PTSD Service Dog

I am fundraising for a PTSD service dog.  I found myself freezing in unsafe spaces and even experiencing panic attacks, experiencing nightmares (sometimes eight a night), and disassociation (a bit like being on auto-pilot).  Recently, I learned that a service dog could be tasked trained to guide me to safety and keep me managing my own symptoms with the hope of fewer hospitalizations.

Narrative
A few years ago, I was diagnosed with PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder, and Nightmare Disorder.  Currently, I'm in school pending further neuropsychological exams to come once I graduate.  I learned that these diagnoses had been the case for many years without treatment.  PTSD, as my therapist explained, is an external injury to the brain caused by the associated stress.  While healing and adapting is still possible, much of the damage will remain and will continue to require extensive therapy, medication management,  and accommodations.

Cost
The goal amount has been determined based on the cost of the prospect (puppy bred service dog work), the cost for up-front vaccinations/supplies, cost for classes, and cost for some training and guidance that I receive from a trainer.  I am going to do a lot of training myself, but I believe guidance from a trainer will assure that the performance of the dog is appropriate for task-specific work and public access.

My Service Dog Tasks
• crowd control
• interrupt dissociation/crying/flashback/freezing behavior
• deep pressure therapy
• retrieve medication
• wake me up 
• guide to a safe place

Thank you for donations/sharing and kind words of encouragement!