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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.

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