My name is Kimberly. I have been living with and challenged by an
array of mental and physical health
issues for most of my life. My
official diagnoses include Bipolar Disorder Type I, Social Anxiety
Disorder,
Obsessive Compulsive traits, new onset of Cognitive
Impairment and Chronic Back Pain. I manoeuvre
through these
diagnoses daily. The simplest of tasks, taken for granted by most
people, can seem like
climbing a mountain to me. When I have
anxiety and/or mood swings along with chronic back pain,
it
inhibits my ability to achieve and sustain a balanced lifestyle.
In 2017, I was matched with K4Paws Bella, my first Service Dog. A
tender-hearted black lab with soulful
eyes. She was both an honour
and a blessing who improved the quality of my life, allowing me to
expand
my horizons. In 2024, Bella suddenly passed and left a grief
stricken hole in my heart. I didn’t realize the
true importance of
a Service Dog in my life until I didn’t have Bella to support
me.
At the end of 2025, I was matched with K4Paws Nellie. The
clouds lifted and the sun began to shine
again.
When Nellie is working, she is watchful, responsive and tuned into my
needs. At home, she is a gentle,
playful, loving, silly dog who
plays upside down doggie just to make me laugh. I love her curious,
impish
nature with her kohl rimmed eyes. She makes it easier for me
to leave the house, get to appointments and
spend time with family
and friends. Her steady presence calms my anxiety and lifts my spirit
when I’m
feeling low. I feel deeply grateful every single day to
have Nellie in my life.
I’d like to take a moment to sincerely thank the K4Paws organization,
trainers, puppy raisers and
volunteers for their care, time and
dedication. Without you, I wouldn’t have my darling Nellie. I’m filled with
gratitude.
If you are able to sponsor the "Paws 4 Kimberly" Team,
please know that each and every
dollar counts. Twenty dollar
donations do matter. K4Paws is made up of people who are committed and
dedicated
to excellence.They are empathetic, kind and always
available to assist in any way.
Your support will allow them to continue the
important ground-breaking work that they do, now and in the future.
Thank you for reading my story.