A service dog can support Noah in various ways. Due to her constant pain and overstimulation – caused by Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and autism – she hardly goes outside anymore. A service dog can help her by adding structure to her day, alerting her to meltdowns or fainting, and even applying pressure to her chest during a POTS attack. “He would even remind me to eat, for example by nudging my hand with his snout.”
Crowdfunding: a ray of hope
She has now covered a large part of the costs for a well-bred puppy and the necessary care. “I have saved for the purchase, supplies, medical expenses, sterilization and an emergency fund. The only thing I am now asking for through the crowdfunding is help with the dog’s training costs.”
However, these training costs are considerable: training an assistance dog costs at least 23,000 euros. “When I saw that amount, I thought, ‘I’m never going to make this on my own.’” On the advice of her therapist and loved ones, Noah started a crowdfunding campaign. “I have always been very independent, so being dependent on my boyfriend, the mental health service and my supervisor is difficult. With an assistance dog I would regain some of my independence.” Noah hopes with all her heart that her dream will become reality. “A service dog gives me my life back.”