My name is Em and I am 14 years old. For many years, I
have struggled in school and in social situations. When I was 8, I
was diagnosed with ADHD and specific learning disabilities, which
has explained some of my struggles. However, as I got older, things
have gotten worse. I have been diagnosed with generalized anxiety
and social phobia, depression and have struggled a lot with my
mental health.
I am in high school now, and last year I was diagnosed
with Autism, specifically Aspergers. At school things have gotten so
much worse. Daily, I experience anxiety attacks and most days I
cannot even bring myself to go into the classroom. It is becoming
harder and harder to get the school support I need to learn in a way
that works for me. Also, I am not good at making friends so I spend
my school days alone and am very lonely. Loneliness makes me want to
avoid school and causes more anxiety attacks and depression. I have
missed a lot of school in the last two years, and I struggle with
catching up.
As I have gotten older, I have been experiencing
chronic pain, and gastrointestinal issues. I can’t eat at school and
feel sick almost every day. I have been diagnosed with Hypermobility
Spectrum disorder, and I have frequent painful subluxations of my
knees, back, shoulders and neck which limits how much I can
participate in activities, or how long I can sit in class. I also
have Orthostatic Hypotension, meaning I get very dizzy and weak
without any warning, which can be dangerous when walking in the
halls or on the stairs.
A service dog would be wonderful for many reasons. The
dog would be my constant companion, making me feel less lonely, and
would help with my anxiety attacks. The dog can provide deep
pressure to calm me and will provide me with something to focus on
during a panic attack. The service dog can also help me with my
balance when my blood pressure drops, or if my joints have
subluxated. And by helping me with my anxiety in school, the dog
will help me start to learn again.
Having a dog will give me the confidence to leave the
house for something other than school. I will be able to go to the
mall or to museums and libraries and maybe even the movie theatre!
If I can learn to do these things, then maybe I will have
opportunities to talk with people, and maybe make some friends.
Kingston 4 Paws, by providing trained service dogs,
helps people like me to be more independent, confident and enjoy
their life. They receive no government funding and rely on
donations and I am very grateful for being accepted to receive one
of these special dogs.
Thank you for reading my story. I want to help
fundraise for this wonderful organization and appreciate your support.
