I moved to Canada six years ago to protect my family and myself from
emotional, physical, financial, and mental abuse. I am a female,
visible minority, and a single mom in my early 50s.
I have experienced numerous lifelong traumas which include 30 years
of ethnic war, domestic violence, and abuse. Even though I was hurting
and falling apart I must keep my composure to support my child and
pretend that everything is going well.
As a newcomer to Canada, I faced more challenges including getting
adjusted to winter. My educational qualifications were not accepted
because I was qualified outside of Canada and I attended two years of
studies in the Community Justice field.
Currently I work as a Youth Justice Worker and Direct Support
Professional. I spend most of my time volunteering in the community
with various agencies. As an outdoor person who enjoys long walks,
hikes and nature, I also enjoy watching the sun rise and set. My dream
is to hike the ‘Trans Canada Trail’ and learn how to canoe. Skating
and cross-country skiing are newer activities that I enjoy, even
though I am not good at them.
I live by myself and am diagnosed with PTSD. Flashbacks of my past
trigger nightmares and anxiety, which leads to sleepless nights,
loneliness and withdrawal from daily routine and tasks. The outcome of
this causes me stress and I am often unable to function normally in my
day-to-day life and work.
After numerous treatments from my health care professionals, it was
recommended that a ‘Service dog’ would be an asset to rebuild my
confidence, strength, social skills and most importantly help me feel safe.
I am hopeful that with the support of a service dog I will be able to
rebuild a new stress-free life.
I learned about K4Paws on their website and was impressed about the
services that they are offering to people like me to live life to the fullest.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers and
sponsors for their tremendous kindness and generosity. Time is a
valuable commodity thus I want to thank every one of you for your
invaluable service.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
