Donate to a Dog Team
Some of our service dog families are in need of sponsorship. Imagine being able to make such difference in a persons life. Well you and or your company can be a very important part of creating a new world for a person with a disability. By sponsoring a Dog Team at Paws for life you can enrich the life of someone who desperately wants to be self sufficient and have a better quality of life. Every dollar of your donation goes directly to the training of this team and is 100% tax deductible.
We are a dynamic and innovative (501c3) all volunteer charity, which provides children and adults with disabilities specially trained dogs. We do not breed, but rescue puppies, pregnant & adult dogs from high kill shelters and train them for those who are disabled, saving a dog’s life and assisting a disabled child or adult to have a better quality of life.
Full Sponsorship $25,000.00
Full sponsorship of a dog team brings the team from basic training up thru full service dog training. This usually requires 1 and a half to 3 years of training. As our thank you for this generous donation to this dog team, we would like to offer you a banner ad linked to your business for two years. You can provide artwork for a 350x350px placement and we will be happy to change it out twice a year.
Half Way There Sponsorship $12,500
This generous donation will give the team partial sponsorship of their training. As our thank you for this generous donation to this dog team, we would like to offer you a banner ad linked to your business for one year. You can provide artwork for a 350x350px placement.
Get Them Started Sponsorship $5,000
This wonderful gift will get the team started on their first year of basic training. As our thank you for this generous donation to this dog team, we would like to offer you a listing on our Four Paws Up Page for
One month.
Make Your Own Donation
We are so grateful for any amount you would like to donate to this team, so name your own generous donation.
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Meet Our Dog Teams
Sam & Kenji
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In December 2019 we had Sam a Firefighter/Medic located in Washington DC reach out to us for help in matching him with a Goldendoodle for cross training as a service and therapy dog.
The dog is being trained as a psychiatric service dog but will also be going through training to help first responders throughout North America. Sam is a trained as a Peer Support Specialist and also as a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing coordinator. Sam has been diagnosed with PTSD for 10 years with a majority of the stress coming from his job as a firefighter. His diagnosis is
chronic and will be for his life time. The dog would be able to benefit both Sam and others. Sam has been deployed to three critical incidents so far.
Sam has an existing service dog a Husky called Kyler and they have been together for over 6 years. Kyler has been retired and the new puppy has taken on the role. As you can see from the photo Kenji was told to go to place but for some reason his place mat was in the drawer, so like with any well-trained service dog he did as he was told and climbed into the desk drawer.
When Sam informed his unit that he was getting a new service dog in training, apparently, they all asked for a Goldendoodle or something that would not shed, since their uniforms are blue and they were constantly removing Husky fur.
We signed contracts in April 2020 and then started looking for a Goldendoodle that would be able to be trained as a Psychiatric PTSD dog as well as used for Animal Assisted Intervention for those Critical Incident needs. We evaluated a litter that was born in February 2020 and one puppy now named Kenji was the potential match for Sam. In April 2020 Sam came to Georgia and the match was a perfect connection.
Kenji left with Sam, who was living in San Diego at the time and commuting to work in DC to start his new life. Then COVID-19 hit and everyone was grounded. Sam managed one more trip for training towards the end of 2020 but other than that Zoom, Video and any other means possible have been our training abilities.
Sam as of January 2021 is now permanently back at work and stationed in Washington DC. Vaccinated, Sam and Kenji will be able to have some practical hands-on training starting in 2021 here in Atlanta, GA during his off-shift days. We usually will train long distance teams monthly or every other month.
Paws For Life USA has and continues to work with Sam and Kenji knowing that they needed financial sponsorship, we are now looking to find a benefactor for them.
Please consider helping Sam and Kenji raise $18,000 which is the donation needed to sponsor Kenji’s training to alert and assist Sam and be cross trained for AAI to help with disasters. No donation is too small and every donation is life changing and appreciated more than you know.
Irma & Coco
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We have a veteran in need along with her service dog Coco. There are not too many organizations that help veterans that are pre- 9/11 and Irma is one of them. We need to raise funds for her and her training with Bear to help her with so many medical complications.
Irma adopted her previous service dog, Bear when he was 10 1/2 weeks old from the Cherokee Humane Society, in Cherokee County. At the time, another organization called Companions For Heroes (C4H) paid for his adoption as well as his training to get his Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification. Bear got off to a late start with his training, (January 6, 2018), because of trying to get additional funding from C4H for his CGC training.
Irma now has Coco to help her with her disabilities and health challenges. This is her story.
Irma is a 100% disabled veteran with PTSD, depression, and mobility issues among other things, but getting Bear trained to help alert her would be a great big help to her to go out in public with no fear of encountering trigger.
Additionally, she has had both of her knees replaced and has had some stability issues with falling. She has been using a cane, but her VA doctor has ordered a walker so that she can have more stability vs using a cane. All of the falling that she been doing lately is grounds for injury or worse. Bear can be taught to catch Irma when she falls by positioning himself for her to fall over him vs falling directly on the floor or into something that might cause her injury, like a step, a bureau, even just walking outside and losing her balance and falling.
Irma also arthritis in her lower back as well as bursitis in both hips along with Periformis Syndrome. The arthritis makes it hard for her to bend over and pick things up that she may drop. Getting Coco training to pick things up will be a great help to her. Cooc has been alerting her when her thyroid levels are out of balance. This is an area that Coco can be a great benefit to Irma to help her with when it comes to her medication(s).
Coco can alert her like he does for her thyroid levels and also remind Irma to take her medications. Coco is learning how to turn on/off lights to make it easier on her as well as putting her paws up on a chair so she can put her gear on her and not have to do a lot of bending over.
There are many things that we are working with Coco on to be able to help Irma. We have added blocking for Irma to tell her to stop moving for a while and get her balance by using her body as a brace for Irma. Irma is in constant pain and Coco has been taught to provide Pressure point therapy and warmth to those areas of her body where the muscles are sore.
Please consider helping Irma and Coco to raise the money for the additional training that Coco needs to assist Irma with her disabilities and other physical challenges. No donation is is too small and every donation is life changing and appreciated more than you know.
Paws for Life USA, a 501c3 non-profit corporation, dedicated to training Service Dogs.
Kallie & Nellie
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Meet Kallie and Nellie. Kallie suffered her first seizure when she was 21 years old; however, it was misdiagnosed and she went through her 20’s having these spontaneous “episodes.”
When she was 28 years old, she had an episode and fell hard against the wall and floor. She suffered a concussion and the episodes transformed dramatically, so that she started to have 2-3 seizures a day, 20+ seizures a month and ultimately had her independence taken away. Finally, when she was 29 years old, she was diagnosed with Epilepsy.
Kallie saw a massive improvement in her health when she started to see a Chiropractor. She was taken off ALL of her medications and was starting to thrive! The seizure frequency started to decline and she was truly living her best life! She decided to go back to school to become a Doctor of Chiropractic so that others could experience true health.
She is currently 2 years into her schooling and due to the high demand and increase in stress, unfortunately, the seizure frequency has increased. Kallie made the decision to get a Service Dog to assist her and her life has never been the same. She LOVES her Nellie girl! Nellie has become such a huge part of Kallie’s everyday life in helping her be more independent. Nellie alerts Kallie when a potential seizure is going to occur, Nellie calms Kallie’s body down, and she ensures that Kallie is safe and she gives Kallie the confidence and independence that she needs to go out into the world everyday.
The donation that a handler is asked to raise to Paws For Life USA towards their dog and training involves a lot of fundraising. Every dog that is matched with a handler Paws For Life USA also raises the same amount to be donated by the handler. Every dog we match we are with for life and available 24/7.
Nellie has changed Kallie’s life forever and not to mention those around them! All of Kallie’s family live in Texas and she attends school here in Georgia. Since getting Nellie, her parents are much more at ease and they don’t worry about her nearly as much.
Kallie will be graduating in 2021 and Nellie will be graduating in 2020. Kallie is accepting patients and Nellie is placed strategically so that when her mum is working she can watch every move she makes. This is a great team who really will benefit from your support they truly are incredible.
Kallie is a very strong and courageous young woman who says that she will never see herself as a victim to epilepsy, nor will she allow epilepsy to decide whether she is capable of doing the things that she LOVES to do! She says that wants to be able to be an example to her future patients that anything that you put your mind to you can achieve. I believe that Kallie’s patients couldn’t ask for a better role model, she is a very special young woman worthy of the title.
Please help Kallie raise the remaining balance for Nellie, no donation is too small and every donation is so very much appreciated!
Meet Kallie and Nellie. Kallie suffered her first seizure when she was 21 years old; however, it was misdiagnosed and she went through her 20’s having these spontaneous “episodes.”
When she was 28 years old, she had an episode and fell hard against the wall and floor. She suffered a concussion and the episodes transformed dramatically, so that she started to have 2-3 seizures a day, 20+ seizures a month and ultimately had her independence taken away. Finally, when she was 29 years old, she was diagnosed with Epilepsy.
Kallie saw a massive improvement in her health when she started to see a Chiropractor. She was taken off ALL of her medications and was starting to thrive! The seizure frequency started to decline and she was truly living her best life! She decided to go back to school to become a Doctor of Chiropractic so that others could experience true health.
She is currently 2 years into her schooling and due to the high demand and increase in stress, unfortunately, the seizure frequency has increased. Kallie made the decision to get a Service Dog to assist her and her life has never been the same. She LOVES her Nellie girl! Nellie has become such a huge part of Kallie’s everyday life in helping her be more independent. Nellie alerts Kallie when a potential seizure is going to occur, Nellie calms Kallie’s body down, and she ensures that Kallie is safe and she gives Kallie the confidence and independence that she needs to go out into the world everyday.
The donation that a handler is asked to raise to Paws For Life USA towards their dog and training involves a lot of fundraising. Every dog that is matched with a handler Paws For Life USA also raises the same amount to be donated by the handler. Every dog we match we are with for life and available 24/7.
Nellie has changed Kallie’s life forever and not to mention those around them! All of Kallie’s family live in Texas and she attends school here in Georgia. Since getting Nellie, her parents are much more at ease and they don’t worry about her nearly as much.
Kallie will be graduating in 2021 and Nellie will be graduating in 2020. Kallie is accepting patients and Nellie is placed strategically so that when her mum is working she can watch every move she makes. This is a great team who really will benefit from your support they truly are incredible.
Kallie is a very strong and courageous young woman who says that she will never see herself as a victim to epilepsy, nor will she allow epilepsy to decide whether she is capable of doing the things that she LOVES to do! She says that wants to be able to be an example to her future patients that anything that you put your mind to you can achieve. I believe that Kallie’s patients couldn’t ask for a better role model, she is a very special young woman worthy of the title.
Please help Kallie raise the remaining balance for Nellie, no donation is too small and every donation is so very much appreciated!
Wynn & Wendy
Wynn & Wendy
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(PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TEAM YOU ARE DONATING TO IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECK OUT. THANK YOU!)
Wynn was 18 when she found out that she had what most people know as Aspergers Syndrome, meaning she is high-functioning on the Autism spectrum.
Knowing this wasn’t upsetting at all to her, it actually made a lot of things make sense. For a few years after that, things were fine and didn’t really change much.
But in 2012 she experienced an assault that led to her having PTSD, and she subsequently developed excruciating social anxiety. In 2016 she was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and was given a referral to her university’s Autism clinic. Around that time, she did some research into how service animals can benefit an adult on the spectrum, and how they can assist with anxiety. She applied with an agency where she lives in Alabama, but ultimately withdrew her application due to a lack of familial support, but then she found Animals Deserve Better. Our director was able to give Wynn the encouragement that she needed, and we also had a dog that who she believed would be a good match for Wynn, and led her to committing to the application.
Wendy was placed with Wynn in July of 2018 and Wynn will tell you that it’s all more complicated than she had ever imagined; she was a fresh-out-of-college student, newlywed, between jobs, and her anxiety often makes her struggle to see herself as a good handler for Wendy.
Wendy stayed in the Paws For Life USA training program in Marietta, where Wynn visited for training sessions. In January 2019 Wynn drove back home with Wendy and her life has changed dramatically. Including accepting a Job which involved many things that she had prior to Wendy found impossible to handle. The job was a short term position but provided some great exposure for Wynn in learning how she can cope with Wendy by her side. Wynn has been unemployed for over a year and has not been able to continue with any fundraising for Wendy’s training. Paws For Life USA continues to provide training regardless of the ability to be consistent with fundraising contributions, but any help to sponsor this team will truly help them get back on their feet. Sometimes if you accomplish something you get to see the world with different eyes.
Please consider making a donation to help with the cost of Wendy and her specialized training. No donation is too small and every donation is appreciated more than you know.
Rachel & Holly
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NEVER THOUGHT IT WAS POSSIBLE
Imagine having severe infections, sensory overload and pain while in a different country. You cannot explain where it hurts or what you feel no matter how much you point and wave. You are exhausted and overwhelmed by all the people hustling around you. You know they just want to help you, but all you hear is random gibberish.
Rachel Shiry has been experiencing this since she was a little girl struggling with constant infections and not being able to tell the people closest to her that she felt awful or was in pain because of her Autism. Her Autism made it difficult for her to share and explain what was going on inside her body.
At 11 years old, Rachel finally got some answers to why she was constantly struggling with painful infections. She was diagnosed with Addison's Disease along with Hypothyroidism. A few years later, her immune system was tested and she was diagnosed with Primary Immune Deficiency, Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID).
Due to the Addison’s, Rachel’s body does not produce enough cortisol, causing her body's systems to crash. Without the proper amount of Cortisol, Rachel suffers from dangerous drops in blood pressure, experiences brain fog, and has severe fatigue. Rachel takes Hydrocortisone every three hours to maintain her Cortisol levels, but even this is not enough to prevent muscle weakness and dizziness. Rachel is on immunoglobulin infusions to replace the antibodies that her body does not produce. Combined with additional diagnosis of Endometriosis, Microadenomia, Autonomic Dysfunction, Diabetes Insipidus, and Hydrophosphatemia - what more could her body take?
At the age of 21, Rachel sought a way to get the independence she needed and the mobility support that she required all wrapped up in a Great Dane puppy called Holly. Holly is in training with Paws For Life USA, a 501c3 a non-profit service dog training organization in East Cobb, Marietta, GA. Holly is training to help Rachel, not only with balance, but by picking up dropped items, helping her get up and sit down, along with pulling her wheelchair. Holly is also being trained to alert to those drops in Rachels Cortisol levels to prevent her from collapsing, plus helping Rachel maintain energy levels.
Having a service dog like Holly will provide peace of mind for Rachel and her family, knowing that someone can tell them before anything happens and buy Rachel that much needed time to get somewhere safe or take medication. Holly will also help by giving Rachel some assistance to get medications, to go somewhere safe, and provide mobility and support. Holly will allow Rachel to be able to venture out to do things she never thought she could, to be safe and enjoy life, and no longer be tied to the couch or bed at home. There is life to be enjoyed and Holly will help Rachel get there. Join in with us and support Rachel and Holly.
(PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TEAM YOU ARE DONATING TO IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECK OUT. THANK YOU!)
NEVER THOUGHT IT WAS POSSIBLE
Imagine having severe infections, sensory overload and pain while in a different country. You cannot explain where it hurts or what you feel no matter how much you point and wave. You are exhausted and overwhelmed by all the people hustling around you. You know they just want to help you, but all you hear is random gibberish.
Rachel Shiry has been experiencing this since she was a little girl struggling with constant infections and not being able to tell the people closest to her that she felt awful or was in pain because of her Autism. Her Autism made it difficult for her to share and explain what was going on inside her body.
At 11 years old, Rachel finally got some answers to why she was constantly struggling with painful infections. She was diagnosed with Addison's Disease along with Hypothyroidism. A few years later, her immune system was tested and she was diagnosed with Primary Immune Deficiency, Common Variable Immune Deficiency (CVID).
Due to the Addison’s, Rachel’s body does not produce enough cortisol, causing her body's systems to crash. Without the proper amount of Cortisol, Rachel suffers from dangerous drops in blood pressure, experiences brain fog, and has severe fatigue. Rachel takes Hydrocortisone every three hours to maintain her Cortisol levels, but even this is not enough to prevent muscle weakness and dizziness. Rachel is on immunoglobulin infusions to replace the antibodies that her body does not produce. Combined with additional diagnosis of Endometriosis, Microadenomia, Autonomic Dysfunction, Diabetes Insipidus, and Hydrophosphatemia - what more could her body take?
At the age of 21, Rachel sought a way to get the independence she needed and the mobility support that she required all wrapped up in a Great Dane puppy called Holly. Holly is in training with Paws For Life USA, a 501c3 a non-profit service dog training organization in East Cobb, Marietta, GA. Holly is training to help Rachel, not only with balance, but by picking up dropped items, helping her get up and sit down, along with pulling her wheelchair. Holly is also being trained to alert to those drops in Rachels Cortisol levels to prevent her from collapsing, plus helping Rachel maintain energy levels.
Having a service dog like Holly will provide peace of mind for Rachel and her family, knowing that someone can tell them before anything happens and buy Rachel that much needed time to get somewhere safe or take medication. Holly will also help by giving Rachel some assistance to get medications, to go somewhere safe, and provide mobility and support. Holly will allow Rachel to be able to venture out to do things she never thought she could, to be safe and enjoy life, and no longer be tied to the couch or bed at home. There is life to be enjoyed and Holly will help Rachel get there. Join in with us and support Rachel and Holly.
Help Lindsey Get A Service Dog
Help Lindsey Get A Service Dog
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(PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TEAM YOU ARE DONATING TO IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECK OUT. THANK YOU!)
Hi, I'm Lindsay and I have a traumatic brain injury. I'm looking for your help funding for a service dog so that I can get back to life and regain my independence.
I was in a bus crash in April of 2021 where I sustained a traumatic brain injury. I'm a musician and was travling for my dream gig across the country in Los Angeles where I had been invited to perform with my favorite artist, Charlotte Martin.
Suddenly, the shuttle I was traveling on was t-boned by a large GMC truck. I was thrown into the luggage rack and hit my head and several other parts of my body. The crash was traumatic and unexpected. The doctors told me that I had a concussion but would be okay after some rest.
Several weeks passed and I still wasn't feeling better. I tried to hide it and push through. I was told that concussions were brain injuries and that I would just need time to rest and heal. I'd seen football players jump back into play after hitting their head. I thought, that's what you do, right? You just keep going.
So I pulled from the depths of my energy bank… and I got sicker… and sicker. Eventually, my husband was carrying me to bed because I was unable to walk. My neurological issues began to affect major organs in my body. I was unsustainably sick and the life I had lived before was cracking. My life was falling apart.
I was let go from a job that I loved because of my inability to keep up. It became painfully real that I could no longer perform my job in health care. I couldn't drive, so I sold my car to pay for medical expenses.
It's now two and a half years later and although I've learned incredible life coping skills to get through the day, my life is changed. My goal now is radical acceptance: to accept where I am and create a life where I thrive, despite my disability. One tool that will help me is an ADA approved service dog. Having a service dog will enable me to function independently despite my debilitating neurological issues.
With the help of a service dog and my clinical team, I can get back to doing things I love, like performing. Because of the cost of training, I am asking for your help.
This GoFundMe supplies funds to the non-profit Paws For Life USA, where I will get my service dog, Cricket. The cost is $20,000 to adopt and train an ADA approved TBI trained service animal.
You can read more and see my video using the link below. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping to fund this cause so we can embark on this new chapter in life.
Love, Lindsay and Shafer
Jennifer & Ghost
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Hi, my name is Jennifer. I am 33 years old and a single mom of a 12-year-old daughter. In May of 2019. my whole world came crashing down when I lost my eyesight in my left eye and was rushed to the emergency room. After multiple tests and sleepless nights in the hospital, I was told that I had lesions on my brain and spine. The doctor at the hospital told me I might have Multiple Sclerosis but I would have to wait for a Neurologist to receive a final diagnosis.
I was finally diagnosed on May 2, 2019, and my whole world changed. Since then, I have been working effortlessly to find solutions to help me get through this huge life change. I have frequent doctor’s appointments and infusion treatments to help stabilize the effects of Multiple Sclerosis. After doing some research, I found Paws for Life USA and learned about service animals that are trained to help assist with all the challenges I may have due to my chronic illness. This is when I chose Ghost to be my Service dog. He is the companion I didn’t know I needed, with such a loving personality. He is always by my side and makes me feel safe at such an uncertain point of my life.
Your support will help fund the cost of training Ghost to perform tasks related to my loss of vision and the effects of this debilitating disease. Thank you so much!
(PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TEAM YOU ARE DONATING TO IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECK OUT. THANK YOU!)
Hi, my name is Jennifer. I am 33 years old and a single mom of a 12-year-old daughter. In May of 2019. my whole world came crashing down when I lost my eyesight in my left eye and was rushed to the emergency room. After multiple tests and sleepless nights in the hospital, I was told that I had lesions on my brain and spine. The doctor at the hospital told me I might have Multiple Sclerosis but I would have to wait for a Neurologist to receive a final diagnosis.
I was finally diagnosed on May 2, 2019, and my whole world changed. Since then, I have been working effortlessly to find solutions to help me get through this huge life change. I have frequent doctor’s appointments and infusion treatments to help stabilize the effects of Multiple Sclerosis. After doing some research, I found Paws for Life USA and learned about service animals that are trained to help assist with all the challenges I may have due to my chronic illness. This is when I chose Ghost to be my Service dog. He is the companion I didn’t know I needed, with such a loving personality. He is always by my side and makes me feel safe at such an uncertain point of my life.
Your support will help fund the cost of training Ghost to perform tasks related to my loss of vision and the effects of this debilitating disease. Thank you so much!
Help Emily Get A Service Dog
Help Emily Get A Service Dog
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(PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TEAM YOU ARE DONATING TO IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECK OUT. THANK YOU!)
On Mother's Day in 2022, at 28 years old, I suffered a stroke while at work waitressing. What we knew then, was my left side was affected - with lack of mobility, balance, sensation -and it would take months of hard work and ongoing therapy to get back some form of my normal life. After two weeks in the hospital and a month at inpatient rehabilitation, I was sent home to continue working in outpatient rehabilitation and to start getting back to my regular life or as close to as possible. That remains my prayer, wish, and goal.
Since getting home, I have been having debilitating panic attacks. This is being caused by the probability of having another major stroke and my fears of what would happen to me and what additional disabilities it would cause.
My Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, Mental Health Counselor, and other attending Physicians recommended that I get a Service Dog. The Service Dog will be trained for various medical alerts, as well as in support and assistance in activities of daily life. The Service Dog will also be trained to support me in my mobility and balance issues. The Service Dog will allow me to fully participate in my life. Because of the impact to my mobility/balance and panic disorder I have not been able to live my normal. The Service Dog will be with me 24 hours a day enabling me to live a better life.
A Service Dog will also allow me to return to work at my job at Disney - providing me the assistance and support I need to manage the crowded spaces and slippery surfaces. In my full time job as an elementary school teacher, the Service Dog will allow me to walk in the hallways and stairwells in school without fear of being bumped and knocked over by students or falling.
My Service Dog will come from Paws For Life USA. This is a 501C3 Non-Profit, Georgia Corporation. Their program will not only provide me with a Service Dog, all the training and needed supplies, but will also be with me for additional training and assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for the working life of the Service Dog.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story.
Elijah & Hudson
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My name is Tandeka and I'd like to introduce you to my son, Elijah and his service dog, Hudson. Elijah was in a tragic accident that left him physically impaired. He is also Autistic and Hudson provides much-needed support when he becomes overwhelmed.
Elijah has been in and out of the hospital which has created a financial hardship that I'm working hard to overcome. Hospitals are stressful for a child, and Elijah is no exception. Thanks to Hudson being by his side, Elijah is able to achieve some independence that he would not have without him. Elijah depends on Hudson to task for him and needs his assistance to handle stressful experiences and get through the each day with the physical challenges he faces.
Elijah and I would be so grateful for any support you can provide. Your donations help pay for training to continue the skills Hudson is learning to support Elijah, as well as training both Elijah and I on necessary communication so Hudson knows what is needed. Thank you for your support!
(PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TEAM YOU ARE DONATING TO IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECK OUT. THANK YOU!)
My name is Tandeka and I'd like to introduce you to my son, Elijah and his service dog, Hudson. Elijah was in a tragic accident that left him physically impaired. He is also Autistic and Hudson provides much-needed support when he becomes overwhelmed.
Elijah has been in and out of the hospital which has created a financial hardship that I'm working hard to overcome. Hospitals are stressful for a child, and Elijah is no exception. Thanks to Hudson being by his side, Elijah is able to achieve some independence that he would not have without him. Elijah depends on Hudson to task for him and needs his assistance to handle stressful experiences and get through the each day with the physical challenges he faces.
Elijah and I would be so grateful for any support you can provide. Your donations help pay for training to continue the skills Hudson is learning to support Elijah, as well as training both Elijah and I on necessary communication so Hudson knows what is needed. Thank you for your support!
Scott & Baz
Scott & Baz
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(PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TEAM YOU ARE DONATING TO IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECK OUT. THANK YOU!)
When Scott was 16 years old, he had his life planned out. He was in the JROC in high school and his dream after he graduated was to go into the Air Force. On February 3, 2000, his dream of going into the Air Force was crushed when he learned he was a Type 1 Diabetic. He was not eligible to serve in the Air Force.
Scott and I met in the summer of 2003 and were married in the spring of 2004. Over the last 18 years, I have watched my husband endure so much. He lost his Dad in 2009, and as a result, getting his insulin each month became a challenge. Because we didn't have good insurance, we were paying out-of-pocket for insulin. We struggled to keep his A1C within a healthy range. By 2018, it was dropping to such dangerously low levels that I had to call 9-1-1 for emergency care because he lost consciousness.
In 2019, we were taking our dog to the vet when he went to sleep in the car. Our Bella was so sensitive to his blood sugar levels that she alerted me when his levels dropped. She jumped into the front and wouldn't leave him alone and kept alerting me until I responded. I took him straight to the hospital, but he had lost consciousness and it took them over two hours to revive him. They told me he was in a mild diabetic coma and if 20 more minutes had passed before he had arrived, he probably wouldn't have made it. His sugar levels were in the teens.
Scott lost his Mom in 2019 to cancer. She was his world, along with me and the girls. He didn't handle the loss well at all and his A1C climbed back up to 11-12 again because he wasn't taking care of himself. In 2021, I got a new job with great insurance, so he was able to get insulin again, and in 2022, he was approved for an insulin pump. Despite all of that, his sugar lows were still dangerous and I was terrified of losing him.
I began searching for a service dog that could go everywhere with him to alert him of sugar highs and lows before it became life threatening. I found Paws for Life USA and spoke with Larry. Scott was soon matched with Baz and the life-saving team training began.
Now I don't have to worry when I'm at work, because Baz will alert Scott to dangerous sugar levels before he loses consciousness. Last year, Scott though he was losing his vision because of Diabetes. He went through two rounds of shots and laser surgery to try to preserve his eyesight. He may eventually lose his vision, but the treatments and surgery have hopefully slowed the process down. Baz has been by his side through all of this, helping him get around and remain mobile while his eyes healed. Baz will wake me up if he cannot get Scott to respond. Baz has been wonderful for me, as well, as I suffer from bad headaches and sometimes require injections for them. Baz knows when one is coming and if Scott is okay, Baz stays by my side when he knows one is coming on. I really don't know where we would be without him. He really is a life-saver.
Your support allows us to continue training for Baz so he can provide life-saving medical alert tasks before there is a medical emergency. We are so grateful for this crazy, loving dog we call Baz, and we are grateful for your support!
Thank you, The Pealocks
Maddox
(PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TEAM YOU ARE DONATING TO IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECK OUT. THANK YOU!)
Hi everyone! Thank you for taking the time to check out Maddox's story! Maddox is raising funds for his very own service dog! He has level 1 Autism and Epilepsy, and his service dog can help him with both conditions. Due to Autism, he has anxiety and sensory processing problems that can make every day life overwhelming. His service dog will be able to provide deep pressure therapy when he is anxious and redirect him when he is feeling stressed.
Maddox also suffers from seizures that happen at night and his service dog could detect a seizure and alert an adult. Maddox loves dogs (as you can tell from this picture of him with our old family dog). He is so excited to have a furry best friend to always have his back. The total cost for the perfect service dog to meet his specific needs and the specialized training for the life of his service dog will cost $19,500. This will all be made possible through Paws for Life USA, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donation qualifies under the IRS codes as a tax exempt contribution because of this charity, under both state and federal levels. Paws for Life USA has obtained its Animal Shelter license from the Department of Agriculture for the State of Georgia. We are thrilled to begin this life-enriching journey!
We would also love for you to follow and share his service dog journey on Instagram! @PawsForMaddox
Thank you to everyone for their support!
(PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TEAM YOU ARE DONATING TO IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECK OUT. THANK YOU!)
Hi everyone! Thank you for taking the time to check out Maddox's story! Maddox is raising funds for his very own service dog! He has level 1 Autism and Epilepsy, and his service dog can help him with both conditions. Due to Autism, he has anxiety and sensory processing problems that can make every day life overwhelming. His service dog will be able to provide deep pressure therapy when he is anxious and redirect him when he is feeling stressed.
Maddox also suffers from seizures that happen at night and his service dog could detect a seizure and alert an adult. Maddox loves dogs (as you can tell from this picture of him with our old family dog). He is so excited to have a furry best friend to always have his back. The total cost for the perfect service dog to meet his specific needs and the specialized training for the life of his service dog will cost $19,500. This will all be made possible through Paws for Life USA, which is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Your donation qualifies under the IRS codes as a tax exempt contribution because of this charity, under both state and federal levels. Paws for Life USA has obtained its Animal Shelter license from the Department of Agriculture for the State of Georgia. We are thrilled to begin this life-enriching journey!
We would also love for you to follow and share his service dog journey on Instagram! @PawsForMaddox
Thank you to everyone for their support!
Katie & Remy
Katie & Remy
(PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TEAM YOU ARE DONATING TO IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECK OUT. THANK YOU!)
(PLEASE PUT THE NAME OF THE TEAM YOU ARE DONATING TO IN THE NOTES WHEN YOU CHECK OUT. THANK YOU!)
I never pictured writing one of these for myself, but I’ve also not imagined my life taking the twists and turns that it has over the last five years. As many of you know, at least at the surface level within the past six or seven years, my health began to decline. What started out as, “normal Lupus” (as I fondly refer to it) turned into the monster that it is. Those who saw me daily unfortunately saw the decline in my health - at first we could mask it with Purple Fridays at work where the support shown gave me what I needed to push through. Soon it became hard to smile even through the sea of purple. Food didn’t want to stay down, blood didn’t want to keep swimming in my body, my head didn’t want to make sense, and even though it had a few issues, my heart was still all in to continue the passion of teaching, leading and making life long impacts on the kids that need us the most. I finally listened after doctors, friends, and family helped me to make the decision to stop working. I pictured it as temporary at first but per usual my body had other plans.
The impact on my body is most likely permanent with a few curve balls thrown in to keep it interesting. I know I still have so much to give but just like I spent years giving kids the tools they need to learn, I need to find tools for myself.
Enter a big (very big), smart (very smart) goofball named Remy. Remy is a full size Bernedoodle, and full size he will be 😳. Remy is currently 13 weeks old and we are beginning our journey toward independence, together. I did not work this hard to not use the wealth of knowledge received from years of education, or years of teaching.
My dream is to be back in the schools in some capacity but I need a little help and that is where Remy will step in. Remy will be a medical alert dog and will help to keep me safe while letting me regain some of the independence I lost.
Countless hours go into training Remy and myself. We will be training under Paws for Life USA. The organization has been absolutely amazing so far and they have our best interest at heart. Training Remy does come at a cost, and that is where I am asking for your help. Any little bit will help, including a prayer or a share. If you are able, Remy and I will be forever grateful. We plan to keep everyone updated along the way, so please join us on our adventure, anything can help us get to where we need to be. Thank you :)
You can make your donation count double! Paws for Life USA is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization under IRS federal guidelines and therefore will qualify for most companies' matching gift programs. Check with your company to see if they have a matching program in place. If they do, just send us the paperwork and we'll do the rest!
You can make your donation count double! Paws for Life USA is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization under IRS federal guidelines and therefore will qualify for most companies' matching gift programs. Check with your company to see if they have a matching program in place. If they do, just send us the paperwork and we'll do the rest!