SERVICE DOG FOR BECCA

Update: 9/14/23

We're in the basic obedience phase of training!

Ebenezer is learning a combination of regular behavior commands and specific service dog things, like staying calm in his crate during active times. This is so when he’s working later, he will stay calm and quiet in a crate in busy places like airports when we travel. Another is to stop what he’s doing to look at me and hold my gaze for a long while, when I call his name. This so he knows to look my way throughout the day, to see if I need help before I ask. We’ve been training to walk on a leash without pulling. Service dogs need to walk next to their owner.

His trainer is impressed that Ebenezer is calm when we train in a busy parking lot. He didn’t react, remaining focused on his training session, not distracted by loud sounds, flags overhead, or cars driving past.

We are training him to do basic obedience skills in different environments, to help him learn to stay focused on me and do what is asked even if people try to pet him, children are screaming, or dogs are barking. Ebenezer is a fast learner, eager to obey.

He is naturally inclined to help, and comes running if Promise or Blessing are crying, even if he’s far from them outside. He comforts them if they are injured, and he’s quick on the kisses and snuggles.

With me, he comes quickly to help me when I’m sick or in pain. Convulsions are getting shorter with his help, and insomnia is improving.

Background Information:

In 2000, Rebecca Brashear suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident. Instead of pursuing her childhood dream of becoming a missionary doctor, she was in and out of a coma for 2 years, kept alive by her family, until she miraculously recovered when someone prayed.

She tried to attend college 3 times, (once while in a wheelchair, with her husband Rex sitting nearby to assist during frequent convulsions) but each time her worsening symptoms forced her to drop out. Her best means of employment was as a translator, having been a bilingual missionary kid in Mexico. While that was a natural fit for her as a person, her brain injury complicated her ability to be available.

As her health deteriorated, Rex became the main caretaker for their family. They miraculously have two children. The intense level of care he must provide for his family prevents Rex from pursuing a career path in line with his interests and gifts. A couple of years ago they saw no other option but to move closer to Rex’s family. Unfortunately they are in a remote location, and every activity comes with an overwhelming commute. The situation is an economic vacuum. 

Science, Progress, Problems:

Finally, a way forward became evident. After investigating, and finding dead ends, Becca has been pursuing brain therapy (neurotherapy) since Sept 2022.

Her brainmap showed that of the 5 brain sections, 4 of hers are functioning so wildly that they are unmeasurable. One result is that her fight or flight response and her resting state are sometimes at war. With her brain in a civil war of sorts, it was determined that her therapy should focus on calming therapy, and later pursue reparative therapies. Her doctor then decided to focus treatment on her vegus nerve, to help with migraines, fatigue, and a long list of daily challenging symptoms. Recently, her doctor developed a way to treat both sides of her brain at once, so we're hopeful that this will help her get the sleep she has been lacking. It's a long, strenuous, but hopeful process.

Need For a Service Dog:

Becca's progress was stunted by several circumstances, the most devastating being the loss of her self-trained service dog. Pippa had no formal training, but she was able to help Becca manage pain, sleep, and power through migraines. By mid-April, Becca's health was the worst it had been in 20 years. No one realized how crucial Pippa's help was to Becca's health.

Becca's doctor said service dogs have been found to be more helpful than pain medication. She needed another service dog ASAP, to continue her treatment and her family's progress towards the life they were created for.

Amazingly, Abundantly, Supplied:

In true Brashear fashion, they researched types of dogs. Becca has specific needs, but they need a breed that socializes well with young children, with a long life expectancy. They found a responsible, conscientious breeder who carefully selected the best puppy for their needs. The down payment was paid in faith, with no idea how the rest would come, but through much generosity, all $2,500 needed for the new puppy came in. Becca and Rex are stunned at the goodness of the Lord over them.

Next Need:

To go everywhere Becca needs him, Ebenezer must be an official service dog, requiring training.

To fully train him, over 2 years $20,000, or $834 a month, is needed.

Please prayerfully consider helping.

The other fundraiser for Becca's treatment: https://www.mightycause.com/story/Beccacognitivefx

Thank you for caring!