Everything happens for a reason; some reasons are just not as obvious
as others.
Living with my numerous anxiety-based disorders has made my life
overly complicated and overwhelming since the age of 6, now almost 17,
these disorders have transformed into monsters that run my daily life.
Acute anxiety disorder, a panic disorder and social anxiety have taken
over and stopped me from doing things that used to make me happy, as
well as depression and agoraphobia-like symptoms. They leave me
feeling overwhelmed, disoriented, dizzy, and unable to live a “normal”
life. On the worst of days, I’m unable to get out of bed, have
constant panic attacks and feel unsafe everywhere.
I participated in my first CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) group
at the age of 7 and have completed 2 others since then. I have tried
many different types of therapies and none of them have worked, except
being around animals.
I found out about Kingston 4 Paws in grade 10 whilst doing my
International Baccalaureate, middle year program project. A year long
project that we do to help a specific community organization. I chose
Kingston 4 Paws because I thought it was amazing what a service dog
could do. I soon thereafter realized that being able to help in any
way possible made me more able to deal with my feelings of fear and panic.
Having my service dog Starr in my life has made daily living much
easier. I have the courage that I never had before and things that
seemed impossible before, I am now able to achieve. Having her in my
life as made me a happier person. She helps me when I’m feeling
overwhelmed and in sensory overload. Having her with me means that I’m
never alone with my demons.
Both Starr and I want to thank you for taking the time to look at our
page and to possibly donate to Kingston 4 Paws, an organization with
HUGE hearts and who truly care about the wellbeing of their clients.
Thank you,
Kaelly and Starr