For Dasher
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
New Horizons Service Dogs IncMy name is Lorraine Sutton I am a disabled college professor.
$1,350
raised by 6 people
$5,000 goal
My name is Lorraine Sutton I have a B.A. in psychology from University of Central Florida and a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience from University of Colorado.
I am house-bound (cannot drive) and use a wheelchair full-time. I have a rare condition where the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination is dying. I cannot walk, my speech is slurred, I can no longer write, and, if I’m not careful, I can choke.
Peak is my original service dog.
He is getting ready to retire and New Horizons is giving me another dog. Don't panic! I get to keep Peak forever. But since I’ve had 8 years of experience with a service dog, I can speak from experience what it means to have one of these incredible dogs. I'm sure you know all about what service dogs do for the disabled. More on that later.
We volunteer weekly to a local nursing home. So if you are moved to donate, you are also doing good for the elderly.
New Horizons estimates that they put $25,000 into each dog before they place them at approximately 2 years of age. And they give them away to people like me. That's why I'm asking for your help. Peak not only helps me but he is a rock star at the nursing home.
Let me tell you a bit of how Peak has changed my life. I frequently get asked what he does for me. I always respond the same way. He can do much, but mainly he's just there. As a shut in who cannot drive, he forces me to get out of the house to walk him, when I’d otherwise stay inside. He has also erased the problem of invisibility that so many people in wheelchairs experience. People see me as less discomforting because of the dog. He has given me the courage to do all sorts things because I have newfound independence.
I'm looking forward to working with my new dog. Please give generously. You are not only helping me and New Horizons, but you are spreading love to lonely people such as those in my local nursing home. Now I have Dasher. I hope in the future I can take Dasher to the nursing home in addition to her helping me every day.