A few months ago I agreed to help a tiny abandoned kitten in need of a home by fostering him until a permanent home could be found. During that time I was at a low point in my depression journey. That next morning, for the first time in a long time, I woke up with a spark of joy. I was not only motivated, but excited to get out of bed and begin my day, knowing the tiny baby kitten needed me to take care of him. As I came into the living room I heard his tiny meows and saw him cowering in the back of his crate. All I wanted to do was love him and care for him. Soon after feeding him, I got a call that a home had been found for him and he would be taken home later that day. I knew he was not going to stay with me forever but I was hoping to have him for at least a few days, especially after waking up so full of life like I had that morning.

Matt and I had many long talks about the pros and cons of adopting a dog which we had both wanted in the future.
We ultimately decided that if I was approved for having an emotional support dog (ESA), which could aid in my mental health care for the depression and anxiety that I have suffered from since childhood, we would look to adopt a dog. I soon met with my mental health care provider who agreed that an ESA could be a great treatment option for me. After gaining the ESA approval, Matt and I began looking at pictures from local shelters and organizations but none of the pups felt quite right. I then came across an ad one day for 2 adorable puppies who were rescued and in need of a loving home. I connected with the foster mom for these two pups and everything fell into place. On October 30th Matt and I drove 2 hours west of Nashville to meet the pups. I just had a feeling that the little back and tan one who was sniffing everything and was so curious, active, and funny was the dog we were meant to have. I knew he had the exact personality I needed in an ESA. We decided to adopt Hutch (he was named hutch and his brother was Starsky) then and there and got him in our car and brought him to his forever home.

I have never had a dog before so before adopting him I did as much research as I could about preparing for a puppy and how to do basic training. Hutch and I learned together how to communicate and how to train him. He was a fast learner. At times I felt like I had no idea what I was doing but with help from a great family friend, I was able to get Hutch to a point where he was bathroom trained, could sleep through the night, learned basic commands, could be put on a leash, and could happily socialize with other dogs. As great as he was doing, I realized there is so much more he could learn to both be well-behaved, and to help me when I am suffering from my mental health disorders. I felt hopeless after looking online for psychiatric service dog training which Hutch would need to be able to provide direct support to me in times of impairment due to my mental health and be deemed a service dog, specifically a Psychiatric Service dog. A Psychiatric service dog (PSA) is different from an ESA because where as an ESA provides emotional support by simply being present, a Psychiatric Service dog is trained to perform specific tasks to help someone suffering from mental health issues, just the same as a seeing-eye-dog is trained to perform specific tasks to help someone with vision impairment. PSA dogs are given the same rights as any other type of service animal meaning that Hutch would be able to help me not only at home, but at work, when I do daily activities, and when I travel. The effects of my mental health struggles are not limited to home and having a service animal who could help not only recognize the signs of distress I show, but could  provide direct support in the form of pressure therapy, grounding, and bringing emergency medication as just a few examples, would be an incredible support that I have never been able to experience before. This would be an incredible blessing but unfortunately the price of the training is too much money for me to afford. Despite the proven research of the benefits service dogs provide for a variety of conditions, insurance will not cover any cost of this treatment. I began looking for financial support from organizations and non-profits that train service dogs but they do not train individuals dogs, they breed dogs and train them then match them with a recipient and have fees upwards of $10,000-15,000. Grants are available through some organizations but many are specifically given to veterans suffering with PTSD, which I completely support and would never want to take away from, and all of the aforementioned have years long waiting lists.

After much research I found a group in Nashville that offers service dog training, including psychiatric service dog training in particular here in Nashville, I met with one of the trainers and was so impressed with the program they offer. Although their prices are a fraction of what other groups ask, the cost is still out of reach for me, coming in at about $4,000. Matt and I are working hard to pay our bills and as much as Hutch being my service dog could help me, unfortunately it is not possible on our own. I am creating this raffle so that I may have the chance to experience the benefits of having a service animal to aid me in my fight against depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. Hutch can start training as soon as half of the first set of training (required obedience training) can be paid which is about $1,000. After that 200$ payment will be due weekly for 5 weeks. Then the same amounts will be needed for the second set of training classes (PSA training). I pray you will take a chance on us and enter this raffle to help me and to have a chance to win a cash prize for yourself.

Thank you <3

Gianna