I'm a middle-aged woman living alone and the proud mother of 1 wonderful son and daughter-in-law, and grandmother of 2 beautiful little girls.  I spend a lot of my time working with crafts and enjoy reading.

 Even though I was born with Spina Bifida Occulta and Tethered Cord Syndrome, it wasn't discovered until I was 28 years old.  After surgery for Tethered Cord Syndrome in 1997, I spent 8 months in a wheelchair and 22 months in outpatient physical therapy, learning to walk again. I now use a leg brace and a cane to walk, sometimes a walker, and a wheelchair if any distance is involved.  Over the last few years, the more difficult it became for me to get out and about, the more I stayed home.  With the help of a Service Dog, I'm looking forward to getting out more and going some of the places I've been avoiding.

 Recently, I was very excited to find out that I've been approved for a service dog from Canine Helpers!  My biggest expectation for my dog is to help me to maintain my independence and both in helping me up and retrieving the phone when needed.  By using a handle harness for better balance and stability, I hope to fall less often.  My dog will also be able to help me with my laundry, by dragging the bag up and down the stairs for me.  It's pretty hard to use a cane, maneuver the stairs, and try to carry something all at the same time.  Also, by taking care of my dog's needs, I'll feel needed again-something I've missed. 

 The total cost of training a Service Dog and training the dog and myself to be a loving, efficient Service Dog Team is $13,200.00.  That averages out to about $3 per day for the working life of a Service Dog.  Where else could you get all that help and independence and unconditional love for a mere $3 per day?

 I'm currently fundraising to help offset the cost of my Service Dog.  I was hoping you might be interested in helping sponsor him.  If you can help out, please send a check directly to Canine Helpers for the Handicapped, Inc. at 5699 Ridge Road, Lockport, New York 14094.  Please put it in honor of myself, Joan Smeaton O'Brien.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Canine Helpers at (716) 433-4035.