or experience a medical episode
• Retrieve medication or a phone
• Provide stability and comfort when I feel weak or disoriented
Unfortunately, service dogs are extremely expensive. A fully trained dog can cost $15,000–$30,000, which is out of reach for me. That’s why I’m raising funds to train a service dog myself. Professional training for owner-trained dogs still costs about $10,000, and that doesn’t include the cost of the dog. I’m doing everything I can to manage my condition, but a service dog would give me back some independence and peace of mind. If you’re able to donate, share, or even just spread the word, it would mean the world to me.
Thank you so much for your kindness and support..
